i just sold my 2001 custom 1200 because i came across a deal on a 2006 883 that has been converted to 1200. the thing runs strong, feels very different from the 2001, more of a sports bike feel to it, leans over easier and clicks through the gears more like my dad's dyna wideglide. anyway, the bike has been sitting for 2 years, and has just 4500 miles on it, but sputters and seems to want to stall when idling, even after it warms up (not like my 2001 which sputtered until warmed up and cleared out with a couple good revs). i thought it might need plugs, my father suggested i just ride it for 1000 miles and see if that clears things out. i know ducatis can develop problems if left sitting too long, how bout harleys? anything i should do, besides change oil which i'll prob do right away. thanks!

 

A carb'd bike, left sitting, will certainly exhibit the symptoms you are experiencing. I bought a carb'd 2006 that had been sitting for over a year. I got lucky and was able to change the fuel and toss in a bit of Seafoam. After a few (50 or so) miles it ran beautifully. Of course, changing the plugs can't hurt... it's less than $5.00 to change them out.

Other than that, it may be time to pull the carb and give it good once over.

 

I Agree. It is probably the carb.

 

Try 1 1/2 oz. of seafoam per gallon of gas, run it and see how it runs after 50-60 miles.

 

ok, thanks i'll try the sea foam and see how that goes

 

Check for an intake leak including rotted voes/gas line(s) if it persists after you do the above.

 

good ol sea foam to the rescue

 

Small world, I also purchased an 06 883 converted to a 1200. The new engine may have only 3,000 miles, but has only been ridden about 100 miles in the past 2 years. I notice that once it warms up it does run pretty well, but still does putter now and then.

The gas in the tank now is from last summer and also has stablizer in it. Im hoping thats the issue... Im planning to run it very low, then fill it with some real high octane (as he only ran unlended in it). So you recommend I go with the seafoam when filling?


Thanks!

 

If the sea foam doesn't work,
and the gas/VOES lines are good,
Tear apart and clean the carb with a good carb cleaner. Take out the jets and needle and soak them. Sounds like gummed up gas somewhere.