I hope someone can give me some advise or answers here. I sent my 2006 XL883L to one of the local HD dealers to have the 883-1200 conversion done. I was told by 2 dealers that I wouldn't void the warranty if I had the basic conversion done with the Screaming Eagle 1200 conversion pistons (10:1), and cylinders, gaskets etc, So I paid $1436 to have the conversion done by the dealer. When I took it for the first ride last saturday(8/11), I noticed a few possible problems. 1. more engine heat(to be expected?) 2. When hot, the engine idles much lower, shakes more, noisier, and idling seems to be efforted. 3. I noticed a major spark knock while releasing the clutch going into first gear from a stop, if I didnt give it quite enough throttle from the start. When I went to roll on the throttle a little more, and release the clutch, an extremely loud knocking sound came from the engine. It sounded like a bunch of metal rods breaking at about the same time! The compression is now 10 to 1, but I ALWAYS put premium gas in the tank. What's up with that? 4. The push rods are louder operating.
If anyone can tell me anything about these problems, especially the knocking, It would be much appreciated. I'm leary of riding it now!:doh[:@]

 

Do you still have 883 heads on it?

The pinging is an issue that can happen with conversion. You will need a new ignition module to get it to stop pinging. I wouldn't ride it until then. The rough idle, shaking, and heat could be due to the timing being off, which is also a cause of knocking. However, it can also be from the bigger 1200 pistons (more weight). And the heat: larger displacement engines run hotter, but again it could be from the timing.

Instead of getting a SE module, I would suggest a tc88a, which has adustable timing.

 

I had the original 883 ignition on my conversion also and it would ping pretty bad and make the engine run about 280 degrees when in traffic. I got the SE 1200 ignition and it was better but i also suggest getting the TC88A. What sucks is you have to buy the cables to program it seperately and they ain't cheap but it is nice being able to adjust the timing now. I loaded up a map done by Turbota on the XL Forum and it runs much better now. Pm me here or him over there and I/he can send the map to you.

 

I have an 07 i justed converted. Used the screaming eagle kit with heads. V & H short shots and a pcv tunner. It has developed a chirping noise when you crank it. Once it warms up it becomes faint but still there. Do i needto upgrade the ignition module even with the tunner?

 

What really gets me going is the folks who sell these kits know you need a new ignition, but neglect to tell you! A dealer who does $500 in parts conversion for $1500 w/o a new ignition should be called out! Dealers aren't the only folks hiding the truth...check this out:

http://www.nrhsperformance.com/ekit8831200.shtml

Take a look at the fine print here below the 100hp Dyno runs. Why wouldn't they tell you it also has bigger carbs, higher lift cams and a new ignition up front? Well then they wouldn't be able to sell the $500 conversion kits cuz they would actually cost thousands...

 

What octane gas are you running? I had an 883 that was converted to a 1200 and if I still used 87 octane it would ping bad, I started using 93 octane and the pinging went away. I still had the stock ignition.

 

10-1 compression is too much for regular fuel.
I have a trick for boosting octane that actually works. Add either acetone,xylene or toluene to your fuel. Start with a cup full. Let the bike run and see if it still pings.
Now before I get super flamed here I use the acetone trick to run 175 hp shots of nitrous through my mustang. It really does boost octane and as long as you don't exceed 1 quart per full tank there is no risk of fuel line deterioration.
Just a suggestion.

 

He said earlier that he always uses premium gas. I don't know about in the states but up here in Canada that means minimum 91 octane.

 

You had the work done by your dealer? Take it back and explain what you told us. Be polite!

 

HD no longer makes a performance ignition for an '06. You can't use one from a different year or your speedo will be way out.
I finally broke down and bought a TC88A for mine. But I was lucky enough to find a fellow on the XLF that lived here, knew what he was doing, and loaded the MAP for me.

Also, did they change your jets? Did they get it on a dyno or at least an A/F gauge?