Alright guys, I'll try and be as brief as I can.

My bike is now popping basically whenever I let off the throttle or decel. Even on the highway, as I hold my speed it will pop. What gives? The bike used to pop a little last year, but is much worse this year (see below).

Heres the back story:

I inherited the bike from my dad. As far as I know, all he did was change out the exhaust (I know, could be part of it) and put an aftermarket air filter on, still a stock carb.

This year, I took the carb apart to clean it and replaced the choke cable. I also replaced the idle and throttle cables to the carb. I then went ahead and replaced the spark plugs as well. While cleaning the carb, I didn't replace any parts (just gaskets/o-rings). The bike used to pop a little last year, but it is much worse this year. Any suggestions?

94 Ultra Classic 1340CC

Thanks ahead of time!

 

There are a lot of threads for this issue already on the forum, so you may want to search for a lot of good information already posted. Common culprits are exhaust leaks or a lean condition.

 

When you went through the carb,did you use compressed air to blow out passages and run thin wire through all orifices? Sounds from description of problem,bike runs worse after carb rebuild than before so I would start there.Also check where carb mounts to manifold for air leaks.

 

When I went through the carbs I made sure to blow everything out really well. Is it possible that now that everything is so clean it is getting even more air than before and is now running leaner? Can anyone recommend what jets I should be using with aftermarket slip on pipes?

 

I'd start with a 45 pilot jet/185 main, air/idle mixture screw at 2 1/2-3 turns out, and check for exhaust leaks.
Scott

 

Check for intake manifold leaks as well.

 

Do you guys have a trusted place you buy the jets from? I don't want to put garbage into the carb.

Thanks again.

 

It usually indicates the idler circuit is running a bit lean. The idler circuit jet screw controls that. Go up one size at a time till it stops doing that.
On the fuel injected bikes with tuners, add 5% fuel to 0-1750rpm tables and that will usually take care of it (it did on mine, but results will vary).

 

Something that I just thought about. When I replaced the spark plugs, the wires didn't seem to "snap" on like I've always had happen on car/truck plug wires. Is it possible that I am getting a misfire from a loose spark plug wire?

*Edit*

I just went out and pulled the carb part way down to check a couple things.

1) I checked the jets and it currently has a 42/180. 42 would make it run too lean with aftermarket pipes right?

2)I pulled the vacuum pump back apart and I originally put the washers from the needle on the top rather than the bottom of the (c) clip that is on it. I switched it to the bottom.

I plan to give it a run tomorrow and see if the washers make a difference. Then I think I'll move on to new plug wires (can't hurt) and a 45 jet.