I'm rebuilding a 92' 883 sportster. I want to convert to a 1200 and prefer to have it powder coated (crank case) wrinkle black. I've thought of buying a used 1200 motor that has the wrinkle black that I want as another option. Is it a bad move to put a different motor in that frame? When I sale it, will people frown because the motor is not the original?
thanks for the help.

 

I think it is all a matter of personal preference, I would think the resale value of a 1200 would be more. Seems alot of people convert a 883 to a 1200. It is your bike, build what you want and enjoy it.

 

A 1969 Road Runner … sure.

A 1992 Sportster 883 … rip it out.

 

If you sell it to someone in a different state you may run in to issues with the VINs not matching and if you follow the chain and do the motor swap legally (paperwork) you may have to title it as a custom build. If you have the original motor I would stick with that one. Besides, you're gambling with a "good" used motor anyway.

 

all good comments and advice. I think I'll stick witht the original motor. I don't like to gamble with motors as reed suggested. Thanks for the help!