I have a 1991 Sportster 883 that I have upgraded to 1200.

With the 883 Sportster I was pulling a trailer that weighs 150 lbs empty but with camping gear for 2 people for 2 weeks plus a full cooler of ice drinks & food.

MY question is,

How much weight is the 1200 upgrade sportster able to pull ? ? ?[/SIZE]

 

Not a lot......I'd say 300lbs at the most including the trailer.........

 

Here, this is out of the service manual.............

 

The bump in HP/TQ will help you when pulling a trailer, however, the frame is still the same. That's what your hitch is mounted to, not the motor. Personally, I wouldn't hang a trailer on a Sportster. Your scoot, do with it what you want.

 

Besides the power in the motor, remember the braking ability when deciding what to do with the service manual 300lb recommendation. Just because you have power to pull it doesn't mean you have power to stop it....safely.

 

Not sure about your bike but my manual explicitly says NOT to pull a trailer with a motorcycle.

 

I am a member on another forum called Soviet Steeds, not that it matters but it is dedicated to a 40hp bike called a Ural. It is a 750cc bike that several people pull trailers with the tech on that bike is old super old, still uses drum brakes on the back. I sportster with the 883 motor has more than enough power to pull a trailer, at least one made for a motorcycle. And for stoping just give yourself extra room and maybe rig up a braking system on the trailer, wouldn't be to hard.

 

My manual on page one says;

Take a rider training course.
read owners manual before riding.....
wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing.
never tow a trailer.

The next paragraph says;
Do not use aftermarket parts... ...could result in death or serious injury.

REALLY??? using aftermarket parts could cause death?