I have a 1996 Sporty 883. I love my bike, but I want to breathe new life into her and I think the 1200 conversion would be the perfect way to do that. I plan to take my cylinders in to have them bored because it is cheaper than buying new cylinders. What I need to know is which of the following piston kits do I need to buy??




I don't know which is best. I think I want the 10:1 compression ratio, but don't really know what is best.

Also, For the base and head gaskets, what do I get? Do I use 883 Base gaskets with 1200 head? Or both 1200? I'm confused!

Thanks!!!

 

Check out these guys before you commit to a build. I think you'll find the cost is extremely competitive: http://hammerperf.com/xlbigborekits.shtml

They also do discounts for certain forums.

 

Do yourself a favour, goto the Hammer Performance site and down the left hand side of the home page you will see a button called "garage sale". in there they have 1250 kits for $499 i believe. this way you will be able to keep your 883 set up if you ever want to go back.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I don't think going back will ever be on the menu. What is the difference between 10:1 compression at 49cc and the 30 degree at 63 or 65cc?

 

The cc measurements are for your head chamber volume. Your stock 1996 XL883 heads are 49.5cc displacement. Unless you plan to go with headwork/machining, you should get the 10:1 stock reverse dome pistons.

I have the 30-degree pistons that are set up for 10.5:1 @ 61cc displacement. To get this, Hammer machined out the heads to match the pistons. This increased my chamber volume from the old 49.5cc to the new 61cc to give me the proper compression.

If you don't match the piston dome/dish to your head volume, you will get a massively different compression ratio. For instance flat top pistons are 9:1 @67cc, which is a stock XL1200 bike. Throw those same pistons on a stock XL883 and you suddenly have over 11:1 compression ratio!!

 

Whoa! Thanks! So I want the stock ones because I don't plan on doing any headwork.

My next question is what else is necessary for this? Can I use the stock carb and just re-jet it? Do I need anything else for it to work properly? I read about having to change the timing. Is that difficult to do?

 

Go read their "Converting an XL883" article here: http://hammerperf.com/883conversions.shtml

It should cover all your questions.

 

Oh, DUH! Sorry, I didn't see that. I was reading the instructions page and didn't see this one! Thank you!!!



Also, I was looking at the "Garage Sale" Section and the only selection for the 1250 kit is for '04 and up (Big Fin). The left column says it should fit my bike, but you can only choose the '04 and up style. Would it even fit my bike?

Oh, I just read it... They'll fit haha.