H.D. 2001, 883 backfire through carb, no power?

Seems to run just as Harley wanted it-- loud and no power.

Grab a bottle of octane boost and add half of it to a full tank of gas and see of things get better. I bet they will. I would add the second half a bottle to your next full tank of gas also. If that didn't do the trick take the carb apart and clean it, as you suspected it probably sat around for some time and is gunked up. This is kind of a hard job to do if you do not know how so you may wish to take it in to get ot done and while they are at it have them look the bike over and make sure that everything else is good to go.

That's why I ride a Suzuki.

Kidding.. I'm not an H.D. man but try draining the carb at the bowl and see what comes out. Could have some trash or water. Usually backfire indicates a lean condition.

Good luck,Hope you get it going.

Now listen to what I tell you.

Take the carb off and take the bottom off.

Be careful not to drop parts.

There are two small jets, one is very small.

This is the pilot or low speed jet.

Take it out and clean it thouroughly.

Put it back in and see if this doesn't fix it.

This is a common problem on bikes that sit

for long periods.

PS

Some bikes are jetted lean and it helps to put

the next size bigger pilot jet in.

Clean the carburetor internally and set to factory specs.Check rocker arms for proper clearance.Clean or repair air filter .Change oil.Check timming and adjust if neccessary.Put in some new plugs.Have battery condition tested.Check the voltage with engine running so you know if it is charging correctly.Have a blessed day.

backfiring thru the carb can also be a sign of running too lean. if it has aftermarket pipes and screaming eagle breather it should have been rejetted. if this wasn't done, then the bike would be running very lean. you can tell be pulling a plug and checking the color. it should be tan colored around the electrode. if its black, its too rich, very pale or white, too lean.

Most Harley spitting and sputtering is from fouled plugs from over use of the enrichener/choke. Put in clean fresh gas, change the plugs and don't use the enrichener for one second longer than you need to when you start it. Use the throttle screw to warm the engine.

try retarding the timeing slightly, and retuning the carb, new plugs and wires. and just go from there. perhaps the gas is old, try new premium gas. exhaust may be clogged.

Clean the carb real good.