i'm a new rider with a 94 fatboy. engine and carb is completely stock. lately it has been spitting and sputtering when i start it up and takes a mile or two before it will idol on it's on. even when it's warmed up good it will still sputter a litttle as i'm riding every now and then. also it will backfire when i start it up sometimes. is it time for a new carb or is there something else i need to do?

 

Maybe water in the gas. Take a bit out and let it evaporate on the cement. If there is water, you will see drops on the ground after the gas has evaporated.

 

I would install a dynojet kit, clean the carb while I had it apart, and put in an inline fuel filter if you dont already have one. Or replace it if you do. Sounds like a lean condition.