I bought a new 2011 883L Superlow about a month ago from my local Corpus Christi Harley Dealer for about $7495 I believe. I love it. I have added the detachable windshield, low sissy bar, highway mount pegs (instead of forward controls), touring bags, and got a free HD Latern.

I am thinking about doing the 1250 mod, right now the 883 doesn't seem to have enough power for two adults riding down the highway. I am 6ft 213 lbs. This is my second Harley. My first was a 1998 1200 custom. I really loved that bike, which is why I want to upgrade the engine to 1250.

I financed the bike through HD, So I only had enough down payment to get the 883. If I would have known I was getting a $13,000 bonus two weeks later I would have bought the 1200 custom. Oh well, I am locked in for a few years now. The thing I dislike the most is the engine noise at higher speeds.

Shon

 

Welcome and congrats on your new bike. It sounds like you do need a 1200cc bike riding 2 up. Maybe you can trade it in and take a small, I hope, loss and get a 1200 custom now. Sell the extras on eBay to not lose too much. It may be worth it in the long ride. I only ride solo so I do not have the issues you speak about. Upgrading the engine to a 1200 or 1250 may correct your issue. Let us know if you decide to upgrade to a 1250cc or sell the bike Good luck!

 

Congrats and they great bikes, but i could see needing a little more power for two up. Enjoy and ride safe.

 

I think I am just about sold on doing the 1250 upgrade. I am going to the local HD to get pricing and to make sure it doesn't void my warranty. I don't want to take a hit on trading it in since I just got it. But I think doing the 1250 upgrade will give me the power I am looking for.

Also, does the 883 normally have a lot of engine noise, clatter at higher speeds? I don't remember my 1998 1200 custom making as much noise at 70 -75 mph.

 

Don't bother. It will void your warranty. First off, you are making more power than intended so the drivetrain will not be warrantied. Next, you are taking the cylinders and pistons off and making more power. What do you expect them to warranty?

 

According to HD if they do the conversion it doesn't void the warranty, per a phone conversation with them today. Isn't the warranty only 2 years anyway? Being mine is a 2011, I only have one year left anyway. I bought it barely used (2700 miles on it) so I only get to use whats left of the original factory warranty.

 

1200 or 1250? 1200 is from HD and 1250 is aftermarket.

 

Yeah it would be the 1200, I found that out when I called them today. Probably won't do the conversion, also found out it would cost about $2300.

Parts = $1200
Labor = 14 hours including dyno time of 4 hours.

So I will just have to deal with what I got and wait till I pay off a lot of the balance before I trade it in.

 

If you reuse your stock heads you can get the kit for 700 and DIY, so they tell me. How long it takes? IDK

 

IHMO I would go back to the dealership you purchased the bike and see what type of trade in you would get for a 1200cc bike. All you would be out of is the time asking. They may be able to get you into a gently used 1200cc bike.