Carb problem ?

I bought a 2003 Roadking a few months ago & it would foul plus out in 1 to 200 miles.Pulled carb off it had a 48 pilot jet.I put in a 44 pilot jet & now occasionally it backfires thru carb right when throttle is cracked.I have gone from 2 to 3 1/4 turns out on mixture screw with little differance.Runs great off idle to wide open but does seem to idle rough.Am I now to lean ?
Thanks JACKN

It would have come with a 45 from the factory, Harley's next size up is a 48 but after market makes a 46. The 44 is too small.

Thanks.I have a 46 so I will give that a try.

ReeseSS says your bike originally came with a 45, so I'd put that back in. I deal with Sportsters & we see the same thing there - different jet sizes (stock is 42), but so many people put a larger slow in to treat the "carb farts" & all that does is drown the problem - the needle is the problem.

The most popular needle tuners have used on Sportsters & Big Twins's both for 20 years is the "N65C", H-D part # 27094-88. "kenfuzed" here has a carb kit available with a similar type needle that appears to be machined better & while I haven't tried his kit, others have & are pleased with the results. Point being the needle is the key factor in how a CV carb works & if it's not right, you can change jets 'till you're blue in the face & still have the "carb farts".

Art is bang on again....N72A is also a popular needle used on BT'sCV_Needle_Information.pdf on iPaper By Scribd - powered by Box.net

Thanks so much for replies
Jack