Hello, I am new to owning a Harley even though I have wanted one for years but always could only afford metrics. I picked up my bike at what I believe to have been a steal but I am having some problems and wondering if anyone had any ideas. I am mechanically inclined and really do appreciate any help. Here is my symptoms.
I just bought a 98 xl1200c with aprox 14,000 miles. It has a small miss in the rear cylinder but it hasn't been drove much in the last couple of years and then it was only around town. It also doesn't want to get above 75-80 mph. I tried changing the plugs, Harley fuel treatment and cleaned the screaming eagle (k&n I am assuming) air filter. I have ran a couple of tanks of premium through it and tried to ride it like I stole it to "blow out the cobwebs". Any ideas? Thanks from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Doc

 

Change the wires front to back see what happens.

 

I will give it a try this weekend but with a 2 cylinder if they were backwards it wouldn't even run would it, not to mention the front cylinder would be missing also???????
Just questions, but I will give it a try. Thanks

 

Not neccessarily. Harleys fire almost simultaneously.

 

Also might be the fuel filter. Add to the list

NOW
Please, to have a good experance with your Harleys (note I said Harley'S), buy a Service Manual. Best investment for you.

 

I had a 90's sportster for quite a while and had the exact same problem with limited max speed. It turned out that attached to the fuel petcock was a little fuel filter screen that was inside the tank and it was clogged up to heck. Pull the Petcock out to clean the little filter. Oh by the way, Drain your tank into a gas can or you get stuck with one finger over the hole and one hand for the petcock. Dosnt work well.
My milage was about the same to 14,000 give or take. Hope that clears it up for you.
Brian

 

I wanted to say thank you to all who have welcomed me and all the tech advice. Happy Holidays.

Doc

 

Things have went from bad to worse. It has been miserable cold here so I haven't done anything to the bike yet but I started it in the garage today and now I don't have any hitting on the rear cylinder. I removed the wire and am getting all kinds of spark (ouch). It runs the same with or without the wire on and the pipe is not heating up at all and the front one is hot. Any help would greatly be appreciated. Thanks. Doc

 

Please, any help before I go to the dealer would greatly be appreciated.

 

You need 3 thing to start a engine's combustion process , spark , fuel and compression. you've got spark , so while that spark plug is out, thread a compression tester in that hole and check that if it checks out then the issue is from the valves back for example intake manifold gaskets, carb, petcock and fuel. If it is only the rear I would be thinking about a bent valve or it could be a loose push rod if equipped with adjustables. That's just my not very lucid ramblings!