I bought my first bike back in December, an '89 sportster 883 with 1200 kit, and it has run great so far. I had an issue with the clutch where it was staying engaged with the clutch lever fully pulled in. I did a clutch adjustment, and now the bike sputters when the engine is working hard. If I leave the bike on one gear high, it generally willl run fine.(as in driving at 20 in 3rd) But if I get on the throttle it will sputter pretty bad. If I have it top gear and laying on the throttle at around 70 it doesn't sputter. I'm worried I may have done the clutch adjustment too far the other way? It also sat for a while when I was working on it, so possibly carb build up and it's running lean? Any advice appreciated. I can go for a short ride and record exactly whats happening if that would help.

 

I am thinking if it was sitting, maybe bad gas, put some star tron in the gas maybe that will help. Also have you run that tank out yet.? Don't think its the clutch adjustment, maybe the carb gummed up.

 

Sputtering should be fuel system since you said it was sitting. From the tank to the carb needs a good cleaning

 

The bike was taken apart and cleaned entirely about this time last year. (bike belonged to my uncle before me) Is it possible it needs completely cleaned like that again already? Or would running a fuel additive through likely get it running right? Honestly, sitting here thinking about it I really havent let it run much since I parked it. It might just need to idle for a bit to break everyhting up.
Also, is there any difference in fuel cleaner needed for a motorcycle vs a car? Would one I pick up at autozone work? Or do I need to make the trip to a motorcycle shop?

 

Put some seafoam in the tank, let it idle for about 15 minutes. Took it for a ride, and it ran perfect. Was so paranoid about screwing up clutch adjustment, didnt think of the simple solution. Thanks so much for your help.