I glad it is running better now for the real test on the road.

 

Nice day here in CT yesterday. I adjusted the idle and took her out for a ride. The bike is definately running much better. It is no longer backfiring and starts right up. Out on the road it seems to hesitate at the higher end of each gear. I tried adjusting the mixture today per the S&S instructions, I set it about 1/2 way between it cutting out and falling off. It didn't change anything. I also hit the intake manifold with sprays from a water bottle and there was no noticable difference in the idle. Once the motor cools off, I'll pull the plugs and take a look. Any thoughts after that? Check igntion?
Thanks.
Nick

 

Try bigger main jet ( I had idle #.300 and main #.64 jets) also pay attention to accelator pump adjustment.
Is your idle mixture adjustment screw open 1 to 1 3/4 turns open if not change idle jet ( or Intermediate jet) by S&S instruction.
Turn it close and open it only about 1/4 to 1/2 turns from close position, if it's still hesitate in acceleration turn it more open by 1/4 turn.

 

I set the idle mixture to 1 3/4 turns open and it ran about the same. I'm going to check the timing tonight. If it is OK, would you suggest changing both jets or just the intermediate first?

 

Try change intermediate first to smaller, adjust according instruction: small sneeze, pops on carb when riding means lean mixture and you are close correct jet size ( under 1/2 trottle) If you are missing power, after this, on over 3/4 trottle try larger main jet.
That idle mixture "rule 1 1/4 -> 1 3/4" isn't any "law" so minor "miss aligment" don't hurt, but in you case there isn't any or little effect you need to change jet.

 

Update. Per the S&S instruction sheet, I checked the accelerator pump adjustmen. It was 3+ turns out from bottom. I turned it all the way in and took it for a test run - much better. The bike only hesitated once in second gear. I think it was getting too much fuel before. I need another ride to know for sure and to dial the carb in, but I think I might have fixed it. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Nick

 

No problem, this is basic idea of forum, sharing info with other riders

 

i had this same problem on my 82 sporty.....same carb. my accelerator pump in my carb was beat. it costs 9 dollars for the rebuild kit and she is good as new now. you may want to check that out. it looks like a small diaphram about 1 inch round and is on the side of the carb held in by 3 screws i believe. watch you dont loose the spring !