883 to 1200!
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Maryland
883 to 1200!
so i have been contemplating upgrading my 883 to a 1200. i like my Sportster a lot and dont want to get another bike, just want more power out of it. ive been looking online for various kits and found two a like. I was looking at the NRHS 1250cc kit and the or the Steel Thunder CC kit http://www.steelthundercc.com/sportster_engine.html im not sure which one to get though. theres always the choice of going to the dealership and just asking them to upgrade it though, but im sure that will cost a pretty penny. anyways my question is just what do yall recommend? also if i order an aftermarket kit would the dealership install it? thanks again for your help!
Last edited by Fr3shFr0st; Feb 22, 2009 at 01:06 PM.
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From: Nashville, TN
I've heard a lot of bad reports on that NHRA conversion kit.
I doubt the dealer will install a 3rd party kit, but you can probably find an independent shop that will. The dealer might not be as expensive as you think. One of the dealers here has been running a special for 883 - 1200 conversion for $900. <edited for an update>...it's not $900. It's $795.
I've also been considering this. If you're somewhat handy, have the service manual and tools, it looks to be a fairly simple DIY project.
I doubt the dealer will install a 3rd party kit, but you can probably find an independent shop that will. The dealer might not be as expensive as you think. One of the dealers here has been running a special for 883 - 1200 conversion for $900. <edited for an update>...it's not $900. It's $795.
I've also been considering this. If you're somewhat handy, have the service manual and tools, it looks to be a fairly simple DIY project.
Last edited by SportyPig; Feb 22, 2009 at 08:04 PM.
Road Warrior
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From: Simpson County Kentucky
Regardless of which kit you choose know that the counter pulley should be changed from 28 to 29T and the primary should be changed from 34 to 38T. Now you will have the gearing of a 1200 too.
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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
I modded mine out over the winter to a 1250. Sporty is right about the 2004 and 05 years. I went with NRHS's 1250 jugs plus a full stage 2 to my 883 heads, SE.497 and a SE Race Prog Ignition. I'm still in my 500 mile break in, There is a big difference in it now even when keeping it at 3200 rpms. 
Ultimate HDF Member
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From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
I'll be changing mine up a bit. Not too drastic tho. 90% of my miles are on secondary roads.
Road Warrior
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From: Simpson County Kentucky
I spend most of mine time on backroads and because of this run the 28T counter with the standard 38T primary. The combination runs great and still works on the slab even though I will be running about 3,400 RPM.
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From: Nashville, TN
That all depends on what you want. If you want higher top end speed and lower interstate RPM. That's a good suggestion. However, if you want a rocket outta the hole, and 114 mph is fast enough for ya on the top end.......the 1200 conversion with 883 gearing is a HOT ROD! I recently rode one.
Last edited by SportyPig; Feb 22, 2009 at 07:59 PM.
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Road Warrior
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From: Simpson County Kentucky
Agreed however, riding the bike at a steady state 70mph down the slab will work it to death as it will constantly be pulling some serious rpm. It may register 114mph on the speedo but I would bet that bike is barely at 100 true mph and it will jump all over that rev limiter too.
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From: Nashville, TN
According to the Speedo, my bike hits the rev limiter at 114 in fifth gear. I'm pretty confident that it is fairly accurate as I was clocked at 112 on the Nashville International Speedway and I didn't hit the Rev limiter on that run. Yes, the engine is working hard. On the interstate I generally run about 80 mph. And frequently do it for 200 - 600 miles a day.
Last edited by SportyPig; Feb 22, 2009 at 08:14 PM.
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From: Maryland
thanks for all the input. i still dunno who to go with though hah. ill have to wait till march to get home and see if my dealership is having a special on the kit. does that price of $795 include installation at your dealership Sporty? if so that sounds like a pretty good deal to me! another question i have an 05 883. if i switched to a 1200 would i have to upgrade to EFI? i like my carburetor 