Hey all, I posted about this a couple weeks ago, and it seemed to go away as I let it warm up more before riding..but then this..I posted this in the Tech forum too.....

I bought a 2003 Wide Glide about 6 months ago from an indy dealer. My first Harley after many crotch rockets, so I really didn't know what to look for or ask. Anyway, love the bike, everything has been great, but I have had this problem with it popping on acceleration. It almost sounds like the backfire on decel, but a little louder, and it makes the bike buck. Usually, this happens if I don't let the bike warm up enough, everyone said it was just cold blooded.

Coming home this past Sunday, the temp outside dropped about 10 degrees as it got darker, I was on the freeway for about 30 minutes, and it popped and bucked once, then that was it. So now I am a bit more concerned since it was obviously a hot engine. Thoughts?

 

May be an intake leak. With it idle, spray WD-40 aroung the intake seals (making sure not to spray it directly into the air filter). If the idle changes then you have an intake leak and probably just need to change your seals.

 

Is this wg carbed and does it have an open air cleaner, i.e. a screaming eagle or big sucker? check the intake seals and if the bike is carbed maybe a very small adjustment to the rich side on the carb might help out. I've had to do this on mine over the years transitioning from summer temps to cooler fall /winter temps. I think it has something to do with air temp/density to the fuel mix. Also think about going down to a mid grade on the gas requirements, seems the loqwer octanes flash off/vaporize fasteror easier in colder air temps. just my 2 cents. ride safe.