Motorcycle Repair: ironhead sportster, ohm meter, plug wires

Question
I pulled the plugs and they are black.  They spark enough to make the bike run, but not run smooth.  Thanks for any help.
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The bike runs rough and sounds quiet like a lawn mower enging.  I have an electronic ignition.  I dont think I can even take it on the road.
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I have an 84 ironhead.  The bike was running choppy and recently sounded like it was quiet and barely running.  Any idea what I can do to fix this problem?
Answer -
Not sure what you mean my choppy. Does the bike miss? What does it do when you take it out on the road and run it through the gears? Do you have electronic or points ignition?
Mike
Answer -
Ok, I have a general idea. Pull the plugs and let me know what color they are.
Mike

Answer
Since your plugs are fouling that means you are not gettting a good burn in the head. There are several reasons for this problem.

1. Bad coil. You can test the coil if you hve a OHM meter. Let me know if you hve one and need to know how.

2. Bad plug wires

3. Leaking intake manifold

4. Weak battery

Good luck and happy riding
Mike