Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection Need advice on ignition issues? Questions about a tuner? Have questions about a EFI calibration or Fuel Injection? Tips on Engine Diagnostics, how to get codes, and what they mean. Find your answers here.

Sputtering sportster

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 6, 2013 | 07:02 PM
  #1  
Beetlejuice's Avatar
Beetlejuice
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
Default Sputtering sportster

Recently installed an S&S high flow air filter with Airstream cover on my 2012 XL1200C, and after about 200 miles it started to hesitate at low RPMs at speeds below 50. Occasionally when it does this it will cough from the intake. Performance on roll on or over 50 is fine, and the bike has no other mods. I haven't done the obvious... stick the stock filter back on and see if the problem is solved, but any thoughts before I yank it? ---Erik
 
Reply
Old May 6, 2013 | 08:07 PM
  #2  
target64's Avatar
target64
Stellar HDF Member
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 50
From: Rouses Point, N.Y.
Default

sounds like she is running too lean. remove your spark plugs and check the color of the ground strap and electrode they would be white or have no color at all wood look new. the stock engines run lean for epa regulations . you gave the motor more air flow and that is causing your hesitation concerns you will have to add some type of fuel management. to correct the problem
 
Reply
Old May 6, 2013 | 09:03 PM
  #3  
Beetlejuice's Avatar
Beetlejuice
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
Default

Yeah, both plugs (but especially front cylinder) are pretty white. Rear cylinder plug a little more like it should be...may be discovering another issue. Beautiful bike BTW.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Rafadog
General Topics/Tech Tips
3
Jun 2, 2019 01:20 PM
2oySprty
Sportster Models
1
Nov 4, 2013 07:07 PM
rorrick
Exhaust System Topics
8
Sep 15, 2010 09:39 PM
MACSTAR100
Sportster Models
4
Nov 11, 2008 06:31 PM
Crazy B
Sportster Models
12
Mar 4, 2007 08:55 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:16 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE