I know this has been beat to death but I'm looking to convert my 2005 883 to a 1200. I'm thinking I'm going to get a set of KB or weisco 1200 pistons and have my stock cylinders bored out and replace all of my top end gaskets. My only questions is that with this swap will I need to replace my ignition and upgrade my clutch? Also any opinions as to which set of pistons to get? Thanks

 

Read this (Hammer Performance, Converting and XL883.) It will give you all the information you need and answer all those questions.

I can personally vouch that Hammer's kits work out really well.

 

^^^Ditto^^^

Good advice and another w/same recommendation. Alot less headache & hassle...IMO.

 

If you decide to buy your own pistons, beware! Converting an 883 to 1200 cannot be done using normal Sporty 1200 pistons, because of the different combustion chamber size in your engine. You need to ensure you get pistons suitable for making that conversion. If you have a competent Harley shop nearby they should confirm that.

Hammer are very popular in here and there are plenty of members who have used their 1250 kits. If you use Advanced Search for '1250' you will find a few excellent threads on installing that conversion.

 

Madnss posted a superdeal in another thread that was was probably overlooked due to nonsense, and now a closed thread. Hammer Blems

 

If I just did the stock 1200 Pistons would I need to upgrade my clutch and ignition?

 

You can't do just stock 1200 pistons. The compression ratio of those under 883 heads will be way too high. You would only be able to run ultra high octane race gas.

You can do 1200 conversion pistons. These are dished to allow for a reduction in compression ratio back to stock (anywhere from 9-10:1 depending on choice).

You would definitely need to change the clutch spring as the 883 has a lighter spring that won't hold up to 1200 power levels. You would also need a way to adjust the ignition curve to a conversion friendly ratio.

For a 2005 bike, I would highly recommend the Daytona Twin Tec TC88A.

 

Personally, Id buy the Hammer kit. Thats what I plan on doing. Plus, you get great tech assistance from them...