I recently got a 93 XLH 883, the bike sat for about a 1yr with the previous owner. The first thing I did was drain the fuel & clean the filter, bike has been running great. I've ridden it for almost 70 miles & today it started, idled fine, I turned it off for few mins then started it again & went to take off & it sounded like it was out of fuel. Ofcourse its not & fuel is getter into carb but now it won't start unless the choke is out, once back in it dies.

My thought is a plugged jet cuz the only thing I didn't do was clean the carb bowl of any setiment from sitting fuel. Any thoughts??

Thanks..

 

Often when it will only run with the choke on means it has an air leak in the intake seals.

Perhaps the movement of the carb while doing the bowl drain has disrupted the old intake seals and caused an air leak.

 

Clogged main jet

 

my moneys on the intake seals

 

After removing carb & checking all jets, I didnt find any of them plugged. Nevertheless, gave a good cleaning & put things back together, fired right up. I suppose after cleaning the boot ring, it made a better seal. I should've checked for a leak b4 taking the carb off, then I'd know forsure I guess.
Thanks so much!!!