As some of you have seen, I am a new member as well as a new H-D rider. I recently purchased a 2003 Superglide. It has 1376 miles on it. It seems basically stock with the exception of Python pipes. It runs great with the exception of backfiring at times. I have been told that by different people that I need to replace the plugs, rejet the carb, get the carb adjusted and lastly to get a full tune up done. None of these people were seasoned H-D riders or mechanics. What is most likely my problem here or is it just something that I have to live with?

Thanks,
Trent

 

Well................first of all, the things you stated that they said need to be done "IS" a full tune. You can't really "tune up" a stock harley other than changing the plugs. The "Harley Cough" has been widely expounded upon in several different forums. A search will uncover a thousand suggestions but the summary is............you need to bump up your "Slow Jet", drill out the plug covering your mixture needle and richen it up a bit. 2.5 turns from bottomed is a good start. From there you just need to play with it until you get the right mix of jets and needle to make her stop. It's a labor of love really.

r/ George

 

I guess someone is trying to take advantage of my newness to motorcycle mechanics. I just talked to a mechanic at the local Harley shop and they told me to bring it in to be re jetted also. Thanks for the info.

Trent

 

Your problem could be the pipes, do they have baffles in them?
I would also check over the carb jetting like mentioned above, it sounds as if the jetting is off. Here's a post in the DIY section that will show you what to do.

https://www.hdforums.com/m_342514/tm.htm