Motorcycle Repair: 02 Springer Throttle Sticking, beach bike rally, myrtle beach bike rally

Question
QUESTION: Dear Jeff, bike's been sitting garaged for awhile, went out to start it and it didn't want too, I'm assuming because the throttle
was so very sloppy, turns to 9, 10 & 11:00 o'clock. Finally started but ran sloppily and had to keep playing with the throttle until it finally started reacting close to the way it normally would. Would like to adjust both the throttle and the idle if you wouldn't mind taking the time to teach me, as I am new at this (part) and I'd like to thank you in advance for your time and patience on my behalf, Respectfully, Regards, ELMER

ANSWER: Hi Elmer,

Not sure what kind of bike you have. But if the cable is very sloppy and has sat for a while, I would replace it. Its not that expensive of a part.
Depending on what kind of bike you have, there should be an idle adjust screw around the carbs. Its usually a knurled knob and it can sit either on top or underneath the carbs.
I would consult your shop manual to be sure of its location.
When you do find it, I would set the idle to around 900 - 1200 RPM's after the bike is at full operating temp. Again, consult your manual for exact settings for your model of bike.
BTW, if your bike has sat for a real long time, it might be more then just a sloppy throttle cable that is causing it to run poorly.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry Jeff, thought you'd see the bike model in the subject line, I apologize. Anyway it's a '02 Heritage Softail Springer w/ 17,000 on it and I had both cable replaced at 15,000 miles, but that was 3 years ago and since I've only put 2,000 on it since then I thought it might just be an adjustment. Not that long since I've ridden it, this past May during the Myrtle Beach Bike Rally here where I live. I'll try what you've sent me already after I pull out the manual and hopefully with your help I can fix it or again it goes to HD. Thanks Again for the response, your time and experience, Gratefully, ELMER


Answer
No problem Elmer.
You can usually adjust the throttle cable where the cable enters the throttle body and also where the cable meets the carbs. Unscrewing it at both ends will tighten the cable. There should also be a lock nut that will lock the cable into place after adjusting. Remember to leave a small amount of play in your throttle; it should have a bit of play just as you start to twist the throttle.
If these adjusters are backed out all the way, then its time for a new cable.