86 heritage
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
agreed more info but my first guess is dirty fuel system...drain the tank, pull the fuel valve an inspect the screen an check the inside of the take for peeling tank liner. The new ethanol is hard on fuel lines an stuff so changing the fuel line an cleaning the carb is also a possibility. I pulled the bowl on a HD carb once an all kinds of little black chunks were floating in it, I assume they came from the fuel line.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 938
From: Up a tree making meth coolaid
Love to help you out but your post is seriously lacking on some crucial info. Is it new to you? If not whens the last time it ran normally? Is it coughing, back firing, brakes locked up.... Anything? Like stated already try a complete fuel system cleaning from petcock filter on down to the bowl of the carb. And perhaps new plugs also, I've seen a few go bad in my days and then the bike hates coming much past idle.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,163
Likes: 1,906
From: Doghouse... mostly
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Ashland NH
More info
have had bike for years runs idles great but can just barely make it up a little hill. Changed plugs air filter good. Has ss carb. Thanks for the help
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 981
Likes: 182
From: Fairfax County, VA
Carbs need a good servicing, air lock, vacuum-tank/cap vent, vacuum hoses, petcock. If your petcock has a 'prime' position, flip to it while riding and see if things don't improve after a few seconds.