Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Gearing up for 1250 build; any advice?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 01:10 PM
  #1  
MicOnti's Avatar
MicOnti
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Default Gearing up for 1250 build; any advice?

I'm getting ready to do my conversion and I'm looking for any tips / advice that might save me some headaches.

So heres what I got:
-2010 Iron
-1250 kit (NRHS)
-HD Service manual
-And a well stocked garage..

What I'm looking for:
-Detailed threads on it (I've seen one with pics but can't find any others. I remember there being a old one but can't find it)
-trouble shooting guide
-things to remember / lookout for

Any input would be appreciated,
Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 03:31 PM
  #2  
hank-hill's Avatar
hank-hill
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
Default

Yes one very important piece of advise

Read NHRS website about torque values for the pistons/heads. I did a Hammer 1250 kit and the gaskets are a different kind than stock and require a different torque spec
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 03:44 PM
  #3  
baka1969's Avatar
baka1969
Extreme HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
Default

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...i-version.html

A few things to think about when working on your bike.

* Be organized- believe me this helps a lot. Get your tools ready to go. Make a check list of the steps you'll be going through. Label all the parts and the parts that come off the bike during disassembly. Take pictures of the specific area you'll be working on before you start. It'll help you visualize when you reassemble. Use a template of the parts you disassemble. A piece of cardboard.

* Be patient- Take your time. Most mistakes are done when trying to hurry or rush. If you get pissed, just walk away for a little bit and return. You're in no hurry. Enjoy the process.

* Research- Between this site, the other Sportster site and YouTube there are plenty places to get your questions answered.

* Tools- Use the right tools for the right job. It's much better to use the proper tool intended than try to improvise. Something as simple as using a T25 torx wrench instead of a T27 can strip a bolt.

* Follow directions- Do what the manufacturer tell you to do with the install and be assured a bike that will give you years of use and 10s of thousands of miles of reliable service

* Have fun
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 05:54 PM
  #4  
Scuba10jdl's Avatar
Scuba10jdl
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Default

You're going to need to upgrade your clutch diaphragm spring. The rubbermount 883's have a light spring and it won't hold up to the 1250 power/torque output.
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 06:50 PM
  #5  
Madnss's Avatar
Madnss
Grand HDF Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,782
Likes: 1,202
From: river
Default

Go to nrhs website. Instructions on how to assemble. I think they were wrote up by aswracing, one of the most reputable guys in the xl field
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2013 | 06:57 PM
  #6  
baka1969's Avatar
baka1969
Extreme HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
Default

Originally Posted by Scuba10jdl
You're going to need to upgrade your clutch diaphragm spring. The rubbermount 883's have a light spring and it won't hold up to the 1250 power/torque output.
Just a note: you'll need a clutch spring compressor tool to change out the clutch spring.

Edit:

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...ad.php?t=49915
 

Last edited by baka1969; Dec 19, 2013 at 07:04 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2013 | 07:56 AM
  #7  
grbrown's Avatar
grbrown
Club Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Default

To find useful threads simply use 'Search' in the blue bar above, go to advanced search, then enter '1250' for threads with that in the title. There are 98 of 'em, so it should be easy to find the one you refer to.
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2013 | 10:22 AM
  #8  
MicOnti's Avatar
MicOnti
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Default

just re opened the thread and seen all the great replays. I start today so hopefully I'm posting by tonight. Thanks for the help!!
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 20, 2013 | 12:05 PM
  #9  
mrfikser's Avatar
mrfikser
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
Default

I did it on my 2000 883 ...the only advice I can give is to just do it...its not that tough....oh, and take you time...are you doing cams too???
 
Reply
Old Dec 21, 2013 | 10:16 AM
  #10  
MicOnti's Avatar
MicOnti
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Default

No cams yet.. figured I'd start with this and see where were at with the ponies.

Update:
Finished the fun stuff last night. First cylinder was slow and tidious but second was much better. I had some problems with two Allen bolts and the snap rings but other then that it went pretty smooth.. I dress her back up today then the heat treat.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:51 PM.

story-0
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-4
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-5
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-9
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE