883 v. 1200
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: 883 v. 1200
If finances are a little tight what's wrong with a low mileage, used 1200. I don't consider my finances tight and I bought my 05 1200 C when it was a year old. I figure the original owner lost appx $2,000.00 - $2,500.00 the one year they owned it. I have no problem recognizing a good deal and saving some money, why not your friend? I bought it two years ago this month and the kelly blue book today told me the bike was worth $382.00 more than I paid for it two years ago !!! Tell your friend to talk to his credit union or bank and see if he can get a pre-approved loan.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 673
Likes: 1
From: Brentwood TN
RE: 883 v. 1200
The 1200 has more than a little more power than a 883. About 40% more torque in the 2K-4K range. It's like the difference in buying a 6cyl car vs a V8. Same car, totally different performance.
Ric
Ric
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 883 v. 1200
That's incredible gas mileage. I have a Fat Bob and felt pretty proud of my 42/43 mpg, but 50 or 60? Wow.
As far as I'm concerned, if it's manufactured by HD, it's a Harley. I've seen some of the posts on here about other Harley and non-Harley owners looking down on Sportsters, and frankly, that's just stupid, in my opinion.
Does anyone know whether there's an appreciable difference between the stock exhaust sound on the 883C versus the 1200C? That's one of his big sticking points, as with many of us. He wants that HD rumble.
As far as I'm concerned, if it's manufactured by HD, it's a Harley. I've seen some of the posts on here about other Harley and non-Harley owners looking down on Sportsters, and frankly, that's just stupid, in my opinion.
Does anyone know whether there's an appreciable difference between the stock exhaust sound on the 883C versus the 1200C? That's one of his big sticking points, as with many of us. He wants that HD rumble.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
From:
RE: 883 v. 1200
883 is smoother, runs great on 87 octane, is a loss leader for dealers (which also depresses the used price), and is easier to sell used. 1200 has more power,costs more to buy and ride, and will command a higher resale price. Either way, you get the best looking classic ride on the road.
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From:
RE: 883 v. 1200
I think it is a good idea to buy what he can afford. My '07 1200R gets 35 mpg average but I am not easy on the throttle.
If he decides to convert an 883 to a 1200 he will not have the same power as a newer stock 1200 unless he gets bigger valves.
If he decides to convert an 883 to a 1200 he will not have the same power as a newer stock 1200 unless he gets bigger valves.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 883 v. 1200
I have an '07 883 and would add that it is good on back roads, but I wish it had more power on the slab and on long uphills. But on back roads, it is fine, and if I watch the rpms to keep the motor happy it is pretty smooth. Also, 883 might be cheaper to insure?