Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

883 Upgrade?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 13, 2005 | 01:15 PM
  #11  
AZFlyingDiver's Avatar
AZFlyingDiver
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: 883 Upgrade?

If you haven't - consider doing Stage 1 first (mufflers/pipes, high flow air cleaner, carb re-jet). You'll realize a significant performance boost, especially in low-end torque. Plus it'll SOUND great. Then consider the 883/1200 conversion. For an idea of what's entailed, check out www.nrhsperformance.com They're extremely capable, and also helpful over the phone even if you may not end up doing business with them (although highly recommended - they really specialize in Sportys and conversions). Having a dealer do it is an option, but results can be iffy (very good or not so good) depending on the expertise of the "luck of the draw" tech who ends up doing the work. And dealers aren't referred to as "stealers" without good reason ($1200+ for a simple conversion). You can do everything from doing a simple bore-out and new pistons/rings (as low as $800 out the door if you shop around for a good indy shop), or new jugs, pistons/rings, cams, head work, ignition...). But if all you're looking for is a little more oomph and that "Harley sound", you can do a LOT with Stage 1... Good luck!
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2005 | 01:23 PM
  #12  
AZFlyingDiver's Avatar
AZFlyingDiver
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: 883 Upgrade?

Oh yeah, as far as performance upgrades, don't forget suspension. You may have already noticed that the stock shocks aren't the greatest (maybe a little bottoming out going 2-up?). Folks like Progressive Suspension make shocks in 11" - 13+" lengths, and also fork spring kits, that can really improve your handling. Most mentioned shocks are the Progressive 412s for their value/performance (with Progressive also making the 418s and 440s, with better and better performance and tunable characteristics). And the Progressive fork springs, along with using, say, 15w BelRay fork oil, makes for a much more controlled front-end with also pretty much eliminating the front end dive at stops... Keep researching - there's a lot out there! Good luck!
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2005 | 02:42 PM
  #13  
bobzharley41's Avatar
bobzharley41
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
Default RE: 883 Upgrade?

Stage 1 sound like maybe thats the way to start,whts a ball park price for that?
 
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2005 | 03:35 PM
  #14  
MegaHDman's Avatar
MegaHDman
Banned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 802
Likes: 3
From:
Default RE: 883 Upgrade?


ORIGINAL: bobzharley41

Stage 1 sound like maybe thats the way to start,whts a ball park price for that?
If you want a quality A/C stay away from the "Screamin Eagle" kit. Look at the NRHS A/C, its 100% worth the pennies: http://www.nrhsperformance.com/parts...p%20Sportsters Takes about 5 minutes to install. Doing this A/C a good set of exhaust slip-ons and a carb kit will run you about $500. And you can install it all yourself with a few simple tools.
 
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2006 | 09:20 AM
  #15  
Kdog2112's Avatar
Kdog2112
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: 883 Upgrade?

its worth it in every aspect! best upgrade you can do to an 883.....will cost about 1100 from a dealer on winter special and will cost 800 if you pay a local mechanic(private) and 500 if you do it yourself and just buy the parts....
 
Reply
Old Feb 15, 2006 | 09:31 PM
  #16  
XL OCD's Avatar
XL OCD
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: 883 Upgrade?

Do BOTH! If you're happy with the 883, don't ride with other guys who ride fast, and aren't a speed freak, then leave the 883 alone and just pay your taxes. If you want the extra power, the 1200 conversion is well worth it, but it's senseless to do that without paying the taxes too.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
myvalk
Sportster Models
7
May 27, 2011 06:21 PM
alanmoser
Sportster Models
22
May 27, 2011 12:37 AM
Cola Harley
Sportster Models
43
Sep 22, 2008 10:22 PM
usarmyharley
Sportster Models
29
May 6, 2008 10:13 AM
anubisss
General Harley Davidson Chat
7
Jan 15, 2007 02:39 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:27 AM.

story-0
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-3
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-6
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-7
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-8
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE