Hey, I just recently bought a 2003 H-D Sporster 883 Huger. I was told by the person I was buying it from the previous owner upgraded the Motor to a 1200.

My question is. How do I know for sure. This bike has 3,500 original miles on it. Other than taking the top end apart and literally measuring the cylinders, I have no clue how to tell unless you can take the plug out and some how see a marking in the piston or something?

I know the engines sound wont be any different right?

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

The outside of the cylinders have either 883 or 1200 molded in them. Its only about 1/4" tall font and toward the bottom.

Unless they had the cylinders bored. Then you would need to measure the bore.

 

Does it run like a bat out of hell? Are you happy with the performance? Don't worry about it.
Many 1200 kits such as Hammer bore out the existing cylinders. It might be hard to tell without receipts.

 

If they used a Harley kit with silver jugs then you really can't tell unless you ride a known 883 and that one back-to-back. If an aftermarket kit was used that bored out the cylinders, it's the same thing. If a kit like Hammer or NRHS was used with their jugs, the jugs should be stamped on them.

I believe the 2007+ 883 Sportsters (I know you have a 2003) can't be bored out so they'd either have the HD kit or one of the full aftermarket kits. If I'm wrong someone will correct me.

If the jugs are black with silver highlights on the fins, it's most likely a 1200 (or possibly a 1250 if the heads were changed also).

 

I always ask for the paperwork too...doesn't hurt...most owners retain this type of record for (1) warranty validation, (2) historical records, and (3) re-sale value. If they don't have docs then they'd have to show some other proof to up-charge selling price...otherwise anyone could say "my motor's upgraded" and push for more $$$.

 

Short of removing the cylinder heads, this is the easiest way to check:

You can actually measure the diagonal of the cylinder.
Jack up the rear wheel, take out both spark plugs
put the bike in 5th gear. Rotate the rear wheel
until the piston is at bottom dead center, BDC.
Use a wooden dowel or chop stick to feel when the
piston is at the bottom.

Then push the bottom end of the stick to the far side
of the combustion chamber and mark the end of the stick
where it hits the upper lip of the spark plug hole.
This is the diagonal of the chamber and it will be different
for a 1200 vs. a 883. Your measurements might be close to this.

For a 1200 it will be about 5 7/8"
For a 883 it will be about 5 1/2"

 

Out of curiosity, are you running on original tires?

 

cHarley's got it.

 

It's a great tip and 3/8" is a significant difference. That said, wouldn't the diameter of the dowel or the taper of the chopstick somewhat effect that measurement?

 

Just use one of those small diameter BBQ skewers, somewhat pointed on the end.