I just put on the Screaming Eagle II baloney cut pipes and screaming eagle air cleaner. Did it myself in just over an hour. Also bought new jets recommended by the dealer(Destination Harley): Slow-jet 45, Main jet 180. Surpisingly, they recommended a XLH883 California jet needle. (Part # 27092-88) Haven't read about this needle anywhere. What are folks take on this combo. I have read all of the posts regarding jetting on this forum and just about everywhere else. Didn't have time to do the rejetting before I drove a short distance to work. Very loud, with some hesitation when cold from a stop. Otherwise very strong power all across the power band with the stock jetting. Will be using ear plugs from now on.

Also, the official 2005 Sportster shop manual says that the 1200 comes with a 180 main jet. Is this a mistake? Seems like most posts states it is usually a 170 or 175.

Just curious before I take it all apart.

I live in Seattle at sea level.

Thanks
JonnyMo

 

jonny,

Are you sure that is an 883 needle? The number looks like it might be the needle for a 1988 1200. The '88 1200 didn't have an accelerator pump, so the needle had a different taper. The '88 1200 Sportster needle is what I always used for the upgrade. The 1200 sportster needle will probably get rid of your cold stumble.

For better throttle response, you might also want to cut two coils off of the slide return spring.

Regards,

Bill

 

Bill,

Yes, the package says XLH883 California, with the part number 27092-88. I guess it could be the same part as for the 1988 1200. When I get a chance this week, I'll do the part swap and see what happens. Am I taking a chance causing damage riding around with the original jets? I'm not running it very hard. At least not for long. Some web sites say the 1200 runs rich from the factory and so I am not too worried about running rich now. Maybe I'll pull the plugs and see what they look like.

Thanks,
JonnyMo

 

Here's what I READ, but have not done so take what I say lightly. The stock main jet is fine and should be kept after the stage1. Supposedly, the bike runs rich at WOT. The slow jet is what should be changed (because the bike runs lean there). 45 seems be the the most common. However, I have heard of people putting in 48 and 44 jets. As for the needle the only thing I have heard is to shim the needle.

Here is something you can read on this.

http://www.xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4465

Then other useful information can be found by browsing.

http://www.xlforum.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=34