Hello everyone! This is my first post, but I've been a long time watcher. Anyways, my 2008 XL1200c has an intermittent sputtering problem. After I got the bike, I put on a set of cheap drag pipes. Currently I have not put a fuel pak of any kind on it. The problem happens when I'm cruising at a low rpm in any gear, the bike acts like its going to shut off. If you dog the throttle when it happens, the bike comes to life and runs like a champ. It also happens when downshifting into second to complete a turn. The strange part is, when the outside temperature is warm, it usually doesn't do it. I just notice more when I'm riding to work and get into slow moving traffic. Its almost impossible to ride at 30mph in third gear. I've searched all over the internet and haven't found anything. I was beginning to wonder if it happens because I don't have a power tuner on the bike. Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

-Matt

 

Since you have not added a fuel management system you are most likely running lean, but that doesn't sound like the issue. It sounds to me like you are just lugging the engine. I also have a 2008 1200C and if I was in third gear at 30 I would be sputtering too. I cruise in second until 35 to 40 mph. Try running at higher RPMs. That is how the sporty is meant to run

 

i'll second what Dallas posted, both about potentially running lean and riding at too low an RPM. i have an 07 nightster and in 3rd gear at 30mph, the bike isnt happy. dont shift up until higher RPMs. if that works, you can most likely get away with not installing a fuel pack / power commander / etc.

 

If the problem is because of the pipes, either put the stock ones back on or get it dyno tuned.

 

Yep, I agree with the others that you're lugging the engine. Depending on my mood, at 30mph I'm either in 1st or 2nd, but usually in 1st gear just getting ready to shift to 2nd.

 

Thanks for everyone who responded! I'll try running the rpms higher and see if that works.

 

+1 on the lugging, at 30mph you should still be in 2nd gear, also i think it would help you if you put a small set of baffels in your drags, gives it a little back pressure. Ride safe.

 

Yeah I'd don't hit third until about 35mph even cruisin.

 

I just got my XL1200, also new to Sportsters, still in break-in mode (200 miles) and the manual says shift to 3rd at 25 mph! Mine lugs like crazy if I do it this way, can't possibly be good for the motor, 40 to 45 feels much better to me for 3rd gear.