Help me customize my 883!

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Dec 31, 2015 | 11:18 PM

#11

Bend Iron

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 118

Likes: 10

From: Bend Or

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madison Bill

Bring it back and get a 1200. That's what you will want soon. Why does anyone buy a 883 anyway? Just a question. Soon after they buy it they want a 1250 kit from Hammer. Not saying this to be mean just don't understand.

So what you are saying is that my K1200RS is not enough bike and one should NEVER want a little scoot for running around town. Just one example of arrogance folks!

Jan 1, 2016 | 03:22 AM

#12

Dane M

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2015

Posts: 951

Likes: 46

From: Santa Barbara, California

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madison Bill

I had come to understand that you could squeeze more performance out of an 883 with modification than you could a 1200. But maybe I'm wrong. 883 is lower price than a 1200, and allows you the option later to upgrade to 1250 or w/e upgrade kit, which then puts you at about the same price as a 1200 anyways.

Love my 883, and I really look forward to eventually converting to 1250 when I can afford to. It will be a good project for me and a good learning experience.

Jan 1, 2016 | 05:04 AM

#13

Scott Grout

Advanced

Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 57

Likes: 2

From: Baltimore, MD

Why all the hate for the Iron? IMO, it is all about personal preference and what you want out of your ride. I like the style of the Iron. When I was in the market it was a toss between the Iron & the 48. The major thing that pushed me away from the 48 was the tank size.

I love my Iron as it does everything I need, at this time. I just use it to buzz around town as much as I can, because I love to ride. I am in my forty's and this is my first bike. I should have started earlier in life but, other things in my life took precedence. I am happy I finally was able to start now. I just joined my local HOG chapter and plan to participate as much as I can. In a few years my needs/wants may change an I will get a BT, but I will most likely keep the Iron.

But, I was told to just ride the bike for a while and the bike will tell you what it wants. I have been doing that and adding/modding the bike along the way. I am a mechanical person and love to work with my hands so being able to do my own mods is awesome.

Last edited by Scott Grout; Jan 1, 2016 at 05:09 AM. Reason: Forgot stuff.

Jan 1, 2016 | 08:09 AM

#14

cvaria

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 12,367

Likes: 2,215

From: Tallahassee, Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dane M

No. Once you slap on those jugs... you have a snarling and snorting new bike..... night and day difference. Fun factor jumps through the roof. Especially if you keep the 883 gearing. I made no performance mods until after i converted. Everything prior was aesthetic.

thats why i'm suggesting op just ride and enjoy.

883 isnt cheaper honestly it only cost more if you go to the dealer... there's always someone who went to the dealer and bought a 1200 then rode it a few time before burying it in the garage.

Search the forum, there was a guy a few months back yelling about how he was going to buy a 2016 48 becaise he had money and eneded up using his noodle and saved thousands getting a used bike after taking ego out of the equation. Hell i almost did it wth my dyna.

9-10k for an 883 insane. 5-7k reasonable for late used models. Oddly, same amout for 1200s in the 07-12 range with comparable milage. Search eBay and craigslist. They are just sitting there, just gotta find one that no one has performed monkey business on. 1250 kits and other garage f**kery. Thats your job. You dont want someone elses nonsense and fkups.

I cring everytime i see an add for some bike with a long list of mods and feel sorry for the schmuck that ultimately buys the bike.

Last edited by cvaria; Jan 1, 2016 at 09:42 AM.

Jan 1, 2016 | 09:16 AM

#15

Justin Lynn

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 123

Likes: 3

From: Kentucky

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madison Bill

I bought my 883 because I wanted to build up to the 1200. Initially, it seemed like a more cost effective route since I can do all my own mechanical work. Now I'm kinda leaning towards the max performance route and that's actually really expensive. In the end I will have way more money tied up in this bike but I will have a much more powerful sportster as a result. Kinda wishing I was working with a 48 though.

Jan 1, 2016 | 09:27 AM

#16

Justin Lynn

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 123

Likes: 3

From: Kentucky

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bend Iron

I just got my 2016 883 Iron home. I know there are a few things I`d like to do right away. Any input as to what I should/need to do to get the most fun out of this bike. Where to source parts etc. Mostly interested in these things:
aux light bar w/ amber markers up front
aux tail/brake light, modulated
small hard leather saddle bags
small windscreen
pillion and sissy bar (part time when wifey wants to go for a ride)
air cleaner (the round black one is boring and my guess is aftermarket will give perf. benefits?)

What am I missing?

Thanks Guys and Gals!

I say black that thing out

Smoked Lens covers

Gonna need the red 1157 bulbs from Harley though.

Blacked out upper fork covers

Get some new handlebars. Some mini apes are much more comfortable. If you like the sporty, leaned over feel go lower or keep what you've got. Contrary to what Harley will tell you, to install mini apes, all you need is a new brake line, everything else till extend up to allow you to bolt on 10" mini apes. Gonna need a 68" brake line.

Get some new grips, these are easy to install, takes about 30 minutes with a set of allen keys and a can of WD-40. If you buy grips off ebay, use the WD-40 to take your throttle sleeve out of your OEM grips and put it into the aftermarket ones, makes them work and fit just like the OEM ones. Oh and get a tube of grip glue from Harley while your there, a little of that stuff goes a long way.

Last edited by Justin Lynn; Jan 1, 2016 at 09:34 AM. Reason: Clarification

Jan 1, 2016 | 11:04 AM

#17

hscic

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2014

Posts: 4,890

Likes: 553

From: USA

Ditto to Guzzi and Cool Inferno...DK Customs has quality stuff and great customer service.

Safety first...your lighting, riding position and comfort (i.e. seat, shocks, handlebar, etc). Before you do any performance mods, be sure it will not void warranty.