Jarred Ashley
Abingdon, VA
just purchased a 17 883 Sportster, she's completely stock (for the moment). I'm looking to add exhaust, heavy breather, and a tach for the time being.


First time Harley owner, 3rd bike I've riden. Looking for rider reviews and insight other than a dealer. I have good dealers close by that have all the info I need but if I can do it myself, I will.

 

I'd ride it for a thousand miles or so before you start modifying it. I've known more than a few riders who spent more time modifying, and re-tuning for said mods, than they spent riding their machines. Might as well get some riding time in before late fall/winter hits. Just my zero cents worth...

 

This.

It will also make your mods more worthwhile if you can actually see a difference after spending some time on stock parts.

 

This was my initial thinking as well, put some miles on it, break it in, resupply the wallet and tune up while the snows flying. Plus give me something to do to avoid cabin fever. I just like to have all my homework done prior to diving into something.


Recently did some work on my Tacoma and halfway through discovered I needed new alignment cams...she sat on blocks for 2 weeks waiting on parts. Don't want the same mistake happen with this.

 

Best coin I spent on my iron was adding a 1200 kit to it. I would agree with the others who posted, ride it stock for a bit and you will really appreciate the upgrades later. My 1# vote is 1200 kit over winter while bike is not being ridden as much (or at all depending on your location and willingness to deal with the cold). I would say 1200 kit before anything else minus contact points if they bother you.

However you may not ever want the 1200 kit if you find after riding for a while you are fine with the 883.... I bought my bike in tune and had the 1200 kit installed in July

 

Your bike should have a display for rpms in each gear. Close enough to a tach for me.

 

You know if you do air intake AND exhaust, you will need a tuner, right? Not optional. (You could get it dyno'd or flashed instead, but get a tuner and thank me later).

 

That xrappy little tach may float your boat but, it's no substitute for the real deal.

combo tach/speedo units are cool too but, the real deal still cant be beat.