1200 upgrade performance
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 11
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From:
1200 upgrade performance
Hey Everyone,
I went on my first long ride the other day (well long for me anyway) I rode from Salinas CA to Atascadero CA, about 125 miles each way. It was a great ride, took the 101 down there and back-roads on the way home, a lot of very nice scenery both ways, stuff you don't notice when you're in a cage. Anyway, since putting on my screamin eagle pipes and high flow air filter kit I noticed a decent boost in power than it was stock. I had no problems keeping up highway speeds at all, but upon returning home, I really wanted something with more power. I've been thinking lately whether or not I want to get a bigger bike, perhaps a Dyna or a Softail, or get the 1200 upgrade kit. Has anyone else done the upgrade on their bike? (883 to a 1200) And if so, how much more performance did you get out of it? Can a 1200 Sporty keep up with the big twins or not? Also, is there any difference in performance between a Sporty that comes stock with a 1200, and one that's been upgraded? I'd like to do the work myself to save some $$$ but I have never worked on a bike before and was wondering how difficult it is. I have an emotional attachment to the bike, being that I broke my motorcycle "cherry" on it (yeah, it's my first) AAARGH! Decisions decisions, decisions! Any input would be greatly appreciated!
I went on my first long ride the other day (well long for me anyway) I rode from Salinas CA to Atascadero CA, about 125 miles each way. It was a great ride, took the 101 down there and back-roads on the way home, a lot of very nice scenery both ways, stuff you don't notice when you're in a cage. Anyway, since putting on my screamin eagle pipes and high flow air filter kit I noticed a decent boost in power than it was stock. I had no problems keeping up highway speeds at all, but upon returning home, I really wanted something with more power. I've been thinking lately whether or not I want to get a bigger bike, perhaps a Dyna or a Softail, or get the 1200 upgrade kit. Has anyone else done the upgrade on their bike? (883 to a 1200) And if so, how much more performance did you get out of it? Can a 1200 Sporty keep up with the big twins or not? Also, is there any difference in performance between a Sporty that comes stock with a 1200, and one that's been upgraded? I'd like to do the work myself to save some $$$ but I have never worked on a bike before and was wondering how difficult it is. I have an emotional attachment to the bike, being that I broke my motorcycle "cherry" on it (yeah, it's my first) AAARGH! Decisions decisions, decisions! Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: 1200 upgrade performance
Depends on how fast you want to go. My old sporty would do 80 all day long and it wasn't hot like the new ones. If your big twin brethren want to go faster than that, I'd get some different riding buddies. My philosophy, it's not just the destination, it's the ride. Course, I'm also the guy you see in the pickup driving 20 MPH with his left blinker on.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,954
Likes: 9
From: jacksonville, nc
RE: 1200 upgrade performance
i chanced mine and the difference is awsome. the power is much greater as is the compression ratio. i added a 30 tooth front pully and have now problems with the bigger bikes.
it will help the value of your bike, and it will renew your love for your ride!
good luck
it will help the value of your bike, and it will renew your love for your ride!
good luck
Novice
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 1200 upgrade performance
a 1200 will beat any BT off the line and keep it up to about 70-80 somewear around there. the BT's may be faster on the top end. I have had my sporty up to 110 so far with more room to go. If you want more power look into the nalins stage2 kit or i believe they have a stage 3 now also. look into doing cam work and head work and porting your valves. there are more things also to make your sporty go faster if you really need it but it does get expensive.
An advantage to upgrading your 883 to a 1200 rather than just buying a 1200 is that you have to take the motor apart anyway you have the option there to bore out the cylenders and get bigger pistons with higher compresion and change your cams and port your valves and all the other stuff you can do while you have it apart and when your done you can have a much faster bike than a out of the box 1200.
if you want to make your sporty faster check these guys out:
http://nrhsperformance.com/
and also check out:
www.xlforum.com another great forum you will like.
An advantage to upgrading your 883 to a 1200 rather than just buying a 1200 is that you have to take the motor apart anyway you have the option there to bore out the cylenders and get bigger pistons with higher compresion and change your cams and port your valves and all the other stuff you can do while you have it apart and when your done you can have a much faster bike than a out of the box 1200.
if you want to make your sporty faster check these guys out:
http://nrhsperformance.com/
and also check out:
www.xlforum.com another great forum you will like.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: 1200 upgrade performance
"...I'm also the guy you see in the pickup driving 20 MPH with his left blinker on."
oldgeezer
I had no idea you lived in New Jersey - I KNOW I've been behind you many times!
Thumper26
oldgeezer
I had no idea you lived in New Jersey - I KNOW I've been behind you many times!
Thumper26
Cruiser
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 1200 upgrade performance
When we where in Florida acouple of weeks ago I had the chance to rent a Low Rider. It was a 2005 with fuel injection. It was slower and handled poorer than my '04' 1200. I'll keep my Sporty and maybe rent a V-Rod next.
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