We recently purchased a low mileage, 2005, 883 Sportster with the high flow air filter and Screaming Eagle pipes for my wife Susan. This bike is the most cold blooded motorcycle I have ever seen. The 883 starts fine, but takes forever to warm up. Even after 4 or 5 minutes, it will sputter when you start down the road. It will eventually smooth out and runs fine when it finally warms up. I have a 1991 FXSTC with a 124 inch S&S Sidewinder motor and after 3-4 minutes of warm up time, you can just ride off, no problem. So what gives with the 883? Is this just inherent with that motor?<<<<BruceR>>>>

 

It sounds mighty lean.
Probably the pipes/air filter were installed and never jetted properly, if at all.
Drill the welch plug out that masks the air/idle mixture screw(if it has not been done) and insure that it is approx. 3 turns out.
Then remove the float bowl, and check the pilot jet.
Most of those, like a 42, and may even need a 45.
That should cure the cold-blooded nature of that bike, on the low speed circuit.
The main jet may have never been touched as well, and I'd suggest a 175 for starters.
Scott