I've decided to go with a Custom, but what size? What is the best way to go here ... 883 and a big bore kit later or 1200 outright?

THere's about $4,000 RRP difference between them.

Gotta make up my mind soon so your input would be appreciated.

peterj

Peter,

If you can afford it I'd go the 1200C because you keep your factory warranty, whereas if you upgrade using a big bore kit you most likely lose engine warranty. And with the 1200C you get those lovely chrome engine covers which you don't get on the 883, those are worth a good $1000 + fitting alone.

Thanks for the input guys.

Rodders, what's the 10% the 883 won't do?

Rodders,

It pays to shop around and do a bit of reading about the 883 to 1200 upgrade.  Worst thing is to ask the dealers they will tell you the only option is the Screamin Eagle kit which is wrong.  If you want to do a basic bang for buck 1200 conversion which will give you better performance that a stock 1200 you can buy a kit off ebay for around $600 AUD delivered then you have to get it installed, you can either do this yourself if you have the means or get it installed about 1 day's labour.  Last thing you have to do is get either you carb jetted or ECU re-flashed for the upgrade.  All up you should be able to do it for around $1200.  There are more expensive options available if you want to upgrade heads and cams etc.

Do a search on US ebay for Sportster Big Bore kits.

Peterj the 10% is in resale.

I want to buy a new sportster in the next few weeks. I have only test riden a '94 1200 and a '08 1200 from Robbo's in Canberra. I love the power of the 1200 but have never riden the 883. I am worried about buying an 883 and being disapointed.

Cheers

Sprocket

if you get the 883 allow some cash for pipes/good a/c,/power commander or race tuner with these my 07 883 dynoed 57hp
i believe the 1200 std is only 59-60..and mine sounds and looks better!!!!
ps with the us dollar the screaming eagle big bore kit with barrels/heads/pistons and gaskets is down to about 1800 at dealers if you haggle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pss..if i had $6000-00 more i'd go the 1200c +heavy breather+freedom pipes+ecu upgrade &dyno!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had a look on the Zanotti motor site recently for the Screamin Eagle kit they do it for $936 US + delivery.

Part no: 29784-07

https://www.zanottimotor.com/shopping/pLookUp.php

 

 

Does anyone know the difference between the 883 & 1200 bottom end/ gearbox ratios/drivetrain that seperates these motors? Is it an issue? Thanks.

Thanks, sounds good!

Grafpak and kingchops,
Thanks for the advice.
Grafpak, How much extra cash would I have to set aside to get a 883 going like yours?

Sprocket

Rodders,

That's a goog point, the V&H Fuelpak is the same unit for the 883 or 1200 you just change the settings supplied by V&H, not sure about the PCIII in that respect. The SERT should be fine also. I found a decent improvement with the stage 1 it's definately worth doing. From people that have dyno'd their bikes they say it ads about 10hp to the power of the 883, ie 45hp stock and about 55hp with stage 1. And that's pretty consistent with my experience.

I know what you mean about the 6th gear, I used to do it too when I first got the bike, but I'm pretty used to it now.

From what I've read changing the pully to a 29 tooth does reduce high-end revs but you do suffer in accelleration. I have only heard of people doing this after a 1200 upgrade not sure what the results would be doing in on an 883. I think the benefit of the 27 tooth on the 883 is improved accelleration so personally I wouldn't do it on the 883.

sprocket-pipes,s/e h-breather,pc-3+dyno=$2100-00

in th 2007 owners manual it lists the front sprocket as 28 teeth-883. and 29 teeth for the 1200..i'm thinking of going to a 27 tooth if anyone wants to swap???????????????/

After wieghing everything up, I finally bought a 1200 custom. Absolutely stoked with the new bike. It is just Too Much Fun!
Never did get the opportunity to try an 883. Thrus7er, very impresssive though what you have done with yours. Great Number plate too.
I would have had a snowballs chance in hell getting the miisus to let me trick up an 883.

Cheers

Sprocket