Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
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883/1200 Conversion Questions

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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 11:07 AM
  #1  
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Default 883/1200 Conversion Questions

Hello folks. I am not new to the bike world, but I am new to this forum and new owner of a 99 Sportster. I could use some
advice from you veterans please.

I have a 883 and want to get a 1200 conversion. I've seen them on the HD site for around $1100 and other online sites
for a little less. Where do you recommend is the best deal, reputable online shops? Ebay?

Also, any do's and don'ts you'd like to pass along regarding thisconversionwould be appreciated.



Thanks.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 11:49 AM
  #2  
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Default RE: 883/1200 Conversion Questions

I would recommend new 1200 jugs, Buell Thunderstorm heads and pistons, and a new cam. You can get all this stuff from your dealer and you're basically putting off the shelf stock Buell stuff on your bike. You'll have a strong build with great reliability. To do the conversion right, you'll need to buy heads anyway. You can get the TS heads ready to use for less than $600. Don't forget to budget for a new ignition module and probably pipes as well.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 12:33 PM
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Default RE: 883/1200 Conversion Questions

From doing a lot of reading on here before I did my conversion I hear that the TS heads are really good. I have on 06 and upgraded mine with SE heads that came complete with internals. I priced how much stock 1200 heads were (didn't come with internals) and after adding the price of internals they were more expensive than the SE heads(with internals) so I went with them. I also went with 1200 jugs and slugs 10:5:1 comp. and SE cams .551 lift. SE ignition module.....basically SE everything all from the stealership. Out the door was close to 3K but you can piece a kit together for a lot less and if you are ok with doing the work yourself, do it. Good luck on the build.
 
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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 07:09 PM
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Default RE: 883/1200 Conversion Questions

Do it...I did ...love it
 
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Old Apr 28, 2008 | 07:45 PM
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Default RE: 883/1200 Conversion Questions

You don't need to buy heads you have a perfectly good set of heads now you just need them ported.
Before you do anything call HeadQuarters they willdo the whole job and it will make 85HP at the rear wheel with stock cams.
Remember bigger is not always better, HQ engines will start making HP and Torque down low in the RPM range and makes the bike very fun to ride!!!
If you want to run on the redline all the time go TS and big cams, if you ride like a normal person give HQ a try.
I have one of there kits in one of my Spotsters andhighly recomend there products.
 
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