I have a 883 that will be utlized as a project bike in the next few months. It has stage one upgrade. If this was my first bike I'd be happy with it but after a year or so would probably want to upgrade it to a larger bike/bigger engine. I've ridden two upon it and never had a problem although the longestride two upwas only an hour or so and not on the highway.I find I need to wind her up quite a bit more to get it going at the speeds I'm accustomed to accelerating at on a BT. Overall, it wouldn't be a bad choice to get back into riding with but I think you'll find yourself wishing for a 1200 in a couple of months. BTW - Even though the 1200 has more power you don't have to utilize it. Note - cheap enough to upgrade a 883 to a 1200 if you wnated to.

 

There is a bit more difference between the 883 and 1200 engines than the extra displacement.

Here is some information from Harley dealing with the new 'revised'Sportster EVO engines. (Talking aboutthe 2004+engines).

"The New Evolution

The XL Evolution V-Twin, that has powered the Sportster since 1986, is completely redesigned for 2004. The engine retains its traditional 45-degree cylinders, and the bore and stroke of the two engine models is unchanged, at 3.0 inches x 3.8 inches for the XL Evolution 883 and 3.5 inches x 3.8 inches for the XL Evolution 1200.

To enhance engine cooling, new cylinders and heads have larger fins while new oil jets are directed at the bottom of both pistons. New pistons have an improved high-speed ring pack designed to help extend upper-end life. Lighter pistons and connecting rods boost the Evolution 1200 redline from 5500 rpm to 6000 rpm. Many engine covers and gaskets have been changed to improve sealing. A new timing system uses the flywheel to determine engine speed timing, reducing engine complexity and enhancing calibration and spark delivery. The traditional XL Evolution timing cover is retained for styling purposes.

The XL Evolution 1200 engine has high-flow cylinder heads with an oil drain-back feature. The XL Evolution 1200 engine is also fitted with high-performance cams for enhanced torque output. Compression ratio is 9.7:1.

The XL Evolution engines have also been restyled, with a new look for the primary, sprocket and derby covers and a new shape for the classic oval air cleaner cover. New two-piece rocker box covers set the Evolution engines apart. The exhaust cross-over pipe is now hidden behind the mufflers to provide an uninhibited view of this beautiful engine.

The XL Evolution 883 engine is rated at 53 peak horsepower at 6000 rpm and 51 ft. lbs. of torque at 4300 rpm. The XL Evolution 1200 engine is rated at 70 peak horsepower at 6000 rpm and 79 ft. lbs. of torque at 3500 rpm, an increase of more than 15 percent over the previous XL Evolution 1200 engine."

 

The 1200 has around 50 hp, that isn't to much, that is to little.

HP is what gets you out of accidnets, not into them


That is assuming you aren't a speed demon.


No one that ever buys a 1200 wishes they go a 883

 

Nothing shabby about an 883. Personally, I went for the 1200 as friends of mine told me to over buy when it came to engine size and I do believe they were right. If you are the type that likes power and hashungerfor it like myself, go for the 1200.

Personally, the 1200 for me has gotten slow. Don't get me wrong, it is a fast bike but I want more!

troutspinner

 

No one coverts a 1200 to a 883.
Many convert a 883 into a 1200.

Go with the 1200.

 

Being a gear head, I went with an 883 with the intentions of making it at least a 1250 after the warranty is up. Buell can make a 1200 with well over 100hp, but the stock 1200 Sportster falls far short of that. After you factor in the extra price to make the 1200 Sportster make over 100 hp, you may have come ahead if you started with an 883. NHRS sells a 1250 kit for $750 for a 1250cc kit which will bury a stock 1200cc Sportster. Harley will hit you for an extra 2 grand just for the 1200. If you are mechanically inclined, it is a no brainer.

 

This was some what my theory to,it will eventually be done but I don't actually feel the need for it as I travel alot of twisty mountain/hilly roads and can only go so fast[8D]I travel 2 up on it like someone else said for about an hour ride and have no problem what so ever keeping up with my buds stock 04' 1200. He does have more power but really nothing eye popping.

 

That's a mean lookin scoot you got there EV080. I love the apes, and the paint is tough.

 

lmao buddy I dont want to sound like a smart *** and im not going to bust your chops , but I would suggest you go to nrhs web site and look at the dyno sheets then look at what is involved to get to 100hp.

 

I've read alot of posts from people who had an 883 and wished they had bought the 1200. I haven't read one post about anybody with a 1200 wishing they had bought an 883.