hey guys I don't know too much about mechanics but the time has come to purchase my first bike. I found what appears to be a great condition bike 06 xl883 custom, the only doubt I am having though is he re-jetted the carb and it feels like it idles too hard (I know, a lot of harley guys like that) but do things like that present a problem in the future or for long rides? I plan on taking this thing across the country in a month when I get some time off from work and my biggest fear is being stranded out in the middle of no where. That being said, the guy modified it all himself, but I did sit on it and it turned on just fine but for all I know he could be an amateur and messed the bike up.
Now is this something to worry about and instead of the hassle just go buy a new one? Any input is appreciated, thanks.

 

Big question. What R.P,M. does she idle at? Too low and it will start starving the motor of oil. Any popping through the exhaust or carb? What do the plugs look like? Take her out for a spin and see how she does. Maybe take it to an EXPERIENCED mechanic and have gone over.

 

I'm not sure what RPM, it doesn't have a tachometer on it, is there another way to tell? The plugs looked fine from what I could tell, and I went down his street with it twice and it just felt sluggish almost. I know that doesn't accurately describe what you're asking but its kind of like putting around like its starving a little for gas if that makes sense? Thanks for the reply by the way, and I know my answers aren't that clear its harder to describe this than I thought it would be. And I didn't notice any popping

 

Could be a simple thing like he has it idling too high or more expensive things

I would bring someone you can trust to hear it run

Also not sure what you mean by "Idles too Hard"

Do you mean too high or it's rough sounding

 

What I mean by idling too hard is that it is rough sounding

 

Ask the guy what size the jets are.I think stock is 175 and 42. I think. What kind of mods have been done to require the bigger jets? Couldbe as easy as turning the idle up a bit. He might have messed with the air screw. Ask him if he did or not.

 

Keep looking........ for a stock 1200.

 

You may think it is running sluggish, but you could very well just be lugging the engine. Especially if this is your first Harley.

 

The OP didn't say what the price is. A good reason to buy a new bike is to get something you know is unaltered and with a warranty. If the '06 is cheap enough, take it to a dealer or indy tech and have it looked at, otherwise buy a new fuel injected bike and no worries. Why did the current owner re-jet? Pipes?

 

+1
And if your planning on going cross country, put some long days on it around home first. You might decide you need a new seat before you go.