Hello, new to the forum and trying to solve a problem on a 1993 harley sportster custom deluxe 883.
The bike belonged to my dad before he passed away and he always took good care of it and had it in great running condition. It sat for about 6 years until now since I have got it up and running.

I have gone thru the fuel system completely a few times, cleaned the tank, fuel valve and carburetor very well, jets were clogged and carb was dirty.
The bike is stock and has 45 pilot and 160 main. I am using fresh ethenol free premium. The problem I am having is the bike idles great (potato potato potato) and revs flawlessly in neutral and in gear with clutch pulled, but will not accelerate under power, I am stumped and could really use some ideas. Thank you

 

Sounds like you disassembled the carb. The first time I took the carb apart to install new jets ('99 1200S) I mistakenly reinstalled the needle jet backwards - bike idled fine but wouldn't accelerate.

 

Would that still alow it to rev in neutral? I do see what you are you are talking about, I double checked when I was assembling the carb, and reassembled with he the assistance of the service manual, I have had the carb apart a few times to clean it thinking a jet got clogged.

 

Brakes, wheel bearings free??

 

good point
does the engine stumble / cough/ die out under load or just lack power to accelerate as if under too great a load?


Hard to push around the garage with engine off?

 

I apologize, I should of been more specific, it rolls normally, it hesitates and stumbles on acceleration anything past a quarter throttle, but will rev up like normal when stationary.

 

I would check for upside down jet needle and/or pinched diaphram

 

Accelerator pump, make sure it is working with a strong stream and aimed into the center of the carb throat.

 

Here is a good link:

https://cv-performance.com/harley-cv...-tuning-issues

 

Wanted to give an update of what the problem was,
It was the needle jet in upside down, the smallest pieces create the biggest problems. It ran amazing today, now I see why my dad loved this bike, it's hard to stop riding.
I want to thank all of you for taking the time to help me trouble shoot.