Improved handeling
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Improved handeling
Hey guys hows it going? I bought myself a 2002 XL883 a few months ago, my first bike and I totally love it. I was originally thinking of lowering it, putting apes and forward controls on it and such but now have decided to go more of the preformance rout. I know right now I'm not even close to pushing my stock bike to its limits in handeling and cornering but I was wondering if anoyone had any tips on improveing this once I start to get more confident and want a more agile bike.(no I don't want a Buel haha).
My guess would be some changes to the tires and suspension but I really have no idea what sort of changes to make. Also I would like a little bit more bottom end torque and am thinking of going wiht a little larger rear drive pully since the gears are so tall and I never have to even touch 5th but all I can seem to find are expencive billet or chrome pulleys which for one are a bit out of my price range and two don't flow with the look I am going for. I'm more into painted parts than chrome or polished. Which is why I chose the XL over the other models I saw.
Braden
My guess would be some changes to the tires and suspension but I really have no idea what sort of changes to make. Also I would like a little bit more bottom end torque and am thinking of going wiht a little larger rear drive pully since the gears are so tall and I never have to even touch 5th but all I can seem to find are expencive billet or chrome pulleys which for one are a bit out of my price range and two don't flow with the look I am going for. I'm more into painted parts than chrome or polished. Which is why I chose the XL over the other models I saw.
Braden
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RE: Improved handeling
For starters, you'd probably want to take a look at Progressive shocks. From what I know of them, a lot of guys who take the performance route go that way. Might also want to go with a 2-1 exhaust system as well. Can't help you with the gearing or tires but I'm sure someone on here can. Good luck.
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RE: Improved handeling
Next year I plan on installing 12.5" Progressive Suspension rear shocks (1" lower than the 13.5" on mine now) and also lowering the front with their fork springs along with changing the fork oil and I am hoping this will improve the handling from stock as well as placing me a little lower to the ground. We'll see.
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RE: Improved handeling
Yea my bike came with the teo into one exaust. don't really know anything about bikes but doesn't lowering your bike reduce your cornering clearence and thus your lean angle reduceing your cornering? If I change the fork oil I would be going to a heavier weight right? A lower seat would lower my center of gravtity as well so that my be an option too right?
thanks
Braden
thanks
Braden
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RE: Improved handeling
I have an 06 883R. I put in progressive front springs, super brace fork brace and hd 412s on the rear.
The bike feels so much lighter and more maneuverable. I love twistys etc. The only draw back is the bike is much stiffer. But I do like the firm feel.
The bike feels so much lighter and more maneuverable. I love twistys etc. The only draw back is the bike is much stiffer. But I do like the firm feel.
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RE: Improved handeling
What about power? I'm thinking about the 1200 kit and meby better heads and dual webber carbs, I've allways been a car guy though I know nothing about bikes. What sorts of HP can I be expecting to get out of the 883 for say less than $3500.00?
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RE: Improved handeling
I would say close to 100hp not bad considering a stock 883 has about 39 rwhp that's more than doubling your horsepower! With that kind of gain you should be alright with your stock gearing, some people even go the other way taller.
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RE: Improved handeling
Nice, yea I don't think I'd go any taller, not right now anyway, I live in a small coastal town, no freeways and the highway is pretty windy, a tonne of fun but not really anywhere to open it right up. I barley get out of 3rd gear, lol. But I suspect my bike may have an aftermarket pully in it. it seems a bit smaller than the ones I've seen on some of the other bikes.