I don't have the funds to get the 883 Iron I'd like for "town-tripper" so looking into a few other options. If you have a choice & ~$4000 to invest in a used Sportster - would you get a 2003 XL1200 or 2005 XL883..(same miles)??

I don't really care which motor option - more of overall looks/functionality/comfort. I put a few miles on my brother's 99 XL883C which had the 1200 kit & previously owned/rode a XL1200C for 4-years. I want another Sportster to play with (chop/customize), ride to work & scoot around town vs. dragging out the touring...which would you prefer & why???

Thanks!

 

if just a town tripper the 05 883 .not a soid mount motor.no need for bigger mill.and if you do want more from it do the 1200 conversion.I have a 03 custom 883 and its perfect around town but could use a bit more power on the highway.I'm hopeing the stage 1 that I have yet to install (waiting on the a/c) will fix that...I realy like the custom model.It turns heads in town with the drag look.

 

The `03 will shake like a madness, `05 rubber mount motor-easy going, `03 more power-`05 less power, `05 chassis a lit bit longer & wider...Me, I`ll go for the `03 1200cc. More power is always good.

 

If you aren't worried about the extra HP, I'd say go for the Rubbermount.

 

Appreciate the feedback & now I added poll to tally responses...sorry should've done this initially.

 

Go for the 1200S. More HP, better brakes (dual front disk). The older "S" models came with upgraded suspension but not sure on the 03's.

 

2003 Harley-Davidson XL 1200S Sportster 1200 Sport

High compression and high performance cams send a high performance message. Dual spark plugs and triple-disk brakes mean quadruple the excitement. Fully adjustable suspension and sport compound tires add to the thrill, and the textured sport seat and electronic tachometer round out this high-octane package. With its chromeexhaust, unique graphics and classic styling, the XL 1200S Sportster 1200 Sport is an eye catcher as well.
Key XL Sportster ® 1200 Sport characteristics
-Rigid mount 1200cc Evolution® engine
-High compression, dual-spark plug cylinder heads
-High performance cams
-Black powdercoated engine with polished and powder-coated covers
-Triple-disc brakes
-Premium, fully adjustable sport suspension
-Sport compound tires
-Textured sport seat
-Chrome staggered shorty dualexhaust
-Low-rise stainless steel handlebar


SPECIFICATIONS:
2003 Specifications1 XL 1200S Sportster® 1200 Sport

DIMENSIONS
Length 88.5 in. (2247.9 mm)
Seat Height (measure laden w/ 180 lb. rider) 28.0 in. (711.2 mm)
Seat Height (unladen) 29.1 in. (740.0 mm)
GroundClearance 6.7 in. (170.2 mm)
Rake 29.6 degrees
Trail 4.6 in. (116.8 mm)
Wheelbase 60.2 in. (1529.1 mm)
Tires: Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series
Front - K591F 100/90-195IV
Rear - K591 130/90-16 64V
Fuel Capacity 3.3 gal. (12.5 L)
Reserve Fuel Capacity 0.5 gal. (1.9 L)
Oil Capacity 3.0 qts. (2.8 L)
Dry Weight 501.0 lbs. (227.5 kg)
Vehicle Weight In Running Order (unladen) 528.6 lbs. (240.0 kg)
GrossVehicleWeightRating 948.0 lbs. (430.4 kg)

ENGINE
Engine 45º OHV V2 Evolution®
Valves Pushrod-operated overhead valves; w/ hydraulic
self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 3.498 x 3.812 in. (88.8 x 96.8 mm)
Displacement 73.2 cu. in. (1200 cc)
CompressionRatio 10.0:1
Fuel System2 Carburetion

DRIVETRAIN
Primary Drive Double row chain, oil bath,
mechanical tensioner, 56/35 ratio
Final Drive Gates carbon fiber reinforced
polychain belt, 61/29 ratio
Clutch Multi-plate, wet
Transmission Five-speed
Overall Ratio:
1st 9.047
2nd 6.210
3rd 4.823
4th 3.973
5th 3.366

CHASSIS
Frame Mild steel, twin cradle
Swing Arm Mild steel, rectangular section
Front Fork 39 mm telescopic w/ polished aluminum fork bracket
Wheels 19 in. front,
16 in rear,
13-spoke aluminum cast
Brakes:
Caliper Type Dual-piston front and rear
Rotor Type (diameter x width): Patented, Uniform Expansion Rotors
Front (DUAL) 11.5 in. x .20 in. (292.1 mm x 5.08 mm)
Rear 11.5 in. x .23 in. (292.1 mm x 5.84 mm)
Suspension travel:
Front wheel 6.10 in. (154.94 mm)
Rear wheel 4.20 in. (106.68 mm)

PERFORMANCE
Engine Torque (per SAEJ607)3:
North America 72 ft. lbs. @ 4000 rpm (97.693 NM @ 4000 rpm)
International 67 ft. lbs. @ 3100 rpm (90.909 NM @ 3100 rpm)
Lean Angle (per SAEJ1168):
Right 37.0 degrees
Left 37.5 degrees

 

Earlier I'd missed that the '03 was an "S"

Er, so one vote in the poll is wrong, add one more to the 1200S

 

Iceman, do yourself a favor and get the 1200 cuz I know you're thinking about how fun the 1250 conversion would be on the 883, but beware my brutha! They call it a $500 mod, but it ain't...talk to folks who've done it. Yes, you can buy the PCs kit for that, but it won't run right w/o a new high performance ignition and the SE unit is no longer available, so after mkt units are all that you have to choose from and they are not cheap or easy to program...

Additionally, if you'd like 100 WHP with the 1250 kit then be prepard to buy cams, port heads, bigger carb, breather & pipes.

My point is that in the long run with the money you want to spend you'll be happier sooner and for longer with the 1200.

Hope this helps!
Rick C.

 

If you are going to chop and play around with the sporty a lot, then get the 03. The difference in easily available and cheap aftermarket and take off parts is huge between the 03s then the rubber mounts. If you want a noticeably smoother ride without any mods, get the 05.

I'd get the 03 and chop the hell out of it.