Took my new, old bike for a short first run today. Noticed a bucking/surging while trying to maintain a set speed. Its wants to pull or decelarate hard, but now just bomb along at 3K rpm at a steady pace. Likes hammer down, pulls like a train. Is this expected for this bike? Chain is adjusted, I will be replacing chain and both spockets this week. Should I be letting it pull along at higher revs? Say 4 to 5K? Its got a 4 into 1 vance and Hines and she is some ole loud up high in that range.

 

Should run clean to 10500 RPM, no surge
Maybe dirty fuel filter in the tank, or dirt in the carbs.
Throw some seafoam in it and then see if you need to strip it.
3000 Revs ? It won't pull well until you go beyond 3000 revs.
Feel the "surge" from 6000 onwards
I generally run between 4000-9000 RPM

 

Its hard to explain, I was just in town no traffic at around 3K, level speed. And it seem to be wanting to decelerate or accelerate to be smooth. Level speed at 3K seemed too low, first ride so I dont know what normal is for this thing. Very smooth rolling on the throttle, just dont like to go slow I guess? Just going thru my small town in second at 4K is gonna be loud as hell.LOL

 

You may want to look into getting stock exhaust and 120 jets. The stock set-up is much quieter and you won't miss the power you "theoretically" loose. The engine works best over 3000 RPM. While you likely have some crud in the idle/low speed jets causing an issue your typical operating rev range will be 4000 to 9000(as Shadow said).

That said, I typically run 1st up to 25mph, 3rd from 25 to 45, 5th 45 - passing, and 6th steady highway speed. This seems to give me the best mileage with the least noise. I have stock exhaust and jets and prefer them for the smooth and quiet power delivery.

 

Took it for a ride again today, used the old fuel up. Filled with 93, didnt go much below 4K rev wise and it was fine. Seems to be clearing itself out, oilchange next as I have no idea what the last guy had in it. Turned around in a parking lot full of Harleys, oddly enough got a bunch of thumbs up.
Cant wait for a nice day trip once I feel confident with the mechanicals.

 

I would run some Seafoam in a couple tank fulls to clean out the carbs/jets.

 

K, will check local shop for that.

 

Inexpensive at Walmart & all the auto shops carry it.

 

Carb sync will help also.

 

Yep, sounds like it might be a lean surge. Seafoam may help, but I'd run a couple tanks of fuel through and keep it above 3k.