what is the best 883 to 1200 conversion without spending too much $

[Terry Jackson]

Good info Bubbie. That is exactly what I am considering. I want the torque, but at my age, don't need a lot of HP. And I figured the 883 heads would make more torque.

ONE LATE NIGHT TALK WITH JERRY BRANCH OF BRANCH HEADS....

one late evening i made a phone call to a calif. shop...

THINKING to leave MY return number ,,, was quite surprised that someone answered the phone..

JERRY BRANCH was the answer..

I told him what I had started to do with my 1995 883..wanting LOW end power and the best way to get it...

I had already BOT wiseco 1200 cc pistons at 10.5/1 ratio

HE SAID I couldn't use HIS heads with those pistons
but since I was on a LOW budget and doing MY own work:::::

HE suggested
" " " " " " " "
BUY new HD 1200 barrels using the wiseco pistons at 10.5/1

use the stock 883 heads (give them a lap job)

modify the carb with proper jets (.180 )??? and use a older model ?1200 sport needle..

Use a good pair of slip-ons (scrm'n eagle)
slap it together..... break it in @ 500 miles

"THEN go find a POLE and climb it"--- call me back tell me what you think

I then asked HIM what cams to use??

HE SHOUTED his reply "there you guys go again ,,, wanting LOW-END power and torque ,,, then caming it all away...

I followed his advice (other than the pole)

REALLY HAD A HOT 1200 CC BIKE...

BOY DID I surprise(my self included) a few of the guys I rode with...
(in front of)

THANKS to JERRY BRANCH for answering his phone one late night YEARS AGO.

signed....BUBBIE

 

[LOOSE1]

Recieved quote for 800 using own cylinders also includes 2 trips to dyno

 

[BUBBIE]

Recieved quote for 800 using own cylinders also includes 2 trips to dyno

I would NOT have your 883 cyl's bored....

Realize the amount of boring needed....


883= 3" piston

1200 = 3.5 piston

THATS 1/2 inch........ of material to remove....

I found it cheaper to buy new 1200 cyl's barrels from HD parts... YOU ALSO have a better quality cyl....NEW

It takes a good amount of time ($$$$) (compare the difference) to take out a 1/2 inch of material (1/4 " cut) and to do it properly using 4-5 cuts & (torque plates)..

SOME do it FAST and (HOG CUT) using fewer cuts and quality fails... the cyl's will work if badly machined but WON"T LAST under the strain....
ALSO, I'd be careful using an UNKNOWN or a HOG out SHOP....

883/1200 barrels are the same.... 883 have the SAME sleeve OD as the 1200 but ID is 1/4" thicker wall...

3" to 3 and 1/2" WOW now that is some serious size increase.......
on the pistons also ask what brand and compression ratio they are using..

Right now is a good time to KNOW WHAT YOU WANT.... not after the fact....

I liked MY 10.5/1 ratio and using GOOD quality wiseco pistons... LOTS OF POWER,,,, MORE than ANY 1200 with stock 1200 pistons...

dyno time to ME is a waist of $$$$ ...

I don't know if your bike is a older carbed one or a newer with inject.
IT is easy to do what I did to mine without putting it on dyno....
FEEL FREE to PM me IF YOUI LIKE i can give you a cel call if you want MY knowledge to bang around with this ...

signed....BUBBIE