Need some honest opinions and recommendations on a 1200 conversion. Looking to upgrade an 04 883 custom and am looking at a combination that will be reliable, easy to tune and matches my riding style (non-agressive, spend most of my time in low to mid-rpm range, rarely wind it out, often ride it 2 up). I am not one to get caught up in peak HP or TQ numbers in the range of the powerband that I rarely use, but want useable power (TQ) in the 2000-4500 rpm range. That being said, this is what I was contemplating: jugs bored to 1200cc, 9.5:1 pistons (any recommendation of manufacturers?), Andrews N2 cams, stock 883 heads. I would appreciate any comments on this combination, including feed back on cam choice and piston compression ratio (9.5 vs. 10:1).

Wiesco pistons are known to be good and light (i.e they match the weight of the 883), but KB and others will also work. You should be good to 10:1 without any issues. Just be sure that this is all you need as the pistons will be matched to the stock heads and won't work if you decide you want a little more HP or TQ and change heads (as you know a little is good but alot is better).

Should work well but make sure you at least put in the 1200 intake valve and get a good radius valve job on the intake side minimum. It will breathe easier and help take advantage of the N2's.

JOHNBOY, at the risk of jumping on my soapbox, :soap I think you should look into HQ or Nallins. Initially they may look expensive, but they offer you a proven package that they will stand behind. Just ask, I havn't read any bad things about either. You describe the type of riding I thought I was looking for when I planned my conversion, But after I got her broke in I must admit, I spend about 1/2 my riding time a little moore aggressive and hitting the higher rpms. It really is cool having that power and snap. But I can still putt around 2 up and shift at 2500-3000 no problem, great milage riding that way about 55mpg. 37-40 above 4500 all the time. I'm not affiliated with either shop just a very VERY SATISFIED customer of HeadQuarters, and would not think twice about doing it again. But if I get the cash to upgrade the wifes 1200 C anniversay, Its goin 1250 from Nallin. :luvsport :luvsport :luvsport :luvsport :luvsport :soap

Flamin883, just curious, what did you get for HP and TQ? Do you have a dyno sheet you can post?

Barry, I had her dynod with 600 miles on the conversion. she was not fully broke in yet the oil was still hitting 250 deg when pushing her. Those #s were 75hp 78tq. af was real steady upper 12s low 13s. No I don't have the sheet, atleast not that can be copied or posted. I took it with me to the XL list KC run last year and it rained all the way home the ink smeared and ran. But I'm hoping that the next dyno i'll be pushing 80 hp, My XL list timing cover ought to be worth that.

higher compression and n2s arent supposed to work well together if I remeber right.

a combination that will be reliable, easy to tune and matches my riding style (non-agressive, spend most of my time in low to mid-rpm range, rarely wind it out, often ride it 2 up).... yadayada... want useable power (TQ) in the 2000-4500 rpm range. (9.5 vs. 10:1).

Ok let's start over. Going with your stated wants, I'd recommend the std bread and butter conversion and let it go at that. Remember you'll gain an immediate 50% hp gain with just that alone and the power boost will be more than you need as stated. . Now, (and I'll probably catch flack here) any thing you do beyond that will test the limits of reliability and that sir, is a fact. As cams go, if you're not into drags, stoplight get aways or LSR attempts those stock HD cams are admittedly the best you can get for all around performance without sacrificing mileage and/or reliability. Don't take me word for it. Check around and see.

Often times folks will do mods for no intent or purpose other than for bragging rights. Just be sure of what you really want.