883-1200 conversion.

[Bluey]

I know that doing the conversion is worth while. But what product offers best value for money?
Do I just purchase the barrels and pistons or do I go the whole hog (pardon the pun) and splash out on the heads barrels pistons carb etc etc.

Whist searching around I've found Zippers performance offers a complete kit for $2000
any one used these?

[Alan B]

I bored out and fitted Wiseco pistons. That's cheapest and I think best. Try doing a search on the site. There's loads on this subject.
Alan B

[Bluey]

Thats what I'd found out, with so many different aftermarket products it's a difficult choice to make!

Having done this last year I can only say. ... Whichever way you choose it's worth it.

I went for the bore out and Wiseco pistons option. Worked out the cheapest option, especially as I found some pistons on Ebay for £50. This left me with spare cash for Andrews cams and Crane ignition (by no means necessary but great fun).

Depending how much you use the bike you may want to get some spare barrels and have them bored beforehand. I did this and did the whole job over a weekend. This was going carefully and fitting the cams and ignition as well.

[Hawkeye]

I bought a screaming eagle big bore conversion from the US, cost about £260.00. Came complete with all gaskets, 'o'o rings and wot not.

Have not touched the heads, in fact i have been told by a Harley Mechanic that the standard 883 heads and valves are better that 1200 ones, they are quicker off the mark.

Running standard cams and very happy with it, upped the overall gearing by 3 teeth on the front sprocket and cruises real happy at 70/80mph. Fuel consumption 55/60mph.

I have fiited an S&S carb for better running (no farts)

All a personal thing really, do what you do to make yourself happy not others

As an opposite viewpoint to Hawkeye, at the moment I've left mine on the standard gearing. Undergeared and vibrates like f**k at motorway speeds but more fun than you'd believe round town (which is where I do most of my riding at the moment). Actually performs like it did when first introduced all those years ago. If my intended trip comes off next year I'll definately up the gearing though. May even investigate using a 55 tooth rear.

On the matter of what to use: I've seen it said that all Sportster cranks are balanced for the 883, but regardless you'll be using an 883 crank. Why do I bring this up? Because Wiseco forged pistons weigh roughly the same as Harley 883 ones whereas the Harley unes weigh considerably more. On the other hand forged pistons are meant to make mure noise than Harley ones. Speaking from my own experience: If I listen hard, with forged pistons and Andrews cams there is a little more noise but in normal use I don't notice it. And, since I did both at the same time I've no tdea which is responsible. I definately have no more vibration than I had before. Dunno if this helps or leaves you more confused yjan you were before.