1998 sportster 883 sputters and back fires.
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Stage III
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Pa
1998 sportster 883 sputters and back fires.
This bike sat for two years. Has 10k miles . So I got it had all fluids changed and carb cleaned at shop. So far I have replaced airfilter,coil,plug wires,and plugs. It seems to happen around 20 to 30 miles into ride. Then dies and I have to trailer bike home. Next day bike fires up as if no problems. This has happened 2 times now and am lost for what to do. I also checked battery and sitting there voltage 12.5 and idle was 13.5 and with rpm raised I got 14.1 .
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
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From: Wheeling, WV
Is the electrical cutting out or fuel related? You'd be able to see the speedo going wacky if it's electrical, (backlights turning on & off and speedo needle jumping around). If gas or vacuum line related, it would just be sputtering with no effect on speedo except for speed needle dipping related to your speed. Might need to look at the vacuum lines for dry rought. Also, check your speedo for any DTC's the bike may have set, as I think the '98 had a speedo that could store codes. There's a "How To" sticky in the DIY thread at the top of the main sporty forum page for checking DTC's.
Last edited by WVHogRider; Jun 6, 2013 at 11:23 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Wheeling, WV
And when 1984 sayscheck the lower end of the ground cable, he means check the bolt but also check to make sure the connector attached to the wire is solid. The wire has been known to break in the connector giving intermittent electricity to run the bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 533
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From: Virginia
What this guy said!
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Stage III
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Pa
I just checked the ground. The lower bolt was only snug. Could move cable by hand. To bad its raining or I would go out for a ride and try again. Thanks for info. I will keep you informed as to how turns out.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Land of the Free, Home of Jack Daniel's
The ground is your problem, it happened to me on my 1991 a few years ago. It's an easy fix.
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Stage III
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: Pa
I hope this proves to be problem. I put stock HD filter wires and plugs and a vance hines coil. I am gettin ready replace voltage reg and stator.
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