When I first take off, unless I ride the crap out of the clutch, my Sporty seems to lug a bit until Iroll on the throttle in first gear. Any ideas what might cause this? It's not stopping me from riding its just annoying ...

 

It's real simple, if your lugging first gear your not giving it enough gas. I don't know what you mean by "craking" it but you are supposed to roll on the throttle as you ease out the clutch.

 

Could be your idle is set to high. Are you trying to start off real slow. If so the 883's somewhat high torque curve will cause a little lugging. Also your low speed jet could need adjustment.

Ric

 

more power man.

 

It lugs so bad in first if you are starting off slow that the bike shakes quite a bit. It has had the screaming eagle mufflers, k&n air filter kit and new jets installed, at least high speed jets, I am not sure about low speed ones.

 

Use your right hand to twist the throtle while releasing the clutch with your left.

 

You ALWAYS "ride thecrap out ofthe clutch" when taking off, it's a Harley. It is called the friction zone - You have a wet clutch you will not hurt it. At slow speed (<10mph) you should have your clutch partially or fully disengaged, throttling to about 1,800 rpm (about double idle rpm) and "ride thecrap out of the clutch" Doing otherwise will lug your engine which can be bad, as well as sounding bad.

 

Hogsport is correct. I had the same concern when I rode my first Sportser and asked about a "jerky engine." The experienced riders told me to ride the clutch in first gear since the XL is geared high. I was trying to ride thru a park at 10-15 mph. Feathering the clutch more made all the difference in taking off from a stop, too.

 

Turning your idle down a tad and going to a 45 slow jet will take the jerky feeling out of it.

 

How much do you weigh?