is an 883 enough?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
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RE: is an 883 enough?
ORIGINAL: Zimbob
All very good points, however, you can get an 883 that will keep up with your buddies for less $$$ than a 1200. ( may take a few ticks more to get there though, but who cares ) If you spend the extra difference in $$$ on a 1200 kit, you'll have a 1200 that will eat the other 1200's at will. ( ask me how i know ) As for the 883 hauling you around, sure, it will take you anywhere you want to go. It will have enough power, comfort is another matter though.
Either way you go, 883 or 1200, there are so many products on the market that you can make it into whatever style bike you want, long distance ... no problem, bar hopper ... got it covered, show stopper ... yes you can, rat bike ... can do that too, or anything inbetween.
I wouldn't worry about an 883 hauling you, it will with no trouble. If you're going to buy a bike, get the one that YOU want, not the one that makes others happy, they don't have to ride the thing, or pay for it.
Get what you like, take the MFS course, ride happy.
All very good points, however, you can get an 883 that will keep up with your buddies for less $$$ than a 1200. ( may take a few ticks more to get there though, but who cares ) If you spend the extra difference in $$$ on a 1200 kit, you'll have a 1200 that will eat the other 1200's at will. ( ask me how i know ) As for the 883 hauling you around, sure, it will take you anywhere you want to go. It will have enough power, comfort is another matter though.
Either way you go, 883 or 1200, there are so many products on the market that you can make it into whatever style bike you want, long distance ... no problem, bar hopper ... got it covered, show stopper ... yes you can, rat bike ... can do that too, or anything inbetween.
I wouldn't worry about an 883 hauling you, it will with no trouble. If you're going to buy a bike, get the one that YOU want, not the one that makes others happy, they don't have to ride the thing, or pay for it.
Get what you like, take the MFS course, ride happy.
Probably the best post written in this particular thread so far.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 115
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RE: is an 883 enough?
If money's no object, get the 1200.If it is,you'll stillbe happy with the 883 and it's economy of soul. '07 leftover's of either size will be reduced in price now, making the 1200 even more doable.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Ozark Country
RE: is an 883 enough?
ORIGINAL: Zeb
The 1200's are bigger than the 1100's that came stock with some of the 'Big Twins' of the 70's, and they take away from the original concept that a Sportster was supposed to originally be, IMO.
The 1200's are bigger than the 1100's that came stock with some of the 'Big Twins' of the 70's, and they take away from the original concept that a Sportster was supposed to originally be, IMO.
There were none that I can recall from that period.
Here is some information from the "History of HD", where they list all of their engines;
The Big V-Twins
[ul][*]Flathead, 1930-1948 (1,200 ccm) and 1935-41 (1,300 ccm).[*]Knucklehead, 1936-47 61 cubic inches (1,000 ccm), and 1941-47 74 cubic inches (1,200 ccm)[*]Panhead, 1948-52 61 cubic inches (1,000 ccm), and 1948-65, 74 cubic inches (1,200 ccm)[*]Shovelhead, 1966-85, 74 cubic inches (1,200 ccm) and 82 cubic inches (1,345 ccm) since late 1978[*]Evolution (aka "Evo" and "Blockhead"), 1984-99, 82 cubic inches (1,345 ccm)[*]Twin Cam 88 (aka "Fathead") 1999-2006, 88 cubic inches (1,443 ccm)[*]Twin Cam 88B (counter balanced version of the Twin Cam 88) 2000-2006, 88 cubic inches (1,443 ccm)[*]Twin Cam 96, 2006-present, 96 cubic inches (1,584 ccm) [/ul]
The Small V-Twins
[ul][*]D Model, 1929-31, 750 cc[*]R Model, 1932-36, 750 cc[*]W Model, 1937-52, 750 cc, solo (2 wheel) frame only)[*]G (Servi-Car) Model, 1932-73, 750 cc[*]K Model, 1952-53, 750 cc[*]KH Model, 1954-56, 900 cc[*]Ironhead, 1957-1970 (900 cc), 1971-85 (1000 cc)[*]Evolution, 1986-present, 883, 1,100 and 1,200 cc [/ul]
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 259
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From: Wichita Falls, Texas
RE: is an 883 enough?
Zep and TestFlyer both make good points IMO. $$$ is the deciding factor. It goes both ways though. I personally think the 1200 brings more in resale value and if the time comes will be easier to (re)sell. Take all the advice and do what is right for you.
TestFlyer said it best... no matter what you get, you will always want more. I come from the Jeepin world and our caveat is lift. 4 inches of lift puts you in the clouds at first... but soon after that, we wish we would have springed for the 6" kit. lol.....
TestFlyer said it best... no matter what you get, you will always want more. I come from the Jeepin world and our caveat is lift. 4 inches of lift puts you in the clouds at first... but soon after that, we wish we would have springed for the 6" kit. lol.....
Banned
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,349
Likes: 2
From: Appling GA
RE: is an 883 enough?
i dont wanna fight over the 1200 remarks, the small dinkus remarks got me fired up!
size dont matter...besides im huge anyways
size dont matter...besides im huge anyways
ORIGINAL: Zeb
If you want a real Sportster with accurate historical implications, get the 883. If you want a larger motor, why get a 1200? get a Super Glide instead.
I know I'll probably get a lot of flack for saying this, but IMO they shouldn't even call the 1200's "Sportsters" anyway, as far as I'm concerned. A "Sportster XE" or something like that maybe, or perhaps even a "Sportster Glide" or something like that, but not a Sportster, IMO. The 1200's are bigger than the 1100's that came stock with some of the 'Big Twins' of the 70's, and they take away from the original concept that a Sportster was supposed to originally be, IMO.
If you think yougot a small dinkus and you think you therefore have to have a bigger motor all the time to try and compensate for it, well thenget the 1200 if you'll feel your manhood is threatened with the 883.
That's the way I feel about it, and for now anyway, I'm sticking to it.
Okay, line up and take yer shots, 1200 owners...
If you want a real Sportster with accurate historical implications, get the 883. If you want a larger motor, why get a 1200? get a Super Glide instead.
I know I'll probably get a lot of flack for saying this, but IMO they shouldn't even call the 1200's "Sportsters" anyway, as far as I'm concerned. A "Sportster XE" or something like that maybe, or perhaps even a "Sportster Glide" or something like that, but not a Sportster, IMO. The 1200's are bigger than the 1100's that came stock with some of the 'Big Twins' of the 70's, and they take away from the original concept that a Sportster was supposed to originally be, IMO.
If you think yougot a small dinkus and you think you therefore have to have a bigger motor all the time to try and compensate for it, well thenget the 1200 if you'll feel your manhood is threatened with the 883.
That's the way I feel about it, and for now anyway, I'm sticking to it.
Okay, line up and take yer shots, 1200 owners...
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
RE: is an 883 enough?
Can't really tell you that an 833 would be "enough", but will echo many of the replies that the 1200 sure isn't going to be "too much". Rode a little 250 Rebel for years, finally broke down and bought the XL1200C this May.
I absolutely love it, am extremely comfortable with it. Headed to Sturgis in early August for a few days, about a 700 (one way) ride. Can hardly wait!
I absolutely love it, am extremely comfortable with it. Headed to Sturgis in early August for a few days, about a 700 (one way) ride. Can hardly wait!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 551
Likes: 1
From: braintree ma
RE: is an 883 enough?
my 883 hauls my big 250lb *** allover its my third sportster i had 2 ,1100s from the old days . the bike is 04, what inprovement from the old days it has rubber mts which make it more comfortable for the long runs and the 883 are realy dependable, for the money its a great bike .mine gets around 57 mpg on the highway and 45or so in the city if i dont jump on it. the problem with it is the stock tank is to small! just go and enjoy the ride good luck
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Georgia Mountains
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 421
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
RE: is an 883 enough?
I remember an old car saying my dad use to tell me....there is no replacement for displacement. IMO spend a few bucks more up front for the 1200. Sure you can convert the 883 to a 1200, but if you ever sell it the resale will not be the same. Also how can the standard conversion 1200 eat standard 1200's at will?????? My 1200 is a sportster contrary to what others believe.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
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From: Wheeling, WV
RE: is an 883 enough?
ORIGINAL: mstakern
Also how can the standard conversion 1200 eat standard 1200's at will??????
Also how can the standard conversion 1200 eat standard 1200's at will??????
I was very surprised with the change after the conversion to say the least. Just for an example, I had said in another thread that I had my converted bike doing (by speedo) around 115 mph in fourth gear (and not at the rev limiter yet) blowing some crotch rockets away from a green light. Stock 1200's will be toping out when I'm ready to shift to fifth....But I'm not endorsing that anyone do what I had done.
