1200 vs 883 power difference
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
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1200 vs 883 power difference
I'm shopping for my first Harley, which I'll be using for dry commuting about 8 months out of the year. The riding will be 99% solo, windshield and saddle bags, with occasional weekend jaunts of undetermined distance with my wife (our combined weight: 360lbs. naked) (won't be riding naked) (usually).
My question here is what exactly does the 883 give up to the 1200 in general use? My riding style could be described as "spirited", but I have no interest in racing anyone, nor am I out to prove anything (anymore). I want a Harley because it reminds me of my Cummins - good, useful torque, down low and mid-range, right where I really want it. I want to buy this bike once, and spend some $ on paint and chrome over time, to make it "mine", and to help functionally. I don't want to trade up later, and I've read more than a few people here stating that the 883 is plenty. So let's hear from those who've had or spent time on both: 883, or 1200?
My question here is what exactly does the 883 give up to the 1200 in general use? My riding style could be described as "spirited", but I have no interest in racing anyone, nor am I out to prove anything (anymore). I want a Harley because it reminds me of my Cummins - good, useful torque, down low and mid-range, right where I really want it. I want to buy this bike once, and spend some $ on paint and chrome over time, to make it "mine", and to help functionally. I don't want to trade up later, and I've read more than a few people here stating that the 883 is plenty. So let's hear from those who've had or spent time on both: 883, or 1200?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 5
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: 1200 vs 883 power difference
There's a MAJOR difference, especially in two-up riding.
I ride a 1200, my sister an 883. I've had the chance to ride both on MANY occaisions. The difference is night and day. Straight up, the 1200 out-performs it by far. Size wise they're pretty similar, but when it comes to the engine and how it performs in any situation, there's a very noticable difference.
Nothin against 883s, it's just a fact.
I ride a 1200, my sister an 883. I've had the chance to ride both on MANY occaisions. The difference is night and day. Straight up, the 1200 out-performs it by far. Size wise they're pretty similar, but when it comes to the engine and how it performs in any situation, there's a very noticable difference.
Nothin against 883s, it's just a fact.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: 1200 vs 883 power difference
The factory horsepower and torque rating for the 2004+ EVO Sportsters are as follows;
1200
70 Horsepower at 6,000 RPM
79 Pounds of Torque at 3,500 RPM
883
53 Horsepower at 6,000 RPM
51 Pounds of Torque at 4,300 RPM
(These figures are for 'peak crank horsepower and torque', and of course the rear wheel figures would be much lower).
1200
70 Horsepower at 6,000 RPM
79 Pounds of Torque at 3,500 RPM
883
53 Horsepower at 6,000 RPM
51 Pounds of Torque at 4,300 RPM
(These figures are for 'peak crank horsepower and torque', and of course the rear wheel figures would be much lower).
6th Gear
Joined: May 2008
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RE: 1200 vs 883 power difference
I have recently sold my custom sporty( MI and 4 heart operations and implant)----90rwhp--lowered ,raked,chromed and winner of many shows and races--go to bikershangout :PRIMETIME and Kingfish-----------could no longer ride it. just got my 3rd 883---SE stage 1----i love it!!! If you need more than this for solo riding---,you need a "BUSA" or ZX14R or R1. 883 has what few harleys have: absolutely bulletproof mechanics--------smoother running,more fuel effecient bike. Heres mine!---04 with 6000 in extras-------Kingfish
[IMG]local://upfiles/60229/25F6509814FD4114886699A1129DF129.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/60229/25F6509814FD4114886699A1129DF129.jpg[/IMG]
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
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From:
RE: 1200 vs 883 power difference
there is a noticeable difference in power and tourque, as already mentioned. As far as the size of the bike goes there really isn't a difference. both are nice bikes. The 883 is refered to as an "entry level" bike alot, but it really boils down to what your lookin for. I personally always liked the sporty in general. If cost is an issue the 883 is a less expensive choice ofcourse.That combined with the fact thatyour going solo 99% of the time, might point you more toward the 883. My 883c does just fine 2up. If your looking to do some upgrades in the future and you really need some extra "umph" you can always do the conversion which would out-perform a stock 1200. I've owned (2) 883's, and had experience on converted bikes and stock 1200's. all are very nice. whatever you decide on engine size I would go for the custom model, 2004 or newer, if possible. But then again that's somewhat of a personal opinion. I think you'll be satisfied with the 883 by what you say you're looking for, then again you may beMORE than satisfied with a 1200. I wish you luck.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
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RE: 1200 vs 883 power difference
Hmmm... this is just as hard as I thought it would be.
It sounds as though I should get the 883, and in 4-5 years (when it has 60,000 miles on it) do a rebuild to 1200.
Kingfish - WOW!!
It sounds as though I should get the 883, and in 4-5 years (when it has 60,000 miles on it) do a rebuild to 1200.
Kingfish - WOW!!
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 573
Likes: 2
From: Central, Wisconsin
RE: 1200 vs 883 power difference
The 883 is a good bike. We ride two-up and have no problems. As far as power the 1200 would be the way to go and if you plan on keeping it along time I would go with the 1200. If cost is a factor the 883 is a better deal.Whatever you decide I think you'll be happy with either bike from what you stated about your riding style.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
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RE: 1200 vs 883 power difference
we have an 883, and it is definitely not as quick as a 1200, but it's not a moped either. My brother that weighs in at about 225 ran it up to 100 the other day and it was still pulling when he backed out of it. It'll get over 52-56 miles per gallon every time. S/E breather, rinehart slip ons and a PCiii.. I'm about 260 and I love riding the bike, but it's a little cramped for me since it's a Low. It'll ****** my *** around just fine. If bragging rights are important to you get a 1200, otherwise the 883 will do just about anything the 1200 will do, just a LITTLE slower. Ya gotta think about it . the 1200 is nearly half again as bigga motor. bound to be more powerfu.Of course this is all just my opinion from my experience. Good luck on your choice and enjoy your bike.