When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a 2003 Sportster 1200c that is getting a backfire up through the carb. I have had the backfire since I bought the bike and it is starting to burn the ring connected to the rubber booton the carb.
The backfire happens when throttling down, or slowing the engine coming into town zone etc. Otherwise the bike runs great! Sounds perfectly normal and all the power I need accelerating and holding speed.
I am open to any ideas before I take it to a dealer and get a big bill.
Some pertinent information:
-Bike was purchased new and sat for ~3 years before I bought it
-I have put in a dynajet kit
-Installed performance air breather
-There is a lag before the bike throttles down. Not much but noticable. (Likely not related to backfire but just in case: was backfiring before this problem started)
-Running 87 Octane
It has been suggested by others that:
a) Sticky Valve
b) Timing (I thought this was unlikely do to great performance)
At this point I have my shop manual and will try and check timing myself ifI can borrow a timing light, but I would appreciate any pointers please.
First, the 1200 needs 91 or higher octane. How did you determine the jet sizes when you installed the Dynojet kit? Your symptoms indicate you may still be running lean.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.