Need advice on 2004 Sportster pipes

[jkh]

Hey folks,

I'm looking to add a little power to SportyGirl's 2004 XL883 Sportster, just enough to give her a bit more margin for error when she leaves the line in 1st gear. I've ridden it a few times myself and can say that this is a *seriously* cold-blooded beast. Unless you've ridden it with the choke all the way out for 5-10 miles, it has a tendency to sputter and cough on take-off and will still misbehave even after it's warm unless you're really precise with the throttle. Given that SportyGirl's still a beginner, this level of precision is a bit beyond her still, so I'd like to tune things to the point to where it's got enough power and torque to forgive her small mistakes. The only problem I'm having is that the 2004 Sportster is the first year with the rubber mounted engine, and all the pipes we've looked at in the HD catalog (particularly the two-into-one pipes) are only applicable to the 2003 and earlier bikes. The parts desk at the dealer is kind of stumped, and the Harley rep they spoke to today said they didn't have any pipes to currently fit this model bike but would be "coming out with some real soon". Being the impatient sort, I'd like to deal with this problem NOW rather than later, so does anyone have any suggestions? :)

Basically, if we could find some two-into-ones (or heck, even a nice performance pair), a good high performance air filter and a carb re-jet kit to go with the two, all certified to work with the 2004 883 sportster, I'd pull out my credit card right now and go for it. The dealer doesn't seem to have any suggestions at this point. :sick:

Thanks!

[Markster6828]

The first thing that I would do is drill out the low speed idle mixture screw concealment plug on the bottom of the carb and richen it up a tad. K&N probably makes a replacement air filter that will fit the stock airbox. New free flowing pipes are a plus but you could get by without them till later.
The carbs are set way lean from the factory.

[Wind]

Don't mean to rub it in. hind sight is 20/20. Why didn't you go with EFI? No fumbling with the stupid choke. All out, half in, all in, wait for warm up, its too cold out, give it more choke,......
Exactly why I got EFI. May have been something to consider especially considering SportyGirl's experience.

Whoops! Forget it. :ignore: The Sportster isn't available with fuel injection. Yet.

[Hitman]

Markster, I second your suggestions.. Spot on.

:usaflag: :thumb:

[Markster6828]

Hey Wind
I don't know the first thing about FI and all this computer tech stuff. I do good just to get on here and chat. The Choke ?...Us carb boy's have gotta have SOMETHING to fumble with !! :crazy:

Get the carb set up right and she'll do everything that the FI will.

[Rumblewolf]

Hey Wind
I don't know the first thing about FI and all this computer tech stuff. I do good just to get on here and chat. The Choke ?...Us carb boy's have gotta have SOMETHING to fumble with !! :crazy:

Get the carb set up right and she'll do everything that the FI will.

Ever gained a lot of altitude with that carb?...you'll wish you had EFI...

[fbomer]

I rode an 883 (before I bought my o3 Sporty) and it had V&H Strait Shots, Dyno Jet Kit and SE Air Kit... It had plenty of kick in 1st and I don't recall any sputtering...

Straitshots also looked pretty cool on that bike...

[OldCutlass]

A quick note on EFI and Harleys...

EFI is not available on anything less than $12,395.00 MSRP

Therefore a Harley with an MSRP of $7,595 is gonna be carb'd

That being said, since I had an Idie shop tune my carb it runs better than ever. Even on cold-cold mornings it warms up in just a mile or so. All they needed to do was change the jets on the low idle circuit, but while they were in there they added a Yost Power Tube. Nice! :tongue2:

Peace.
O.C.

[Dyna Jim]

Hey folks,

I'm looking to add a little power to SportyGirl's 2004 XL883 Sportster, just enough to give her a bit more margin for error when she leaves the line in 1st gear. I've ridden it a few times myself and can say that this is a *seriously* cold-blooded beast. Unless you've ridden it with the choke all the way out for 5-10 miles, it has a tendency to sputter and cough on take-off and will still misbehave even after it's warm unless you're really precise with the throttle. Given that SportyGirl's still a beginner, this level of precision is a bit beyond her still, so I'd like to tune things to the point to where it's got enough power and torque to forgive her small mistakes. The only problem I'm having is that the 2004 Sportster is the first year with the rubber mounted engine, and all the pipes we've looked at in the HD catalog (particularly the two-into-one pipes) are only applicable to the 2003 and earlier bikes. The parts desk at the dealer is kind of stumped, and the Harley rep they spoke to today said they didn't have any pipes to currently fit this model bike but would be "coming out with some real soon". Being the impatient sort, I'd like to deal with this problem NOW rather than later, so does anyone have any suggestions? :)

Basically, if we could find some two-into-ones (or heck, even a nice performance pair), a good high performance air filter and a carb re-jet kit to go with the two, all certified to work with the 2004 883 sportster, I'd pull out my credit card right now and go for it. The dealer doesn't seem to have any suggestions at this point. :sick:

Thanks!

Ask and ye shall receive, Here is the link: http://www.cyclespot.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CC5495074&Category_Code=

Jet kit is here: http://www.cyclespot.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1007-0002&Category_Code=

I'm still working on the air filter.
DJ

[DegaDave]

Agree with Markster..she sounds a little lean on the low speed-off idle side. Pop that plug and give her half turn, she will be all better then and you can go from there. Stubbies sure would look nice on your womans ride..hee..hee..hee...

[jims883]

Hey folks,

I'm looking to add a little power to SportyGirl's 2004 XL883 Sportster, just enough to give her a bit more margin for error when she leaves the line in 1st gear. I've ridden it a few times myself and can say that this is a *seriously* cold-blooded beast. Unless you've ridden it with the choke all the way out for 5-10 miles, it has a tendency to sputter and cough on take-off and will still misbehave even after it's warm unless you're really precise with the throttle. Given that SportyGirl's still a beginner, this level of precision is a bit beyond her still, so I'd like to tune things to the point to where it's got enough power and torque to forgive her small mistakes. The only problem I'm having is that the 2004 Sportster is the first year with the rubber mounted engine, and all the pipes we've looked at in the HD catalog (particularly the two-into-one pipes) are only applicable to the 2003 and earlier bikes. The parts desk at the dealer is kind of stumped, and the Harley rep they spoke to today said they didn't have any pipes to currently fit this model bike but would be "coming out with some real soon". Being the impatient sort, I'd like to deal with this problem NOW rather than later, so does anyone have any suggestions? :)

Basically, if we could find some two-into-ones (or heck, even a nice performance pair), a good high performance air filter and a carb re-jet kit to go with the two, all certified to work with the 2004 883 sportster, I'd pull out my credit card right now and go for it. The dealer doesn't seem to have any suggestions at this point. :sick:

Thanks!
I too have a 2004 883 Custom. It is extremely cold blooded. It is my first Harley and I even lost some points on the Motorcycle exam cuz the bike sputtered after I was around the first cone on the test. I am looking to have the carb rejetted over the winter months. Am looking for some suggestions as to what anyone recommends for some pipes.
Any suggestions would be great.

[nightsterdude]

Don't mean to rub it in. hind sight is 20/20. Why didn't you go with EFI? No fumbling with the stupid choke. All out, half in, all in, wait for warm up, its too cold out, give it more choke,......
Exactly why I got EFI. May have been something to consider especially considering SportyGirl's experience.

Whoops! Forget it. :ignore: The Sportster isn't available with fuel injection. Yet.

EFI is not on sportster's untill 2007

[nightsterdude]

A quick note on EFI and Harleys...

EFI is not available on anything less than $12,395.00 MSRP

Therefore a Harley with an MSRP of $7,595 is gonna be carb'd

That being said, since I had an Idie shop tune my carb it runs better than ever. Even on cold-cold mornings it warms up in just a mile or so. All they needed to do was change the jets on the low idle circuit, but while they were in there they added a Yost Power Tube. Nice! :tongue2:

Peace.
O.C.

price has nothing to do with it, my 07 nightster was $9,500 first year EFI on sportsters

[JGaryHicks]

Had the same spit and sputter problem with my 06 883. All the adjustments in the world would not make it stop. I finally put a re jet kit in it and it runs great. I still have the stock pipes but did add a K&N filter and new ACCEL plugs.

[Graywolf]

The carb problem should definitely be corrected, but starting off in first with a bike geared for cruising is going to be pretty tricky until she learns to feather the clutch. Just a suggestion ........ you might consider lowering the gearing just a little if there is still a problem after the sputtering is corrected. Swapping sprockets is the quickest and easiest way to get more low end torque.

[shovelhead73]

Greywolf, you just yanked the words right out of my mouth. Good advice.!!

[Jaystronghawk]

Sometimes find these old threads interesting ... :)

[nightsterdude]

A quick note on EFI and Harleys...

EFI is not available on anything less than $12,395.00 MSRP

Therefore a Harley with an MSRP of $7,595 is gonna be carb'd

That being said, since I had an Idie shop tune my carb it runs better than ever. Even on cold-cold mornings it warms up in just a mile or so. All they needed to do was change the jets on the low idle circuit, but while they were in there they added a Yost Power Tube. Nice! :tongue2:

Peace.
O.C.

price has nothing to do with it old dude,my nightster was $9,500 out the door with EFI. Kinda blows your $12,395 out of the water:

[Markster6828]

price has nothing to do with it old dude,my nightster was $9,500 out the door with EFI. Kinda blows your $12,395 out of the water:

I think I'll start an argument with what someone said in 2004

Lord knows, technology has made NO advancements in the last four or five years. :hmmmm:

[nightsterdude]

I think I'll start an argument with what someone said in 2004

Lord knows, technology has made NO advancements in the last four or five years. :hmmmm:

Or instead,,,,,you could mind your own business.Hmmmmmm is that the sound you like to make with your boyfriend?

[Jaystronghawk]

wondering how long this Nightster dude will last LOL

[nightsterdude]

I think I'll start an argument with what someone said in 2004

Lord knows, technology has made NO advancements in the last four or five years. :hmmmm:

so far, 52 years. But you never know

[Hitman]

so far, 52 years. But you never know

Well now you know. You're history here. :banned:

[Da-man03]

Just like Hee Haw

BOOM he was gone

:rotflmao:

[Markster6828]

nighty nite nightydude ;)

[shovelhead73]

That was way too funny! Way to go guys. He needs to go to another forum where I think they will appreciate his smartass attitude. Old School knows which one I'm talking about.

[dirtrace95]

Take the float bowl off and one size bigger pilot jet. Drill out the little aluminum plug that blocks the adjuster screw, turn it all the way in glently
and open it up to about 1 3/4 turns out. That should get you in the ball park.