I really appreciate all of the help here. As this is my first HD, I'm trying to learn as much about it, and you guys help a lot. Thanks

 

I failed to mention that the tach needle starts to bounce around when it gets to 3k rpm as well. Could this be the tach going out or maybe the cause of the problem

 

sounds like youre running lean on the needle ,needle is to far into the needle jet (emulsion tube),or at that point the needle is too wide.
But i wouldnt discount the fact that it could also be too rich at midrange,since ive also seen them sputter and cough, and load up when running for sustained periods.
Pretty simple to test this out,,either drop the needle,,raise it ,,or change it out to a different one.
Or even easier,pull the enrichener out slightly and if it goes away,your were lean.

 

Well as embarrassed to admit it, I think I got it. The jumping tach needle should've been my first clue. After doing a bit more digging, I checked to make sure I had no frayed wires rubbing. Then (sigh) I took the battery out and terminals looked ok, but cleaned them to nice bright and shiny. Reinstalled, and when I turned on the ignition, I noticed the instrument lights were brighter. Took it out for a ride, and problem is gone. I hope some might read this and learn from my experience here

 

Sometimes we can't see the Forrest for the trees. I'm sure we have all missed the obvious before, or at least failed to check the simple stuff! Well, I think we all learned something. Glad it's fixed!