Go Sportsters

[ian03xl]

Originally Posted by scooterintexas

What is the typical cost to convert the engine from 883 to 1200? Parts and labor breakdown? What about the SE stage 1?

Looking at prices on used sportsters, it looks like you can get a low mileage 883 for $3K - $4K here in the DFW area. If I can upgrade to the 1200 at a reasonable price this may be the way to go.

Like this one: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/3338127623.html


Scott

You can do a basic 1200 for $500 if you do it yourself it'll double that if you pay someone to do it.

[bravada]

Originally Posted by AZbiker

Take an R model, throw a flat seat on it, done.

Too bad the R models DIDN'T SELL.

Love the R!

Why doesn't the motor co make a xl with a 29"- 30" seat height( for me would be ideal at 31"), real swing arm travel, and some great front forks. This low stuff is great for the market it is intended for but I am not that market.

I don't want one of the bigger bikes that they offer as I tend towards the smaller displacement size stuff. I like nimble point and squirt stuff. Can you think of a nimble fat ballerina?

Now I know that are many other brands out there that would make a better choice. Here are my secondary considerations that are very important to me: 15 min away is a great well known Harley Dealer I am not interested in driving 90 miles for parts or mail order . Service is big in my book next as is parts availability and interchangeability. A few years after the purchase I have confidence that I will be able to keep my wheels on the road. Been there/here done that. My current brand/ dealer will still service my bike and started selling lawn equipment any way i need a second bike.

[Ginger Beard]

Originally Posted by bravada

Love the R!

Why doesn't the motor co make a xl with a 29"- 30" seat height( for me would be ideal at 31"), real swing arm travel, and some great front forks. This low stuff is great for the market it is intended for but I am not that market.

I don't want one of the bigger bikes that they offer as I tend towards the smaller displacement size stuff. I like nimble point and squirt stuff. Can you think of a nimble fat ballerina?

That's the issue is that bikes like the R don't sell well in the USA. Most HD customers either want a one of the touring bikes for the long haul stuff or they want a bike that is lowered with a particular sound and look. Guys like "us" that want a Sportster standard are a small part of their current market. Honestly though , the parts interchange so easily and are so readily available that making one of their current bikes into what you are describing is simple and inexpensive.

[cybrdyke]

Originally Posted by bravada

Love the R!

Why doesn't the motor co make a xl with a 29"- 30" seat height( for me would be ideal at 31"), real swing arm travel, and some great front forks. This low stuff is great for the market it is intended for but I am not that market.

I don't want one of the bigger bikes that they offer as I tend towards the smaller displacement size stuff. I like nimble point and squirt stuff. Can you think of a nimble fat ballerina?

Now I know that are many other brands out there that would make a better choice. Here are my secondary considerations that are very important to me: 15 min away is a great well known Harley Dealer I am not interested in driving 90 miles for parts or mail order . Service is big in my book next as is parts availability and interchangeability. A few years after the purchase I have confidence that I will be able to keep my wheels on the road. Been there/here done that. My current brand/ dealer will still service my bike and started selling lawn equipment any way i need a second bike.

[AZbiker]

Originally Posted by bravada

Love the R!

Why doesn't the motor co make a xl with a 29"- 30" seat height( for me would be ideal at 31"), real swing arm travel, and some great front forks. This low stuff is great for the market it is intended for but I am not that market.

I don't want one of the bigger bikes that they offer as I tend towards the smaller displacement size stuff. I like nimble point and squirt stuff. Can you think of a nimble fat ballerina?

Now I know that are many other brands out there that would make a better choice. Here are my secondary considerations that are very important to me: 15 min away is a great well known Harley Dealer I am not interested in driving 90 miles for parts or mail order . Service is big in my book next as is parts availability and interchangeability. A few years after the purchase I have confidence that I will be able to keep my wheels on the road. Been there/here done that. My current brand/ dealer will still service my bike and started selling lawn equipment any way i need a second bike.

Get thyself to the XLForum. There you will see a bunch of posts by people who ride Sportsters with mid controls and wear full face helmets. It's like a weird alternate universe.

[hhkiwi]

Originally Posted by AZbiker

Get thyself to the XLForum. There you will see a bunch of posts by people who ride Sportsters with mid controls and wear full face helmets. It's like a weird alternate universe.

Yep, that would be me. It may be a weird universe but it's not bad. In fact it is very enjoyable - and not incompatible with yours!

[AZbiker]

Originally Posted by hhkiwi

Yep, that would be me. It may be a weird universe but it's not bad. In fact it is very enjoyable - and not incompatible with yours!

I had quite a few posts over there when I had mine--I was one of the weirdos with a mid-control XL with scratches and dirt all over it.

[jules083]

Originally Posted by scooterintexas

What is the typical cost to convert the engine from 883 to 1200? Parts and labor breakdown?

What about the SE stage 1?

Meh, don't waste your time on that one.

Looking at prices on used sportsters, it looks like you can get a low mileage 883 for $3K - $4K here in the DFW area. If I can upgrade to the 1200 at a reasonable price this may be the way to go.

Like this one: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/3338127623.html


Scott

The 883 to 1200 is cheap, around $500 to $750 like was posted above. A lot of people have had good luck with the NHRS 1250 kit. Stock 883 heads can be used, you could have them re-worked, or you can go with thunderstorm heads. Up to you and your wallet.

When I bought my 883 a few months ago I was planning on a 1200 kit. I actually thought the bike was a 1200 until the test ride, I assumed 1200 and he thought I knew what it was. After riding the 883 I changed my mind. No climbing mountain passes at 12,000 feet with a passenger and camping gear, but otherwise I'm fine with it.

[skysailor]

I can't get past the 72! I LOVE that thing!
Lyle

[Bloodweiser]

anyone interested in an 06 1200r?
Might be selling.

[eliotsajerkface]

Just picked mine up today:

[Barnone]

eliot,
Nice looking 2013 Sportster 48. Does the tag swing out automatically? Can you ride with it tucked in?
Are the mirrors in a stock position? They are neat and out of the way.

[EetsOK]

Oh wait, those aren't Sportsters, sorry. Mods feel free to delete this post.

[eliotsajerkface]

Originally Posted by Barnone

eliot,
Nice looking 2013 Sportster 48. Does the tag swing out automatically? Can you ride with it tucked in?
Are the mirrors in a stock position? They are neat and out of the way.

Yeah, you can swing the plate out of the way. The wind is really strong around open road tolling so I can see it folding in on itself from time to time.

The mirrors are in stock position.

There isn't a lot I'm going to be doing, mainly repainting the tank so it doesn't say Harley on it (to hide my shame) and maybe raise the bars up just an inch or so.

[Barnone]

Yep, I was thinking the same way that it doesn't need much. Nice and simple old school looking bike. I would just need some luggage capacity.