Difference in sportster models?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 179
Likes: 2
From: Northern Ohio
.Low: lots of chrome 19" spoked wheel, lowered suspension 1200/883
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,007
Likes: 126
From: Manassas, VA
The laced spoked wheels were an option (factory upgrade) on the 1200 Low. The base package included a spoked cast wheel. The 1200L (2006 -2011 - years available) came with the EXACT SAME 11 3/4" as the 2004 & up 1200 and 883 Customs. What made the 1200 Low "lower" is the cut of the seat, not a lowered suspension. In fact both the 1200L and the 2004-1011 1200C have the same ground clearance specs, 4.4 inches for both of them- check for yourself on the Harley site.
Low part # 46267-05
Custom # 45376-04
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 179
Likes: 2
From: Northern Ohio
HD essentially made the 1200 Low as "lower" model not by making the suspension lower, but by altering the seat. The laden seat height for the 1200C is 26.5" and the 1200L is 26.25". Remove 1/4" of foam and make the nose of the seat narrower and there you have it. The mid controls and the pull back handlebars also help out the smaller rider on the 1200 low.
Last edited by got2bjennyg; Mar 19, 2012 at 06:12 AM.
Stage II
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Boston, Massachusetts
2007 sportster low
Can the 883 be converted to a higher seated model, or are the frames different?
Last edited by Scooter McGavin; Jun 22, 2018 at 07:21 PM. Reason: Forgot to mention engine size
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 204
Likes: 32
From: OKC
The XL1200S the XR1200R (the best handler from HD) and the roadsters all have better brakes and suspension than the other sportsters in the years they were/are produced at what many consider a sacrifice in the look they want.
We make our compromises and buy or build what we want.
Aint it great
Stage II
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Boston, Massachusetts
Yes the 883 seat can be raised with a different seat , or better yet with suspension upgrades which will improve ride and handling in my opinion make them safer to ride.
The XL1200S the XR1200R (the best handler from HD) and the roadsters all have better brakes and suspension than the other sportsters in the years they were/are produced at what many consider a sacrifice in the look they want.
We make our compromises and buy or build what we want.
Aint it great
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