I am not really skilled as to Sportster issues so I thought it best to check in here. My primary ride is an 2005 Ultra Classic, but I picked up a 2001 Sportster (11,000 miles!) with an 883 for my son to learn on. While the price was more than right, I got zero history with it. I do know it sat in a widow's garage for many years prior to my purchase.

The issue I have is that it is now very hard to start, and when it does finally start the front pipe will literally glow red!

I would like to find out some initial things to look for and ask if it is even a good idea to ride this at all before getting the issue resolved. I don't want to just randomly do a throw parts at it repair in that I would be changing a bunch of things that don't need changed.

Carb adjustment? Jets? Can timing be off some way? Any thing else?

Thanks!

 

Sounds like it may be running super lean, have you looked at the plugs?

 

My bike sat for 5 yrs without running when I got it, so here is what I would do first off, clean the carb really good the jets are most likely really gummed up. I would also change the fluids(gas, oil and primary) and change the plugs. The only other thing I did on mine was put a battery in it because it didn't have one. It may be running real lean due to the fact that its barely getting fuel from clogged jets. That is also probably why its hard to start.

 

The first thing I would check is for intake leaks.

 

All of the above plus check for a plugged exhaust. I think something may have made a nest in the front pipe and has severely restricted the flow.

 

Defiantly all the above But I would do my best to find the problem before running it anymore, it is defiantly running Lean to the point where you could blow the motor and/or cause some major damage to it. If you cannot find the problem take it to an HD shop doesn't need to be a dealer it will be well worth the money.

 

Thanks for the tips. The bike is now being stored about 30 miles from where I live now. I will need to get a trailer to haul it the rest of the way home before I can look into the problems. As the weather has hit a winter stage here that will be a good project. I will post back what I find out.

Are the jets in the carb available in different sizes? If so, is there a particular size I should expect to find?
Thanks again!

 

Stock jets are usually 42 to 45 pilot and 160 to 175 main, other sizes are available. Buy a can of Seafoam and put some in the gas tank and run it for a while if you can get it running. I think the idea of a nest up in the pipe is also something to look into.

John

 

I would check for intake leaks..the rubber intake gaskets are a know issue with these bikes along with the seal for the carb. to intake... some say should be replaced every few years..I would not run it very long (more than a few minutes at a time) the way it is...also i would give the carb a good once over, and dump the fuel tank and put in new gas..

 

Right on about the jet sizes, but it is also important to know if the intake has been opened and if possibly any hotter valves have been installed. Open intakes require larger jets to eliminate lean running issues.