Have a 99 XLH 883 that runs like a scalded dog. Never noticed any problem with aceleration or idle. Sounds great but have just noticed what I call a skipping beat coming from the rear jug.

Started the bike today and covered the exhaust on the front cyl with a piece of cardboard and the cardboard would bounce with a steady put-put-put regardless of idle or aceleration. Then covered the rear cyl exhaust and noticed the card board with vibrate with a put-put-skip-put-put-skip and so on.

Dealer told me that since I eliminated the cross-over pipe the bike would do that?! I think I smell BS but can't swear to it.

I realize the cross-over pipe was there for a reason but I find it hard to believe it would have anything to do with the rear cyle firing.

BTW plugs checked and are burning "gray in color" not black.

Has anyone else noticed a somewhat difference between the cyl's ?

Just thought I would post this for info as I'm not complaining cause the bike runs perfect!

 

My nightster sounds like a hit and miss engine when it is idleing. I would maybe change the plug wires, you could have a bad wire. Your bike is 9 years old or so.

 

Checked plug wires as suggested, In fact I have 2 sets of wires and have alternated sets for verification.. Not a wire problem at this point.. Rode all day yesterday without any missing problems.. no nothing as the bike runs great.. Was just wondering why the hit skip comes from the rear cyl only..

 

different length pipes for front and rear, the exhuast pulses are getting sucked back in and the pipe probably isnt working as designed, you have some anomaly in the exhuast flow.

if you got rid of the crossover that could be the cuase, i kept mine on and i went out and checked my exhuast becuase of this thread and they both are the same.

the worst harm it could do it either help the rear cylinder get more gas inside at idle or try to suck it out the exhuast port becuase of the pressure waves, but i dont see any real harm being done long term.

 

Read your PM. Answered there.