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

Changing intake systems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 14, 2014 | 12:42 AM
  #1  
1Pyro69's Avatar
1Pyro69
Thread Starter
|
Stage I
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Default Changing intake systems

I'm new here and was wondering if anyone had advice on what air intake I should get for my 2006 Sportster XL1200 Custom. The three things I'm looking for are a boost in horsepower, room for my right knee (long rides end with a bit of a limp), and a chrome look. I like the intakes I've seen with the elbow facing the filter forward instead of off the side but don't care for the exposed red filter look. Does the bullet style intake offer less horsepower gain since there's a chrome housing covering the filter? I've also seen some good-looking round intakes that obviously would leave more room for my knee than the stock one, but not sure if it would leave enough room or not. Any input would be appreciated.

And when you swap intakes, is there any work that needs to be done to the carb? Or is there a carb I can buy to further increase my horsepower while I'm at it?
 

Last edited by 1Pyro69; Aug 14, 2014 at 12:46 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2014 | 10:25 AM
  #2  
Scuba10jdl's Avatar
Scuba10jdl
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Default

http://hammerperf.com/xlaircleaners.shtml#impact

Looks like stock, will help you keep leg clearance, and gives a good performance boost.

You'll need to retune or rejet your carb depending on how the intake affects your bike. The CVK40 (stock carb) is good to about 100hp.
 
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2014 | 01:08 PM
  #3  
grbrown's Avatar
grbrown
Club Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Default

You are asking two questions! Scuba's suggestion should improve your leg clearance and give a little extra performance, but for a serious boost in performance, take a closer look at the Hammer website and the various performance aids they provide.
 
Reply
Old Aug 14, 2014 | 01:22 PM
  #4  
Stuntgrunt's Avatar
Stuntgrunt
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: Manchester, UK
Default

I've been looking at filters for my FXD and was very close to buying the Cobra Powrflo. I mention it because it appears to be a simple install and a design that might be more comfortable to your knee. Check it out but I haven't seen one in the flesh.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
OldWheels
EVO
13
May 20, 2016 10:31 AM
JohnnyC
EVO
33
Nov 18, 2012 08:34 PM
Mojo1977
Sportster Models
5
Sep 27, 2012 03:10 PM
renegado
EVO
15
Nov 9, 2010 07:58 PM
JosephGarcia
Sportster Models
7
Nov 19, 2007 09:14 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:13 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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