Hey guys, thanks in advance for any help I can get, I have an 84 XL and when I really get on it, it losses power, hesitates, then kickes in and goes like a bat out of hell, I have a Crane Fireball HI-4E ignition, stock carb, drag pipes, originally thought it was ignition but that seems to be set correctly, and working good, could it be a carb problem?

 

Yeah, it could be a lean spot in your carb...

Have you checked your valve clearance? Those 'ol Ironheads are notorious for needing constant valve adjustments being that there are no hardened valve seats in the heads from the factory....If your valve clearance is not an issue, look into the carb....What type of carb are you using?

 

The carb is the original Keihin, I took the bike out today after I pulled out the baffles from the pipes, sounds nice runs great, except when I really get on it, bogs down then in a few seconds it takes off like a jet

 

I had the same problem on my 85 ironhead. I found a vacuum leak. Repaired the leak, was better but still not right. Adjusted the carb and now no problems. I'd check out the carb. Good luck!!