So after picking up my 2001 Fatboy I had the carb cleaned and tuned a little because it was running pretty rough. It wouldnt stay running and popped/backfired alot. Bike has 13k miles and long shots with no baffles. Road the bike today and it runs alot smoother. It actually idles good and drives good. My issue is it seems to sputter at low cruising speeds (like a jerks or struggles) and pops like popcorn on decel. I know having no baffles is a cause for the popping so I have V&H Quiet Baffles on order.
My question is does it sound like i need to rejet/rebuild the carb? The struggling part at low speeds concerns me. Ill be cruising at 30mph or so and itll jerk a little like its being starved almost. I cant tell you what the previous owner did to the carb or what jets are in. Any help is appreciated.

 

Check the jetting. Should be around 45 slow, 180-185 main and the needle shimmed or replaced (check ID # on the needle). Idle air screw about 2.5 turns out from seated.

Those pipes can cause problems...baffles should help.

 

Everything he said, and make sure you're not lugging the motor too. At 30mph you should entering 4th gear and holding that until 35-40mph.

I hope that's right. It's been a long winter...

 

I went ahead and ordered jets and rebuild kit so when I tear it down Ill beable to replace if needed. I rode it again today and it really stutters through town. ALmost like a jerking affect and I can hear it sputter. Deep cleaning the carb made it run much better but something is still wrong. The popcorn affect plus deep pops are really annoying. When the parts come in Ill rebuild, rejet (if necessary), tune, drain the tank, clean the fuel screen, change the plug wires (ordered new braided ones, and change the plugs. Im also installing the VH Quiet Baffles at the same time. Really hoping this fixes my problem.

 

Sounds like carb doughnut seal is leaking.

 

what exactly is the carb doughnut seal?

 

lol my bad..yeah thats in the kit I bought.