When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I decided to embark on this journey to complete a mid glide conversion on my 2019 Iron 883. All of the related threads I could find are at least 5 years old, so I decided why not document the process in case anyone else might want to do the conversion with some updated information. I don't know EVERYTHING that needs to be done, but I think I have a good idea on how to start. If anyone has any advice or tips, feel free to chime in. Thanks in advance!
Anyway, I've decided to go with the Vulcan Works triple tree conversion, since it seems to be a good starting point for what I need. I would prefer a completed front end from a 48, but I can't seem to find any. It comes with a headlight mount, crown nut, fork stem, axle, axle spacer, disc spacer for 2000 & up ball bearing wheels, fender spacers, and stem spacers. I plan on using my 39mm forks from my Iron, since they can be directly swapped and I don't feel like buying another set. I believe that I can re-use the brakes (caliper, disc, etc.) from my Iron as well, so more money saved. I think the biggest issue will be the spacers and buying a wheel. I'm going to stick with a 3" wheel to match the rear. I haven't decided on the diameter yet. I've also found the parts list for the front end of a 2019 48 (XL1200X), so I'll be using that as a reference for spacers that I might need, versus having a shop machine some for me. I plan on doing the whole job myself (hopefully) to save on labor. Hopefully, if I use the 48 spacers on my setup everything will line up perfectly.
You may already be aware that the 2019 48 you are referencing uses 49mm fork tubes right ?
I would expect there to be a difference in the spacers, but I could be wrong. Might want to
consult RonniesHD microfiche to compare the spacers from a 39mm tube 48 from 2015 to
the 2016+ 48 that uses the 49mm tubes. If you're lucky, they will be the same...
You may already be aware that the 2019 48 you are referencing uses 49mm fork tubes right ?
I would expect there to be a difference in the spacers, but I could be wrong. Might want to
consult RonniesHD microfiche to compare the spacers from a 39mm tube 48 from 2015 to
the 2016+ 48 that uses the 49mm tubes. If you're lucky, they will be the same...
UPDATE: I decided not to go with Vulcan Works, and instead go with OEM parts. I compared the prices between the Vulcan kit and HD parts, and although going OEM is a little more expensive, I feel more comfortable going this route. Here is the total for the parts I ordered from New Castle HD. The only things I haven't ordered are the tire and the bottom mount headlight bucket. If anyone wishes to follow, keep in mind that these are the upper and lower trees for a 2015 XL1200X, so that I can use my 2019 XL883N 39mm forks. Newer XL1200Xs (Sportster 48) use 49mm forks. I went with the newer 48 cast wheel too, because I'm not a big fan of spoked wheels and 16x3 front wheels are actually pretty hard to find. Now the waiting game....
Last edited by Njavier03; May 17, 2020 at 07:44 PM.
If you got the 2011-later "Custom" Model Mid-glide Trees, they would be slightly cheaper and have Std Riser mounting holes (NO restrictions) ... but they would be Silver
I accidentally deleted some stuff in my edit so in Summary after checking a bit further ...
The 2018-Ltr Custom model Top Tree is Black and is the same as the 48, but without the Integral Risers and is Cheaper ... (they use the same Lower Tree)
.
Last edited by multihdrdr; May 17, 2020 at 10:18 PM.
I accidentally deleted some stuff in my edit so in Summary after checking a bit further ...
The 2018-Ltr Custom model Top Tree is Black and is the same as the 48, but without the Integral Risers and is Cheaper ... (they use the same Lower Tree)
.
Hmmm....I did not know that. The XL1200C? I couldn't find the part number for the top tree on Ronnie's, but I think its 45966-04?
Last edited by Njavier03; May 17, 2020 at 11:53 PM.
NOTE: That Top Tree will also include mounts for the 2011-later Visor which has a wider spacing than your Iron Visor ... The 48 Tree won't have any mounts at all
.
Last edited by multihdrdr; May 18, 2020 at 01:27 AM.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
Build Thread: Iron 883 Mid Glide Conversion
