Hi,

I'm new to the hobby and looking for my first bike. My budget is $4000 - $4500. I'm looking to buy a 1200 Sportster and my budget seems a bit low to buy something in decent shape. So I thought would I save some $$ if I get 883 and pay some1 to convert it to 1200? kinda like $3500 for a bike and $500 for conversion.
The main question is is performance of 883 converted to 1200 the same as manufactured 1200? Am I missing something else like 1200 frame is different or tank is not the same...

 

primary gearing is not the same
if you are taking an 883 to 1200 also do the gearing then you got a monster good luck

 

be patient, keep looking...should be able to find a 1200cc in your budget...cosmetics might be cheaper to fix/repair than the conversion

 

thanks 4 answers, any good spots to look for good deals?

 

I actually like the 883 gearing in my 1200....! haha

 

Leave the gearing alone if you convert to 1200. Gearing on stock bikes is a little high and you will get the best out of a conversion with the 883 gearing, which is fine! There is a classified section here on HDF where you might find a bike.

 

Don't forget Craigslist. $500 for a 1200/1250 conversion is probably $100 under what you'll find them for. That's if you do the work yourself. I'm looking to do the 1250 when I have saved the money.

Also remember you'll need a high flow air cleaner and either a rejet if you get a carbed Sporty or a remap if you get an EFI bike.

 

how much is it to get them installed?
(and also ... could I buy a kit and then have it installed, or do you typically have to buy the kit from the folks installing it)

 

Doug, with your bike the simplest and most economical way is to use a kit from someone like NRHS, who will supply replacement cylinders with pistons and gaskets. Use search to find recent threads about NRHS, including a blow by blow description with photos! Also check their website. Any local indy should be able to supply and fit, but read those threads to get the whole picture of what you need.

 

i think you can find a 1200 in your budget. I purchased a 2005 xl1200c early this summer for 4800.00. We're talking showroom condition - the deals are out there. Excuse the assumption, but by the nature of your post i assume you are not too mechanically inclined? If you are not comfortable around engines and working on them, then you will have to pay labor to have a 1200 kit installed - which will quickly increase the price well beyond what it would cost to purchase a 1200 from the getgo. Hope this helps.