883 vs. 1200
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: League City, TX
I've helped two friends do this conversion for under $700 dollars. The first guy used a Revetech kit that used Weisco pistons. We had to hone the cylinders to fit the pistons but the kit was less than $500. The second one I helped with bought the kit from the HD dealer. It was a simple bolt on. Pistons and Cylinders were matched up. It cost $699 list. The $1200 kit your'e talking about has new cylinder heads as well. You only need the Pistons and Cylinders and it does not require a remap.
Like I said, you have some different math...
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
Novice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
JP,You may be right about that remap,I've had a service tech recommend it but it is possible its not needed.I've heard bad stories when this job isn't done correctly,even the slightest step skipper could really f@#$ up his/her bikes reliability.Have you had any trouble?
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: League City, TX
JP,You may be right about that remap,I've had a service tech recommend it but it is possible its not needed.I've heard bad stories when this job isn't done correctly,even the slightest step skipper could really f@#$ up his/her bikes reliability.Have you had any trouble?
Remapping would only be necessary if you were changing air filter and exhaust. If you use the 883 cylinder heads and stock air filter with slip ons, remapping isn't necessary. I wouldn't consider it a shortcut.
I have never owned an 883. The one thing I can say is that there would be a he11 of alot lest HD riders if it weren't for the 883. It is very often the "gateway drug" to this insane addiction of ours 
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 496
Likes: 1
From: 'neath a cactus
Because it's a darn good bike! 
Had my only option been to buy a 1200 or a BT I'd have likely just rebuilt the motor on my Yamaha and called it a day! HP is only useful when you use it... otherwise it's there purely for bragging rights! And if all I wanted was bragging rights I'd have taken the money I spent on the 883 and invested it in a supercharger for my Mustang!
Had my only option been to buy a 1200 or a BT I'd have likely just rebuilt the motor on my Yamaha and called it a day! HP is only useful when you use it... otherwise it's there purely for bragging rights! And if all I wanted was bragging rights I'd have taken the money I spent on the 883 and invested it in a supercharger for my Mustang!
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Orange County
My first post and the thread says it all for me...
Just about to purchase my first HD and I really like the way the Iron looks all blacked out (wish it came with spoked wheels) however the Nightster already comes with a 1200 and spoked wheels...
The pricetag on the Iron is very appealing...leaving more time to slowly do upgrades...
And seeing the way some members have made them (both bikes) look old school is where I would like to go...
My problem is that I am getting a ton of crap from some of the local HD guys saying why waste my money even getting one if I get the 883 Iron...kind of pisses me off...I know its not a big boy hog but dang they can be brutal...
At any rate great forum and hope to learn even more...
Laters
Lewis
Just about to purchase my first HD and I really like the way the Iron looks all blacked out (wish it came with spoked wheels) however the Nightster already comes with a 1200 and spoked wheels...
The pricetag on the Iron is very appealing...leaving more time to slowly do upgrades...
And seeing the way some members have made them (both bikes) look old school is where I would like to go...
My problem is that I am getting a ton of crap from some of the local HD guys saying why waste my money even getting one if I get the 883 Iron...kind of pisses me off...I know its not a big boy hog but dang they can be brutal...
At any rate great forum and hope to learn even more...
Laters
Lewis
Last edited by JambaJuice; Sep 28, 2009 at 02:40 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,271
Likes: 6
From: madison wisconsin
I'm 6'1", 250 lbs & I ride an 883C. Even with the forward controls, my knees are on each side of the tank, right where I want them. I like "steering" with my ***. There is something intrinsically cool about being able to manipulate such a "small" machine simply by shifting my wieght. Will I put a conversion kit on it in the future? Maybe, I dunno... the guys I ride with all have 1000cc or smaller, so it wouldn't be for a need to keep up... Plus I feel no burning need to show off how big (or small for that matter) my ***** are...
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
From:
Jambajuice and I are the reasons Harley makes different models. I love watching those riders on short 1200s with wire wheels. And, I love riding my tall 883 with mags. There are good reasons for both. Pay your money and take your choice.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Orange County
Cool beans
I think that these guys would give me crap for getting a sportster anyways...so I cant win regardless...hey as long as I have fun and can ride then its all good...
I will let fate decide at this point...if an Iron becomes availabe I will get it...if not I will get the Nighster...
For my first HD I cannot wrong with either choice...
Laters
Lewis
I think that these guys would give me crap for getting a sportster anyways...so I cant win regardless...hey as long as I have fun and can ride then its all good...
I will let fate decide at this point...if an Iron becomes availabe I will get it...if not I will get the Nighster...
For my first HD I cannot wrong with either choice...
Laters
Lewis