I blew my head gasket 550 miles from home. 1999 883 custom with a 1200 conversion. I got it home yesterday. Any advise on replacing it? Gasket info would be helpful as well. I have never gone this far into the engine. Is it a difficult job? What are the "things" I have to watch out for? Thanks in advance for any help!

The most valuble item you can buy for your bike is the service manual. You should be able to find a used one for around $20. I got mine at a place that sells used harley parts and dealer take-offs.

I have the clymer manual for it. It dosen't seem to be too difficult. I am most curious about gaskets. I am not sure what the comp. ratio is with the 1200 conversion, it was installed when I bought the bike. The factory 1200 is a 10:1 but I am not sure if mine is a true 10:1 with the motor work.

Is it a head gasket or a rocker cover gasket? Big difference. Grab a manual, these things are built with "personality" no matter how good a wrench you are the book is really needed. IMHO

definitely a head gasket

Comectic Gaskets.

Shouldn't be that bad of a job, these motors aren't near as complicated as something under the hood of a car. With a service manual, you shouldn't have one bit of trouble.

It dosen't look that hard. I was wondering if I would get any good tips from someone who has done this before. Thanks for the encouragement! My other issue is making sure I get the right gasket. All the motor work was done before I bought it and the records aren't that good. I'm not sure exactly what gasket kit to get for my 883 with the 1200 conversion. Is this what they refer to as the big bore 883?
John

If I were you, I would just get a gasket that is meant for a 1200 normally, that should be fine.

A James Gasket Kit for a 1200 will work, and is what I used when I had a head gasket go out on my 883/1200+.