Newbie question: what is too much engine?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
ORIGINAL: sgreen0313
I just hit the website and saw (for the first time) that the 1200C is actually 5 lbs lighter than the 833C. Who'dve thunk that?!
I just hit the website and saw (for the first time) that the 1200C is actually 5 lbs lighter than the 833C. Who'dve thunk that?!
Both have a 3.81" stroke, but the bore in the 883 is 3.0", while the bore in the 1200 is 3.5".
Bigger 'holes in the engine' = less metal = less weight.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 887
Likes: 1
From: New Orleans
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
From an old biker who has has many bikes. The following are just my opinions and observations, and I am only an average sized guy.
Too big an engine comes on a bike you cannot pick up by yourself when it is lying on its side. You have to get them up quickly or they will flood big time. From my point of view, larger than 1200 is just not needed.
You think this won't happen to you, yet it is not 'if', but when.
A 1200 will get you all over the country at 80, easy - even with a passenger going up a mountain.
The 1200 is not much heavier than an 883 and would be the best choice on a Sportster if you can spare the cash difference. Get the custom with forward controls, if you can.
The 883 is geared lower and does not do very well unmodified at highway speeds. The 883 is an excellent around town bike, from the factory.
The one I have now is an 883 because I got a good deal on it. Also, it is a transition bike that appealed to me with it's tank and late EVO 5 speed model with chain drive. From the start, I have planned to upgrade it to a 1200. It has already been geared up.
Yes, I have had to pick it up.
Too big an engine comes on a bike you cannot pick up by yourself when it is lying on its side. You have to get them up quickly or they will flood big time. From my point of view, larger than 1200 is just not needed.
You think this won't happen to you, yet it is not 'if', but when.
A 1200 will get you all over the country at 80, easy - even with a passenger going up a mountain.
The 1200 is not much heavier than an 883 and would be the best choice on a Sportster if you can spare the cash difference. Get the custom with forward controls, if you can.
The 883 is geared lower and does not do very well unmodified at highway speeds. The 883 is an excellent around town bike, from the factory.
The one I have now is an 883 because I got a good deal on it. Also, it is a transition bike that appealed to me with it's tank and late EVO 5 speed model with chain drive. From the start, I have planned to upgrade it to a 1200. It has already been geared up.
Yes, I have had to pick it up.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 1
From: MO
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
I am considering my first HD and am in the same boat. 883 or 1200? I just got rid of a 1979 Kawasaki KZ650 4-cylinder with 14K miles, shot rings, and just wore out in general. This bike ran like a stripe assed ape!!! (even with passanger) Can anyone comment in how the 883 would perform in comparison?
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Tucson,Az
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
Been down this very same road not all that long a go myself.I also took the MSF class and was looking to buy prior to the class,but ended up buying a new used 06 1200c (3000 miles on it )before the class. iam roughly the same size as you so the custom was the way to go for our height
the forword controls are a must.!
As far as heavyness of the bike"not a problem",I was thinking the same as you reguarding th 883 but went for the 1200 and love it!
glad I picked the 1200 cause I'm not much of a tinker and really did not want to fuss with all the up grades later.
If money is no problem ( i would go for the 1200)
the forword controls are a must.!
As far as heavyness of the bike"not a problem",I was thinking the same as you reguarding th 883 but went for the 1200 and love it!
glad I picked the 1200 cause I'm not much of a tinker and really did not want to fuss with all the up grades later.
If money is no problem ( i would go for the 1200)
Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Bowling Green, KY
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
ORIGINAL: Jackal
I am considering my first HD and am in the same boat. 883 or 1200? I just got rid of a 1979 Kawasaki KZ650 4-cylinder with 14K miles, shot rings, and just wore out in general. This bike ran like a stripe assed ape!!! (even with passanger) Can anyone comment in how the 883 would perform in comparison?
I am considering my first HD and am in the same boat. 883 or 1200? I just got rid of a 1979 Kawasaki KZ650 4-cylinder with 14K miles, shot rings, and just wore out in general. This bike ran like a stripe assed ape!!! (even with passanger) Can anyone comment in how the 883 would perform in comparison?
What type of comparison are you looking for? In a drag race, the Kawi would eat a stock sportster. Reliablity? The Kawi was worn out at just 14K??? I had over 52K on my 96 1200 with nothing outside reqular maintenance and a rear rocker cover gasket replacement. What kind of riding are you planning? Hot rodding around town, 883. Two up all day trips, 1200. Actually, either one would do either. Both sportsters should get better mpg than the 650. The inline 4 will run quieter. No other make sounds like an Sportster, not even my St Bob. There's something in the exhaust frequency range that adds more attitude. Ain't it nice to have problems like which do I buy?
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5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9
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From:
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
I also spent a lot of time riding dirt bikes when I was younger and finally got myself a Sportster 1200C this year after years of intermittent riding on friends and relatives bikes. Unlike you, I'm 5'6" and 140 pounds. I narrowed my choice down to a dyna low or the sportster. I decided on the sporty for a couple of reasons, price and weight. I think you get a lot of "bang for your buck" with the sportster and I was concerned with the extra couple of hundred pounds when I had to "foot walk" the bike into my garage or out of a parking spot. It's also a great looking bike! I was a little tentative with it for the first couple of weeks but it didn't take long for the confidence level to rise, even when riding two up. It handles great and is very smooth at low and high speeds and has lots of power when you need it. I rode my friend's Roadking a couple of weeks ago and although great on the highway it felt very top heavy to me and I wasn't comfortable at all coming to a stop or slow speed turns, even though it's about the same height as my sporty (I'm not quite flat footed at a stop). Bottom line, I couldn't be happier that I chose the sportster. Good luck and happy riding with whatever you end up with.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 887
Likes: 1
From: New Orleans
RE: Newbie question: what is too much engine?
And here is just a little knock on the 1200. It is probably 5 pounds lighter because the engine is essentially the same as an 883, with less cylinder wall. Also larger valve ports, and a few other performance differences I know. From this I would conclude the 1200 is running "closer to the edge". I think it puts more stress on the same clutch plates, too.