Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
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My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster

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Old Dec 29, 2011 | 08:04 PM
  #11  
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Watching and waiting. Where you located, btw? Don't see any snow in the background.
 
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Old Dec 30, 2011 | 12:43 PM
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Bolted the tank and exhaust on last night, then took it around the block a few times. Wanted to ensure that I had no clearance issues from installing wider tires, pulley spacer and new shocks. Having eliminated a fair amount of wiring I also wanted to hear it crank and fire. Still have quite a bit to do. Fenders will be coming back off for additional work and integration of a run / brake light. The original silver fuel tank is being replaced with a black one from a 1992 Sportster. More wires to eliminate and cables will need to be addressed due to install of the drag bars. Baffles have been knocked out of the mufflers and the bike sounds pretty damn good as is, so I plan to leave the stock system alone. I will be going with a fully exposed K&N air filter and need to rebuild and jet the carb.
 
Attached Thumbnails My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-1sportster-003.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-1sportster-004.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-1sportster-018.jpg  
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Old Dec 30, 2011 | 01:04 PM
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Damn cool!
 
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Old Dec 30, 2011 | 01:10 PM
  #14  
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Great progress so far, looking forward to seeing the finished product!
 
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Old Dec 31, 2011 | 03:25 PM
  #15  
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Thanks Guys … had it out again today before I pull her back apart. This thing will be a blast to ride on the back roads near my house. Much different than the 855 pound Ultra that I am used to. Happy New Year !!
 
Attached Thumbnails My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-1-883-12-31-2011-004.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-1-883-12-31-2011-007.jpg  
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Old Jan 8, 2012 | 08:56 PM
  #16  
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Posting a few pics of the tail light configuration I made. Used a set of front (3 wire) turn signals from the Fat Boy I sold last year. Bolted the signals to some flat stock I purchased at Lowes, and then mounted that assembly under my rear fender. No turn signals required in my state, so what you see will be wired as run / stop.

Also rebuilt the carburetor, and after setting the idle and mixture this little 883 runs great. I bought a new K&N filter that I will leave uncovered as shown. Didn’t like the galvanized finish, so I painted it silver.

Now I need to address the long cables, front brake line and excess wiring.
 
Attached Thumbnails My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-0-883-january-2012-021.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-1-883-january-2012-046.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-3-883-january-2012-030.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-4-883-january-2012-028.jpg  
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Old Jan 29, 2012 | 05:22 PM
  #17  
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UPDATE - I am nearing completion of my low budget build. Had her out for a few hours today. The suspension is set very firm and she rides great on the twisties … the point of this project. Some wiring and detail work remains, but I am pleased with the results so far.
 
Attached Thumbnails My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-5-883-sportster-project-153.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-6-883-sportster-project-151.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-11-883-sportster-project-156.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-3-883-sportster-project-165.jpg  
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Old Jan 31, 2012 | 05:35 PM
  #18  
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great job dude. ya know i was gonna say that your bike would look complete with a custom tail section but the more i look at those two lights in there, the more i like it. although, tail sections are the bees knees.
 
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Old Feb 2, 2012 | 07:59 AM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by bmxatv
great job dude. ya know i was gonna say that your bike would look complete with a custom tail section but the more i look at those two lights in there, the more i like it. although, tail sections are the bees knees.


Thx … glad to hear that you like the bike. The space between my rear tire and fender was greater than anticipated due to the tall shocks. Determined that to be a good place for the lights, as they filled the gap and looked better than bolted to the frame rail.
 
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Old Apr 1, 2012 | 05:06 PM
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Default Speedometer Installation

Finally took some pics of my speedometer install. Used the Auto Meter clamp and bracket to mount the speedo to my upper fork tube. Wrapped the speedo body with black Gorilla Tape for aesthetics and to waterproof. Drilled the speedo back plate and ran my wiring out the rear. You can see the speedo just fine when riding. Vibration is minimal … and yes, it clears the tank. Thought those of you wanting to do similar may be interested in the results.
 
Attached Thumbnails My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-1-883-speedometer-03.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-1-883-speedometer-035.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-1-883-speedometer-038.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-1-883-speedometer-056.jpg   My 883 Project - 1996 Sportster-1-883-speedometer-040.jpg  

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