Ripped off!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,828
Likes: 8
Do a compression test on it and see if it coincides with the numbers of an 883. Often there are slight variances that can hint in one direction or the other. The true way to check is to pull the jugs and measure the bore, but that can get costly and time consuming, and most places if not all would have biiiig problems with a test rider doing this.
Still, take it to another dealer and express your concerns. If it has a 1200 kit, it likely will have a tune as well. If it has a tune that is set up for a 1200, that is a good sign. If it doesn't have a tune, I would run hesitate on the deal. Just my $.02.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
Is the stroke any different between the two? An easy way to check that is putting a pencil down a plug hole and rotating the engine. This is the only way to tell the difference between a 360 and 390 on old ford trucks (measuring stroke).
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,732
Likes: 9,241
From: Snow Hill, NC
If it's a 1200 kit the heads, pistons and jugs are different and the dealer should have documentation if it was done by a dealer...Like other have said, don't show your *** just ask them to show you how you tell the difference. It shoul significantly more *** than a stock 883.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 2
From: D.C.
Do not judge a book by its cover (do not trust what the bike looks like). I know for a fact that it should at least sound different than an 883, get more power. Send it to me and I will tell you!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 8
From: Wheeling, WV
My first thoughts too. You can have a machine shop overbore the jugs and install a 1200 kit yourself fairly easily. Can't go by looks alone.
Do a compression test on it and see if it coincides with the numbers of an 883. Often there are slight variances that can hint in one direction or the other. The true way to check is to pull the jugs and measure the bore, but that can get costly and time consuming, and most places if not all would have biiiig problems with a test rider doing this.
Still, take it to another dealer and express your concerns. If it has a 1200 kit, it likely will have a tune as well. If it has a tune that is set up for a 1200, that is a good sign. If it doesn't have a tune, I would run hesitate on the deal. Just my $.02.
Do a compression test on it and see if it coincides with the numbers of an 883. Often there are slight variances that can hint in one direction or the other. The true way to check is to pull the jugs and measure the bore, but that can get costly and time consuming, and most places if not all would have biiiig problems with a test rider doing this.
Still, take it to another dealer and express your concerns. If it has a 1200 kit, it likely will have a tune as well. If it has a tune that is set up for a 1200, that is a good sign. If it doesn't have a tune, I would run hesitate on the deal. Just my $.02.
Oh, and some people/places will re-use the stock 883 heads. The heads are stamped on the bottom side. My tank and heads still say 883, but it isn't an 883 anymore.
Last edited by WVHogRider; Jan 24, 2012 at 07:05 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 4,904
Likes: 9
From: Streetsboro, Oh
Just becasue it has the stock AC on it does not mean it does not have a 1200 kit in it. Sure you would think thye would upgrade the AC, but not always the case. Just know what your talking about before you go to the dealer making an issue.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Stroke is the same. The only difference is in the bore. 3.0" for the 883cc and 3.5" for the 1200cc.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 669
Likes: 2
1. Add 300 ml ethylene glycol to 300 ml Dot 5 brake fluid
2. Remove the rear cyl spark plug
3. Insert a wooden or plastic probe
4. With the motor in top gear use the rear wheel to rotate
the motor until the probe shows bottom dead center
5. Elevate the rear wheel by 0.76 meters
6. Carefully pour the fluid mixture into the spark plug hole
7. If you use it all up your bike is a 1200. If there is
158.5 ml left over then it's an 883.
2. Remove the rear cyl spark plug
3. Insert a wooden or plastic probe
4. With the motor in top gear use the rear wheel to rotate
the motor until the probe shows bottom dead center
5. Elevate the rear wheel by 0.76 meters
6. Carefully pour the fluid mixture into the spark plug hole
7. If you use it all up your bike is a 1200. If there is
158.5 ml left over then it's an 883.
