I have an 883 and I want to convert to the 1200 kit. Can anyone please that has done it post feedback on the gains. Could you also please tell me what you did as far as work and parts.
Thanks
Peace
Dee

 

Hi Clayman. I have plans to do the 1200 SE kit this winter from H-D. The full meal deal, including drive sprocket and belt. Will be a H-D 1200 stage 1 motor in my 883R. I've done alot of research into tools etc and unless you're really comfortable doing all this, and have the correct tooling, shop manual etc., maybe the shop should do it. The gains after stage 1... lots of hang on and go. Just ask someone with a 1200 stage 1 ride. Good luck. Dave

 

i have the conversion on my bike. Let a friend take mine for a spin and i drove his 883. The amount of power that the conversion gave my bike was really noticeable. I noticed the LACK of power with the 883, my friend noticed the considerable GAIN in power with my bike. We raced side by side down a long stretch of highway. I was going between 75-80 mph on his 883 and he passed me up like i was standing still. He wasnt even full throttle to pass me up like that. Basically there was no comparison. I had never driven an 883 before this, only my 1200 conversion and man if any of you guys are thinking about the conversion DO IT. Youll see what youve been missing. My local mechanic said the 883 to 1200 conversions have more pep to them than the stock 1200 sportsters as well.

 

If you don't mind ne asking Dave_E, how much will his HD shop conversion set you back. I checked into that and they wanted $1000 for labor only just for the conversion.
For Clayman...check my thread No Longer Stock Sportster (Pg2) for info and links.

Olesalt

 

Thanks for the info. Olesalt i have all the tools you mentioned and many more, and i think of myself as pretty good with a wrench. I have been doing all my own work on my bikes except for any warrenty work. I wasnt going to do the job myself until i read your threads, i am now thinking i will give it a shot. How would you rate your mechanical abilities and do you think i can do it based on the info i have stated. Thanks again

 

My bike is new and Im a returning rider, but I would like to have a little more git up and go on the commute along I-40 in RTP, NC.

So I would also like to know what the conversion kit costs and what the labor should be. I would also like to know what it does to the warranty.


Thanks guys
Chris

 

Hey Clayman,

I am no mechanic. My strong suit is electronics and data systems. On the other hand, reading and research go a long way to doing a successful conversion. In preparation for doing mine, I read a lot of articles on conversions and I studied the service manual sections on top end disassembly, overhaul and reasssembly. I would never had done this without a service manual. The HD manual is about $60 or so and worth every cent. You'll always be referring to it when you do your own maintenance and is a MUST HAVE for your bike.
AS I said in previous posts, use good mechanical sense, don't bypass any steps and if you're at a point and unsure about something....stop until you get an answer. Anyone can email me at olesalt43@***.net or check with your local HD mechanic. Most mechanics I've talked with are willing to answer your question but some believe you're taking work away from them or their bosses won't allow lip service to people doing their own work.

For summcguy...open that engine and your warranty ends.

 

The kit from H-D is supposed to be around $1200, a new drive sprocket for $75 or so, SE slip ons around $300, misc. tooling and stuff $200-$300, a bike lift $100. That's a good chunk of change...to make it all Harley and that's doing ot myself (no labor). There ARE many cheaper ways to go, lots of aftermarket suppliers out there. But if I were not a DIYS'er I'd go to the dealership and drop the money, or go to an independant.

 

One more thing, my dealership has this mid-winter thing going, labor rate is like $40.00 per hour. They need the work to keep going. See if your dealer has winter deals.

 

Dave_E,

I paid $426 for the kit (Less Heads)+16 shipping
$257 V&H Straightshot Slipons & 2 Quiet baffles inc shipping
$90 Top end gasket set from the stealer....found same on the internet for about $66
$ 135 or so for the SE A/C
$ 15 carb jets
$25 Torque wrench
$50 or so for miscellaneous do-dads, shop towels,assembly lube,loctite (only where called for in the manual)

My scoot sounds great, runs great and the plugs look great after 100 miles. If you have the bucks, go for the cams (N3 Andrews) and 1200 heads (HD) I'll be doing the heads & cams in phase 2 next year.

Olesalt