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

'04 883 Conversion Update

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 1, 2006 | 05:58 PM
  #1  
steps25's Avatar
steps25
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From:
Default '04 883 Conversion Update

Hello all

I have a couple questions.
I am thinking of converting my 883C to a 1200 or 1250.
Has anyone done the conversion on a '04 or later model?
Does anyone have the names/websites of big bore kits for the '04 & later models?
I've been researching & haven't found a lot for the new engine model.

I don't mind doing the work myself, so I'm trying to get a list of big bore kits to compare.
Ideally, I'd like to find an all inclusive, reliable & affordable kit. Pistons, rings, pins, cams, jet kit, etc.
is it better to bore out the existing cylinders or go with new cylinders?? Better to use existing cylinder heads or do I need new ones?

Also, I'd like a little more top end. The RPM's get a little high at highway speeds.
Any suggestions for gearing change? Can I just change sprockets like on a motocross bike to change gearing?, (my local shop said no)

Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks

Steve


 
Reply
Old May 1, 2006 | 06:19 PM
  #2  
boom215's Avatar
boom215
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 557
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: '04 883 Conversion

My friend did it to his 04. Well actually HD did it to his 04 , all he got was the 1200 kit from them and a makuni. All i can say is dam.....
 
Reply
Old May 1, 2006 | 06:20 PM
  #3  
LeavenworthJeff's Avatar
LeavenworthJeff
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Default RE: '04 883 Conversion

Check out ******'s Racing. Now known as NRHS. Should be able to find them on the web easy enough. They have all that you need.

LeavenworthJeff
 
Reply
Old May 1, 2006 | 09:27 PM
  #4  
Johnny's Avatar
Johnny
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: '04 883 Conversion

Sputhe has a 1400 kit.
http://www.sputhe.com/

NRHS Performance has a 1250 and 1450 kit.
http://www.nrhsperformance.com/ekitsportster04.shtml
 
Reply
Old May 1, 2006 | 10:36 PM
  #5  
Big Cholla's Avatar
Big Cholla
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: '04 883 Conversion

Steps: I second the suggestion to check out NRHS. They have a superb reputation and a very reasonable price on a 1250 cc conversion to the 883 engine. If I ever do a conversion to my XL883C, it will be with the NRHS kit. ............. BC
 
Reply
Old May 5, 2006 | 02:52 PM
  #6  
steps25's Avatar
steps25
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: '04 883 Conversion

After more research I'm thinking of going this route.

Harley Cylinders
SE Pistons 10:1
S&S Carb
Sifton Cam

Thoughts? Anyone actually done a conversion on an '04 later and have details of what products they used? Gains? etc.
 
Reply
Old May 5, 2006 | 03:46 PM
  #7  
NYSportster's Avatar
NYSportster
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
Default RE: '04 883 Conversion

Do you have to break the bike in all over again when you do a conversion?
 
Reply
Old May 6, 2006 | 08:29 AM
  #8  
blksabth666's Avatar
blksabth666
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: '04 883 Conversion

Im doing the same next winter,I should of just bought the 1200!There's a decent kit in j+p cycles.pick'n the right parts is critical.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 7, 2006 | 01:36 PM
  #9  
steps25's Avatar
steps25
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: '04 883 Conversion

Well I finshed the conversion.

Went with:

Harley Cylinders
Screamin Eagle high compression pistons
Andrews N2 CAMS
Vance & Hines Straight Shots
Wanted to go with the new S&S carb0-A/C but, apparently they're backordered.? Rejetted with 185 Main, 48 Slow
(got a great deal on parts from a motorcycle shop owner in my Mustang club! Couldn't pass it up)

So far so good!
 
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2006 | 09:11 PM
  #10  
buzby's Avatar
buzby
4th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Default RE: '04 883 Conversion

let us know how it turns out. i am also considering doing a 1200 kit with hd jugs and se pistons
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:33 AM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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
story-6
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-8
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

Slideshow: A clear-eyed look at what actually worked for Harley this year, and what quietly undermined its progress.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-29 17:10:48


VIEW MORE