So ill keep it short and sweet.

Got the bike in the hwy and pinned it. Once in 5th going about 80 the bike felt like it was running out of gas would not go faster than 80ish. But i slowed down dropped a gear and was riding ok. I think its the clutch sliping. Anyone every experienece this if so can u lend a hand

 

Is your check engine light coming on?

 

What was your rpm? U could of easily hit redline which then makes the bike feel like it's choking and bogged down.

 

At 80MPH??

Fuel or exhaust issues is what it sounds like to me. Most likely fuel.

 

Maybe a manifold leak? Or exhaust leak? Ya no where near redline going 80 in 5th on a 5 speed. Ive been 115 plus before with mo issue

 

No check engine light. Tho i dont think my bike is equipped with a check engine light. 03 dyna carb.

 

My guess would be fuel starvation.

 

And how would that occur? Clogged jet?

 

check your throttle cables adjustment...I have seen this before when I didn't get the throttle cable adjusted enough to hit the stop. I would start by readjusting the cables, idle mixture, and idle adjust and see what you have...

It seems to me that a slipping clutch would show up in every gear if you get down on it...

 

Could be. More than one possibility, and tough to pin down via an internet post.

First Sportster I had ('59) exhibited the same problem. Pulled the float bowl...full of little flecks of paint. Doucheclown previous owner painted the tank and never bothered to tape off the opening. Inside of the tank was full of overspray that was ending up in the carb.

One thing to check, if you want to give this a try. You'll need to take your spark plug wrench with you. Run it exactly the way that's causing the problem: Pick a rural road and run it up to 80 or until you feel it flattening out, and then shut off the ignition and put it in neutral. Coast over to the side of the road and pull the plugs. If they're very light colored, you're leaning out at speed. If they're both the expected tan color, it's probably not fuel related.

I'm a classic example of knowing just enough to be dangerous, so wait until the real wrenches show up.