My 2005 XL883C is sluggish. Recently she feels like someone is behind me tugging on a rope, or like I am pulling a skier on choppy water or dragging a load of rubber tires like cans on your wedding day. Any suggestions on what the problem is? I have some ideas from reading other threads, but nothing that really fits.

 

Put new spark plugs in first.If that doesn't help my bet would be the carb needs cleaned or rebuilt.If you changed exhaust and air cleaner you will need a rejet.

 

I changed the spark plug during a tune up a month ago when the old wasn't bad, just old, and I didn't have this trouble until after. I checked it before I installed it to ensure the gap was correct.

 

Having new plugs is great, but that doesn't really mean they are both "good". Could be a faulty plug.
Also, have you tried to shoot some carb cleaner in the intake while shes running? almost sounds like a jet is clogged or ya, spark isn't really making it.

 

put your old plugs back in if it still does it then you no its not the plugs as the issue.if that straightens it out maybe they sold you the wrong plug.they done that to me before.it happens.lol if that doesn't take care of it itcould b a fuel issue.

 

Are you sure you don't have a brake dragging?

 

If the brakes were dragging that much they would be smoking hot after a couple of blocks. If that's the case, then it's time to rebuild the master cylinders (and pronto!) and flush the system.

Is it running rich?
Is there a noticeable gas smell?
How is the throttle response?
Do the symptoms change after it is warmed up?

 

I agree. Give some new plugs a shot.
Sounds like the OP is in good hands. All the same questions I would ask. This will tell you a lot about where it is coming from. Could be anything from a bad plug to a weak spark or low compression. I would also ask, how is the idle?

 

Also, post pics of the plugs when you get them out of the bike. They are gonna tell a lot.

 

If you can rule out problems with the carb the next most likely culprit will be the crank position sensor about $60 and a 10 minute fix.

Common problem on early rubbermounts.