I have a 2004 Sportster 883 CUstom with about 1800 miles on it. It seems after I have let it warm up and have pushed the choke all the way in, the bike seems to idle really low. Also if I rev the engine just a little bit at this time, it sometimes sounds like it is sucking a little bit of air or something like air coming out the exhaust. I have also had it die a couple of times at idle. Can I adjust the idle or am I maybe not letting the bike warm up enough before I push the choke back in? Thanks for anyones help!

 

How long are you letting it warm up? How long between rides? Oh, and welcome to the forum.

 

i try to ride a mile or two with the choke fully out. Then about another mile or two with the choke half way in. Then iI will push it all the way in. It seems when I do that I have to pull the choke **** back out just a little to keep the idle up. If I go on a long ride, I don't seem to have the problem. It is just if I I am stop and go riding in town.

 

low idle is cool! sounds better! long as its not dieing. if you change it and ride it a long time as you say it gets normal, it might be too hi then. if its too high it could run hot.

 

I would like my idle just a tad higher? Do you know how to change it and can I change it?

 

If you look behind the air cleaner and at the carb, there should be a screw comin off the carb. Let the bike warm up and idle, and dont have the choke on. You can turn that screw to turn the idle up or down. I also dont know if I'd recommend ridin the bike with the choke on at all. Just let the bike warm up, turn the choke off and go. If it gives you trouble at first, dont worry about it. It'll run great once you get goin.

 

Thanks Danny. I'll give it a shot and see if it helps. I think it may be just me being picky how my bike sounds rather than somehing being wrong with it. Also, that is the first I heard about not riding with the choke on. Just curious why not to do that. Thanks a bunch.

 

Never set your idle much lower than recommended. Too low an idle is slow death to the bottom end. (But it does soend good. )

 

try starting it with the choke and letting it idle for a couple minutes. then using the throttle bring up the rpms allittle bit and push in the choke and using the throttle lock. lock the throttle and let the bike warm up for a couple more minutes.