Realistic 883 Vs 1200 - Worth the $ Difference?
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RE: Realistic 883 Vs 1200 - Worth the $ Difference?
Oldfenderguy, I am new herealso, and seems like you know alot about the bike. I have a 883 (2003) and was wondering if you can make a difference with highway speeds by switching the sproket? I am not looking for a quick bike, I am lookingto just get a little lower RPMs at 65 - 70 MPH. I race dirtbikes (Enduro style racing) in which gearing makes a difference, and can be done with a 30 dollar sprocket for a huge difference.
I guess what I am asking is, is it as easy as a new (smaller rear or bigger front sprocket) sprocket for lower RPMs? With a dirtbike you can just take out links on the chain, but would it be as easy with the belt?
Thanks Jeff
I guess what I am asking is, is it as easy as a new (smaller rear or bigger front sprocket) sprocket for lower RPMs? With a dirtbike you can just take out links on the chain, but would it be as easy with the belt?
Thanks Jeff
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Virginia
RE: Realistic 883 Vs 1200 - Worth the $ Difference?
ORIGINAL: OldFenderGuy
There is a little more in the way of engine improvements for the 04+ 1200 than just the added displacement.
The 883 has a bore and stroke of 3.0"x3.8", while the 1200 is 3.5"x3.8", but the 1200 also has lighter piston and rods, and the useable power range has been increased to 6,000 RPM. We hooked some gauges up to my 2005 1200C, and the internal rev-limited kicked in right at 6,000. On a 883 the rev-limited came on at 5,500 RPM.
The 883 runs a 8.9-1 compression, while the 1200 has a compression ratio of 9.7-1.
The 1200 also uses high flow cylinder heads from the Buell XB line, and cams from the 1200 Sport.
Factory horsepower and torque figures for the 883 are 53 HP at 6,000 RPM, and 51 LB-FT at 4,300 RPM.
Factory horsepower and torque figures for the 1200 are 70 HP at 6,000, and 79 LB-FT at a low 3,500 RPM.
As you can see, the 1200 makes a lot of torque at a low RPM, and it really screams from 3,500 RPM to 6,000 RPM.
There is a little more in the way of engine improvements for the 04+ 1200 than just the added displacement.
The 883 has a bore and stroke of 3.0"x3.8", while the 1200 is 3.5"x3.8", but the 1200 also has lighter piston and rods, and the useable power range has been increased to 6,000 RPM. We hooked some gauges up to my 2005 1200C, and the internal rev-limited kicked in right at 6,000. On a 883 the rev-limited came on at 5,500 RPM.
The 883 runs a 8.9-1 compression, while the 1200 has a compression ratio of 9.7-1.
The 1200 also uses high flow cylinder heads from the Buell XB line, and cams from the 1200 Sport.
Factory horsepower and torque figures for the 883 are 53 HP at 6,000 RPM, and 51 LB-FT at 4,300 RPM.
Factory horsepower and torque figures for the 1200 are 70 HP at 6,000, and 79 LB-FT at a low 3,500 RPM.
As you can see, the 1200 makes a lot of torque at a low RPM, and it really screams from 3,500 RPM to 6,000 RPM.
Now if you spend $750 or sometimes lessand do the basicconversion tothe 883 to 1200 or 1250 you get the lighter pistons and 10:1 compression or higher. Now for another $750 NRHS has some XB / 2004 XL1200R Heads and for another $300 you can get a high performance SE cam again from NRHS if you want even more power than the basic conversion.
I think it would be easier to go for the 1200 from the start but if you don't care about the extra chrome and would rather spend the money on building up and hot rodding the engine, the 883 with the above parts added would be the way to go.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Ozark Country
RE: Realistic 883 Vs 1200 - Worth the $ Difference?
ORIGINAL: PigInaBlanket
OFGthe 883 is really rev limited at 6000 just like the 1200. You also forgot the different cam
ORIGINAL: OldFenderGuy
There is a little more in the way of engine improvements for the 04+ 1200 than just the added displacement.
The 883 has a bore and stroke of 3.0"x3.8", while the 1200 is 3.5"x3.8", but the 1200 also has lighter piston and rods, and the useable power range has been increased to 6,000 RPM. We hooked some gauges up to my 2005 1200C, and the internal rev-limited kicked in right at 6,000. On a 883 the rev-limited came on at 5,500 RPM.
The 883 runs a 8.9-1 compression, while the 1200 has a compression ratio of 9.7-1.
The 1200 also uses high flow cylinder heads from the Buell XB line, and cams from the 1200 Sport.
Factory horsepower and torque figures for the 883 are 53 HP at 6,000 RPM, and 51 LB-FT at 4,300 RPM.
Factory horsepower and torque figures for the 1200 are 70 HP at 6,000, and 79 LB-FT at a low 3,500 RPM.
As you can see, the 1200 makes a lot of torque at a low RPM, and it really screams from 3,500 RPM to 6,000 RPM.
There is a little more in the way of engine improvements for the 04+ 1200 than just the added displacement.
The 883 has a bore and stroke of 3.0"x3.8", while the 1200 is 3.5"x3.8", but the 1200 also has lighter piston and rods, and the useable power range has been increased to 6,000 RPM. We hooked some gauges up to my 2005 1200C, and the internal rev-limited kicked in right at 6,000. On a 883 the rev-limited came on at 5,500 RPM.
The 883 runs a 8.9-1 compression, while the 1200 has a compression ratio of 9.7-1.
The 1200 also uses high flow cylinder heads from the Buell XB line, and cams from the 1200 Sport.
Factory horsepower and torque figures for the 883 are 53 HP at 6,000 RPM, and 51 LB-FT at 4,300 RPM.
Factory horsepower and torque figures for the 1200 are 70 HP at 6,000, and 79 LB-FT at a low 3,500 RPM.
As you can see, the 1200 makes a lot of torque at a low RPM, and it really screams from 3,500 RPM to 6,000 RPM.
Hey Now!!! I did mention the different cams (see above). LoL
We hooked gauges up to a 2004 883, the same day we put them on my 2005 1200C.
My 'rev-limited' started kicking in just a bit below 6,000 RPM, while on the 883 the same thing happened just a bit above 5,500 RPM.
I don't know, maybe they are set different on various bikes?
Club Member
Joined: May 2006
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From: Virginia
RE: Realistic 883 Vs 1200 - Worth the $ Difference?
Oops hehe yes you did mention the cams.
I've never tested the actual reading on mine but in another thread ****** pointed out in the 05 manual it says 6000 rev limiter for both the 883 and 1200. I would imagine the 04s would have the same limiter but maybe not.
I can't agree with this. The 883 is fine on the highway in my opinion. I've never ridden a 1200 but some have said the 883 is a little smoother with less vibration. There is vibration at 70mph but not bad at all on the 883. The 1200 would of course have better passing power but the 883 does fine in this regard.
I've never tested the actual reading on mine but in another thread ****** pointed out in the 05 manual it says 6000 rev limiter for both the 883 and 1200. I would imagine the 04s would have the same limiter but maybe not.
ORIGINAL: WRAITH
If your using just for commuting,get the 883.If you plan on any amount of hiway travel,get the 1200.
If your using just for commuting,get the 883.If you plan on any amount of hiway travel,get the 1200.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,749
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From: Augusta, Ga.
RE: Realistic 883 Vs 1200 - Worth the $ Difference?
I just rode my wife's new 883 home from the dealer as she isn't quite ready for traffic yet.
I was expecting the worst...being a big twin snob but I have to say that bike was a blast to ride.
It's light and handles like a sport bike. It isn't a torque monster and you won't be breaking any speed records but it had plenty of pep and handled great. I must admit....I liked it....almost too much.
If you're a smaller guy I think the 883 would be great....if you have much heft to you then you might consider the 1200 to give you some cushion power wise when you get used to the bike and want more.
My wife bought the L model which is lowerd front and rear with a solo seat.
I was expecting the worst...being a big twin snob but I have to say that bike was a blast to ride.
It's light and handles like a sport bike. It isn't a torque monster and you won't be breaking any speed records but it had plenty of pep and handled great. I must admit....I liked it....almost too much.
If you're a smaller guy I think the 883 would be great....if you have much heft to you then you might consider the 1200 to give you some cushion power wise when you get used to the bike and want more.
My wife bought the L model which is lowerd front and rear with a solo seat.
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RE: Realistic 883 Vs 1200 - Worth the $ Difference?
Odered a 29T pulley for $52 including shipping, from Zanotti. part #40409-04. If this smooths her out at 65 MPH I will be happy. Wife said I cant go over 65 anyway[8D]
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RE: Realistic 883 Vs 1200 - Worth the $ Difference?
If you get the 883 will you wish in the future you got the 1200? Maybe
If you get the 1200 will you wish in the future you got the 883? Never
I was going to get an 883 and was set on it when I went to the stealer. However after looking both bikes over I loved the 1200 Custom. I am a big guy so I wanted the extra power. I liked the extra chrome and to be honest I wanted to be able to say a 1200 when asked what kind of sporster. 317CC and 17HP POWER IS ALWAYS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you get the 1200 will you wish in the future you got the 883? Never
I was going to get an 883 and was set on it when I went to the stealer. However after looking both bikes over I loved the 1200 Custom. I am a big guy so I wanted the extra power. I liked the extra chrome and to be honest I wanted to be able to say a 1200 when asked what kind of sporster. 317CC and 17HP POWER IS ALWAYS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!