1200 or 883

[FrameMount1200]

I thought quite a bit about it and chose an '03 1200 Custom. I was concerned if I bought an 883 -which were cheaper and more plentiful on CL and FB- I would eventually reach a point where I wanted a 1200. So I kind of future-proofed my purchase. I tend to keep things a long time. I wanted an '03 because I'd rather not have to pay someone to work on it and the pre-04 bikes are simpler.

[Ted Town]

I was less concerned with displacement than finding a good deal. My sorta-kinda Sportster fund was capped at a figure that pretty much limited me to high-mileage bikes. So imagine my surprise to find two low-mileage ones I could afford: a 1999 1200 Sportster S with 12,000 miles, and the one I wound up with, a 2002 883 R. The 1200 was an hour and a half away, the 883 40 minutes away - plus, it was barely broken in, so it was a pretty easy decision. I could pay for the conversion, but I figure all that would do would get me from 0 to 60 a lot quicker - which is pots of fun, but doesn't account for a lot of my riding.

[bagster guy]

I geared mine way before I did the kit but I'm fuel injected so I don't know, it's possible it might have much worse effects on a carb'd bike. I did the 1200 kit mainly because I just enjoy spinning wrenches once in a while. I was never expecting a fast bike when I bought an 883.

[SaddleBronc]

2007 XL1200C with (883) 34T primary sprocket and chain.

Third owner, 3500 original miles.

[Dusz]

Capacity isn't everything but this isn't what the marketing bods want you to know. In their opinion they are selling bigger is always better. But is that so?
My 883 easily keeps up with others when out on a ride at UK speed limits. These are people riding Triumph 1200, Tiger 900, BMW 1250, Yamaha 900 etc. After one ride earlier this year I followed someone on a BMW 1250GS who was riding it very spiritedly on UK cross country roads. It took me out of my comfort zone but it also showed me that the bike has more capability than me although I have fitted longer rear air shocks to my Super Low so it does now go round corners particularly right hand corners.

[50 Coupe]

I prolly added to this post years ago but, bought a new '02 base 883. Did the old Thunderstorm conversion with Cometic pistons as soon as warranty was out. With the 883 27T front pulley, it hauls ass. Added Progressive springs and shocks. Stiff ride but handles great! Still riding it today, 29,000 miles later.

[brucstoudt]

i plan on doing an 883/1200 Thunderstorm conversion i have the heads.didn't know the gasket maker Cometic made pistons.i'll have to research this.

[oswaldoalvarez9]

I preferred 1200 it’s an upgraded version and I love it.