I have a bascially stock 98 softail w/ EVO motor.

I have a "puffin" sort of sound coming from the vicinity of the carb, sounds like leaking compression or something, you can even hear it when the engine is not running and you are cranking it with the starter. Sort of a puff-puff-puff like air pumping... I dont think its an exhaust leak. Any ideas?

Also the bike is having troubles idling without the choke.

Only thing i have changed is Bike had drag pipes on it and i put a stock exhaust setup back on.

 

Sounds like you have an intake leak. could be the intake gasket at the head, or the manifold may be cracked. While idling, spray some WD-40 around the carb area, if it surges, you'll confirm there's a leak.

Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]

 

I pulled off the carb and the rubber O-ring between the carb/intake was pinched and tearing/leaking. Straightened it out and its 99% better, need to get a new one.
thanks!