Been having some weird issues with my 1997 883. I replaced the derby cover gasket, because it has been leaking, put some new oil in there, closed it back and figured I'd take it for a test ride to make sure the thing isn't still leaking.

In what I think is completely unrelated to the primary or the derby cover, the thing started to sputter on me, occassional backfiring, occassional carb pop, all the while I couldn't get the rpm's much past idle. Give it gas, and it didn't matter, just sputtered and puttered. I crept along for quite a while until finally the thing died on me and I had to walk some distance home with it.

Before I ask any questions. Yes, I have a manual.

I am wondering if there could be a relationship between this weirdness and a loose connection to my battery. I've noticed that the battery gets a loose connection quite often, and this morning to start it, I had to jiggle the trickle charger wire to keep it from "click" instead starting. So, could this have anything to do with the bike dying on me?

What else might account for all of a sudden the thing crapping out on me?

I think the battery is due for replacement, but I don't really understand what this has to do with backfiring and stalling out.

 

The bike won't operate if the battery is dead, although typically electrical problems cause the engine to cut out quickly, not sporadically.

The sputter-sputter thing makes me believe that this is a fuel system issue. It could be fuel pump going bad. I'm thinking clogged carb jet, myself. You might try dumping a can of Seafoam into the tank. If you have "dried" gas clogging up the works, this could help.

 

The OP's 97 has no fuel pump. If battery cable connections (both ends) are not clean and tight all kinds of issues will be had. Remove the battery and have it load tested to start with.

 

+1 - Check for clean and tight battery connections first, then have the battery tested or replaced.

 

And add some star locking washer to the battery terminals to stop them from coming loose.

 

Check your vacuum line to the fuel petcock, may cause a fuel shut off.

John