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Hello all! Hate that this is my first post. I purchased an 03 sportster 883XLC off my dad last summer. After driving the bike last summer without any issues I built a trailer and hauled the bike to Florida to ride over spring break. The bike has just over 4K original miles on it. Went out for a ride and after 57 miles on a fresh tank of 93oct the bike starts spitting and sputtering all of a sudden while I'm going about 60mph. Eventually gets to the point that it cannot operate over idle while in gear. If I pull in the clutch it will rev across the full rpm band no problem, but let off the clutch and back to the same problem. Oil has been changed every 500 miles using Harley brand conventional oil. Had all new fluids and clutch checked last summer done. Also the bike is fully stock except for the factory addition of screaming eagle pipes. Any ideas what I should do? I'm 750 miles from home and without tools... Any help would be great!
Did you ride it at all before loading it in the trailer? if not it sounds like the typical gummed up carb from sitting for the winter, may also be a vacuum line problem if you have a vacuum operated petcock (vacuum drops when under load and partially shuts off the petcock).
Seeing as you have no tools with you I'd look for a recommended indy shop locally where you are, hopefully just a carb clean and you'll be back on the road. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/group...rida-crew.html is a forum social group, maybe someone on there could recommend a good shop.
Things that come to my mind...... the carb or the Jets could be gummed up. Could try running some seafoam through it. Check your spark plugs too. I know it's got low mileage. But if it's running rich or lean the plugs could be fouled.
I agree with the guys saying a carb cleaning is in order.. I commonly had similar issues with my snowmobiles when I'd pull them out of storage. Cleaned the carbs and they ran like new.
Alex asked for help. At least three members did not notice that little fact. That sucks.
Alex, it has been long time I wrenched a carbed engine, but I suspect it is clogged and not getting enough fuel. I'd check the filter(s) first.
I'd normally say the same thing as you, but all those HUGE pictures that have nothing to do with his question became distracting.....That's why they missed the little fact lol.
Op, next time make a different post to show off your ride.
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Bogs/stalls under load
