Hi folks, I'm new here. I live in Singapore, a very hot climate - temperature is around 90-100F every day of the year. I'm looking at getting a Sportster. I like simple, basic, old-fashioned, "old school" bikes, and the Sportster XL883R Roadster (sold in Singapore, not in the U.S.) looks exactly like what I'm looking for. Love the full (not "chopped") rear fender, seat, footpeg position, no **** lever linkage, gorgeous tank, etc.

What tempts me about the XR1200X is the 1200 bigger engine and the tachometer/speedo cluster. What I don't like about the XR1200X is the oil cooler, higher seat and air cleaner (I like the traditional Sportster's protruding oval air intake). The XR1200X's styling turns me off a little bit. It looks a bit haphazard; for example, the rear brake fluid cylinder sticking out behind the right foot peg!

My essential question is this: would the XR1200X's higher compression engine (10.5 comp ratio) run hotter and/or less reliably than the 883R's (8.7 compression ratio)? I know the XR1200X has oil cooled heads for that reason, but the additional complexity of the oil cooling system is also something that runs counter to my general desire for simplicity. I would like the bigger engine, but to be honest, I don't race, smoke back tires, carve up canyons or do those other things I read about in magazine reviews. I just like being on the motorcycle and riding around in the wind. I think the 883 is probably plenty powerful to have a blast on. (I used to own a Suzuki VX800 V-Twin, which was good for 53 ft-lb torque @ 5400 rpm, and it was more than enough! And the 883R makes 51.5 ft-lb @ 3750 rpm!)

The XL883R looks exactly like I want a motorcycle to (except for the lack of a tach ... hopefully I could get my H-D dealer to install one like the old Super Glide Sport used to have, or else the XR1200X's speedo/tach).

But from the engineering angle, I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts on whether the simpler, lower power/compression 883 engine would actually be advantageous in a very hot climate.

Thanks in advance!

 

You have made the right choice. Enjoy it.

 

Sounds like you know what you want. If possible try to test ride an 883 and a 1200 to see if the power difference is enough to change your mind. If it is you can tune it to get rid of the heat.

 

I had a friend that had an 883, and it was a very nice bike with plenty of power to do what you are talking about. I had an 84 Iron Head at the time, and we use to trade off rides once in a while. My grandson also had an 883 that had been converted to a 1200, and it was a nice bike also. From what you posted I think the 883 being the most basic bike would be right for you. A very well balanced bike.

 

I had an 883 purchased new back in 1999, at the time I was running between 225 and 235 pounds, and that little Sportster had plenty of power to pull my fat *** anywhere I wanted to go.
As for running cooler, my 883 ran around 185° on a hot day, where as my Fat Boy runs between 195° and 205° so my guess is it'll handle the heat where you're at....

 

if simplicity is what you like, get the 883 and if you really need the extra ponies, put a 1200 kit on it. that way you have a more "cruiser" like bike. i dont think heat will be an issue unless your in a lot of stop and go traffic. i like both bikes myself, but i dont have an xr. would love to have one though. good luck

 

You'll be fine with the 883. You'll really only notice a power difference between it and the 1200 if you ride 2-up. If you want to boost it up to a 1200 later, that can easily be done.

If you're worried about high temps, switch to synthetic after you get about 2500 miles on it.

NOW GO RIDE !!!!!!

 

sounds like you already made your mind up enjoy

 

Thank you folks for the speedy replies! Yes I suppose I have kind of made up my mind...I want that 883R. If it's not fast enough, there's no law saying I can't buy another bike for speed. Incidentally I ride solo 99% of the time, so the two-up factor doesn't come into it. Thanks again!

 

If the 883 gets 50mpg and the XR gets 50 mpg also then each created 115000 BTU's in the 50 miles. Because 1 gallon of gas yields 115,000 BTU's.

The oil cooler and the oil cooled heads were taken from HD's Buell parts bin. Their purpose is to promote power. A cooler engine runs stronger. The secondary goal with a cooler engine is longevity.

Regardless of how you use the bike, it will benefit from adding an oil cooler.