I have a 03 Sportster 1200 and I just moved from NY to UT. Bike is not running as smooth and I believe it's due to the elevation. Struggles at higher speeds. I'm pretty new to bikes in general and I would appreciate any advice/instructions. I believe the carb needs adjusting, which I have no idea how to do. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

You are correct, your carb most likely needs to be re-jetted. An indy mechanic or a dealer could do it for you, probably an hour of labor.

 

You might try adjusting/readjusting your idle mixture screw, lean it up, use the idle drop method if you can. Or, turn it in 1/4 turn and see if that helps.

Higher altitudes have less oxygen/air pressure, so you need to lean out your mixture somewhat. What is your altitude in UT?

John

 

Use lower octane even 85 will run much better at elevation. Try that first before spending any money.

 

Interesting, have not heard that before.

John

 

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF. Mrs B and I were in Utah only a few weeks ago! I must admit that I would find a local friendly indy and get him to make the necessary adjustments. Bear in mind that if your bike already has mods, even as simple as a change of air filter or mufflers, it was probably already compromised before you moved home and the rise in altitude has just made that more pronounced. In other words you may need more than just minor adjustments to make your bike run well.

 

what carb is on the bike...From what I understand the keihnin (or how ever it is spelled) will compensate for altitude automatically...maybe you have another issue..

 

take to somewhere there and have someone adjust it for you. If you don't have any idea what you are doing with a carb that is the best method. If the bike ran fine in NY and now runs "rough" out west then it is elevation that is the issue.