S&S Hooligan vs HD 883-1200 mod

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Jan 23, 2022 | 09:05 AM

Richnutt

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Joined: Jan 2022

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From: Minnesota

S&S Hooligan vs HD 883-1200 mod

Just purchased a 2013 883 Super-low. Took it to a local HD Dealership for a complete inspection. I talked with the dealership about installing the S&S Hooligan 883-1200 kit. They kept directing me toward the HD kit with ominous warnings about warranting the work and I would be responsible for labor if there was a parts failure on an the ‘after market product’. I felt they were pushing the HD kit on me for their own reasons. So opinions please.

Jan 23, 2022 | 09:17 AM

Cruisinferburgers

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From: Midwest

I have no experience with engine mods. But just remember, the dealer works for Harley-Davidson, the same people who have been building sportsters for some thirty years with a well documented deficient clutch part (aka: grenade plate). I had mine replaced as soon as I found out about it.

Jan 23, 2022 | 09:32 AM

Screamin beagle

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From: Granville New York

Go aftermarket..s&s, hammer performance to name a few. Then if you're not comfortable doing the work yourself find an indy with a good reputation and have them do the build for you. A good shop will stand behind their work. You get alot more bang and boom for the buck going aftermarket. I like to do all of my own work...I have one of the best warranty's in town lol.

Jan 23, 2022 | 11:31 AM

Old_Bikes

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From: NorCal

Naturally the dealer will push the HD kit, part of their bread and butter. I am not familiar with the S&S kit, but folks here on the forum have had luck with it. Check Hammer. I did a 1275 upgrade on my wife's 2005 and it went really well due to their comprehensive instructions and completeness of the kit. The bike runs great with carb and ignition set per their recommendations. Check out the site, there is a wealth of knowledge which can be helpful whether you use their kit or someone else's.

Jan 23, 2022 | 12:44 PM

smitty901

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So with a speach like that dealer just cleared it all up for you. Walk out find a good Indy and go aftermarket.

Jan 23, 2022 | 12:55 PM

bert111bel

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I'm also thinking about upgrading from 883 to 1200 cc but I think I'll go for S&S. Mine is a 2002 carb.

Jan 23, 2022 | 01:36 PM

aswracing

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Richnutt

If you're not doing the installation yourself, do yourself a GIANT favor and follow the advice of the shop doing the installation. That advice applies whether you go through an HD dealer or an independent shop. You want them invested in your success. If you put them in the position of doing something reluctantly, you're setting yourself up for problems. If anything goes wrong, you may very well get caught in the middle of a finger-pointing contest between the kit maker and the installer.

No surprise that an HD dealer wants you to use the HD kit. That's what they're familiar with and comfortable selling and installing. They probably have good margins on it as well.

An independent shop will most likely want to put you into an S&S kit. S&S has built their business around selling through independent shops. Their products are readily available through distribution, and independent shops have decent margins on them.

You want one place to hold responsible for the result. That's incredibly important. I could tell you some stories ...