Motorcycle Repair: sportster engine popping and sputter, stock air filter, spark plug wires

Question
QUESTION: I have a '96 sporster with an 1100 evo engine, drag pipes, and stock air filter, and don't know what size jet is installed. It idles fair, except for popping from exhaust, accelerates great, but when running at a constant(even) throttle it sputters and surges and then pops on deceleration. I changed the spark plugs, rebuilt the carburetor, changed intake seals. when I checked the timming, I found that while watching the light it misses a spark every second or two or three. I changed the spark plug wires, coil, and gapped the spark plugs at 32. The spark plugs look clean with no black on them and are white or ashy. Where should I look next?

ANSWER: In 96 they either made a 883 or 1200 sportster.
If you are missing a spark, then you need to test the pickup located in the came cone and if its ok then the ignition modual
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I wrongly put '96, I have an '86. How do I test the pickup and ignition modual?

Answer
There are about 12 tests to check the modual and pickup. It would take me forever to tell you on here how to do each one.
Your est bet is to get a service manual, which has the tests to check them. You will find pics in there to follow as well.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike