Help me modify an Iron 883... on paper
#1
07-20-2011 | 05:33 PM
Help me modify an Iron 883... on paper
Yeah, I'm just building this in my head right now, since I won't actually own this Iron until tax return time. I'm a total n00b and need guidance. I'll be getting a 2010 Iron 883 (bone stock other than forward controls already added) for less than $7,000.
I would appreciate it if you could take a look and give me some advice, hints, where and what to buy and anything else you can think of.
Here are the modifications I want to do.
Vance and Hines 2-1 Black exhaust
It's a little different than the sea of short shots out there, and I've read that it may actually give a slight kick in HP. Short shots would be too loud for me, but I still want that solid sound. I think that the 2-1's may give me just what I'm looking for.
Intake and Reprogram
I do not know what is the best way to as far as price / performance goes. I would really appreciate some advice here.
Z-Bars
I really like the look of the Z-bar. How tall should I go? I'd rather not have to replace the cables if at all possible. Also, which brand? I read a comment from someone that their Z-Bar from Lick's Cycle broke on them and left them stranded. How about Biltwell?
Tank Lift
How much lift would be best and what do I need to purchase to make this possible? Do cables need rerouted once this is done?
Remove front fender and chop the rear fender
I think that's a little self explanatory, but is there any advice I may need?
Upgrade rear suspension
I don't think I'm ready to go the hard tail route. What would you recommend that performs well, but also looks good?
Thanks in advance.
I would appreciate it if you could take a look and give me some advice, hints, where and what to buy and anything else you can think of.
Here are the modifications I want to do.
Vance and Hines 2-1 Black exhaust
It's a little different than the sea of short shots out there, and I've read that it may actually give a slight kick in HP. Short shots would be too loud for me, but I still want that solid sound. I think that the 2-1's may give me just what I'm looking for.
Intake and Reprogram
I do not know what is the best way to as far as price / performance goes. I would really appreciate some advice here.
Z-Bars
I really like the look of the Z-bar. How tall should I go? I'd rather not have to replace the cables if at all possible. Also, which brand? I read a comment from someone that their Z-Bar from Lick's Cycle broke on them and left them stranded. How about Biltwell?
Tank Lift
How much lift would be best and what do I need to purchase to make this possible? Do cables need rerouted once this is done?
Remove front fender and chop the rear fender
I think that's a little self explanatory, but is there any advice I may need?
Upgrade rear suspension
I don't think I'm ready to go the hard tail route. What would you recommend that performs well, but also looks good?
Thanks in advance.
#2
07-20-2011 | 06:06 PM
Yeah, I'm just building this in my head right now, since I won't actually own this Iron until tax return time. I'm a total n00b and need guidance. I'll be getting a 2010 Iron 883 (bone stock other than forward controls already added) for less than $7,000.
I would appreciate it if you could take a look and give me some advice, hints, where and what to buy and anything else you can think of.
Here are the modifications I want to do.
Vance and Hines 2-1 Black exhaust
It's a little different than the sea of short shots out there, and I've read that it may actually give a slight kick in HP. Short shots would be too loud for me, but I still want that solid sound. I think that the 2-1's may give me just what I'm looking for.
Intake and Reprogram
I do not know what is the best way to as far as price / performance goes. I would really appreciate some advice here.
Z-Bars
I really like the look of the Z-bar. How tall should I go? I'd rather not have to replace the cables if at all possible. Also, which brand? I read a comment from someone that their Z-Bar from Lick's Cycle broke on them and left them stranded. How about Biltwell?
Tank Lift
How much lift would be best and what do I need to purchase to make this possible? Do cables need rerouted once this is done?
Remove front fender and chop the rear fender
I think that's a little self explanatory, but is there any advice I may need?
Upgrade rear suspension
I don't think I'm ready to go the hard tail route. What would you recommend that performs well, but also looks good?
Thanks in advance.
I would appreciate it if you could take a look and give me some advice, hints, where and what to buy and anything else you can think of.
Here are the modifications I want to do.
Vance and Hines 2-1 Black exhaust
It's a little different than the sea of short shots out there, and I've read that it may actually give a slight kick in HP. Short shots would be too loud for me, but I still want that solid sound. I think that the 2-1's may give me just what I'm looking for.
Intake and Reprogram
I do not know what is the best way to as far as price / performance goes. I would really appreciate some advice here.
Z-Bars
I really like the look of the Z-bar. How tall should I go? I'd rather not have to replace the cables if at all possible. Also, which brand? I read a comment from someone that their Z-Bar from Lick's Cycle broke on them and left them stranded. How about Biltwell?
Tank Lift
How much lift would be best and what do I need to purchase to make this possible? Do cables need rerouted once this is done?
Remove front fender and chop the rear fender
I think that's a little self explanatory, but is there any advice I may need?
Upgrade rear suspension
I don't think I'm ready to go the hard tail route. What would you recommend that performs well, but also looks good?
Thanks in advance.
It's a little different than the sea of short shots out there, and I've read that it may actually give a slight kick in HP. Short shots would be too loud for me, but I still want that solid sound. I think that the 2-1's may give me just what I'm looking for.
this is total preference man. if 2-1 is what you want than nothing i say will change your mind.
Intake and Reprogram
I do not know what is the best way to as far as price / performance goes. I would really appreciate some advice here.
power commander. imo it's the best for the money, very tunable and you can find pcIII's on the cheap these days.
Z-Bars
I really like the look of the Z-bar. How tall should I go? I'd rather not have to replace the cables if at all possible. Also, which brand? I read a comment from someone that their Z-Bar from Lick's Cycle broke on them and left them stranded. How about Biltwell?
biltwell makes quality **** bro. those guys get it. although, they did have a recall which is what you may have heard but no injuries to report from what i heard and they totally honored all sales. again, it's your pref. how high you want to go but biltwell only makes one kind of z bar and it aint really a z bar, see my sig.
Tank Lift
How much lift would be best and what do I need to purchase to make this possible? Do cables need rerouted once this is done?
again, preference. i don't personally like it and guys report problems with the fuel light coming on sonner yadda yadda.....
Remove front fender and chop the rear fender
I think that's a little self explanatory, but is there any advice I may need?
preference hear again if that's the look you're shooting for. i say yes and yes to both!
Upgrade rear suspension
I don't think I'm ready to go the hard tail route. What would you recommend that performs well, but also looks good?
keep the shox, you can still slam the fender and keep them but upgrade to progressive or some air shox. hope this helps dude and welcome to the forum.
Last edited by bmxatv; 07-20-2011 at 06:11 PM.
#3
07-20-2011 | 07:12 PM
Hey blindrocket,
Congrats on your upcoming purchase!
We have quite a few items to help you mod your Iron 883.
Check out our site in the sig below.
Also we have dozens of pics of modded Irons at our facebook page...click here
To lift your tank there is no wiring that needs to be done. You will have room for a wire tuck if you choose to do that to get rid of that plastic mess below your backbone. Amount of lift is totally up to what looks best to you. We have 1.5", 2", 2.5" and 3" lifts kits for your ride.
The best ride is going to be some air shocks off a Street Glide, won't look the best, but will ride nice.
Kevin
HDForums Scavenger Hunt Contest
Congrats on your upcoming purchase!
We have quite a few items to help you mod your Iron 883.
Check out our site in the sig below.
Also we have dozens of pics of modded Irons at our facebook page...click here
To lift your tank there is no wiring that needs to be done. You will have room for a wire tuck if you choose to do that to get rid of that plastic mess below your backbone. Amount of lift is totally up to what looks best to you. We have 1.5", 2", 2.5" and 3" lifts kits for your ride.
The best ride is going to be some air shocks off a Street Glide, won't look the best, but will ride nice.
Kevin
HDForums Scavenger Hunt Contest
__________________
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#5
07-20-2011 | 08:58 PM
#6
07-20-2011 | 10:36 PM
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore
I think ive gone a pretty simple route with my iron.
V&H short shots (because i like the look, and have quiet baffles installed which doesnt really help too much)
V&H Fuel Pak
S.E. stage 1 air cleaner
Progressive 412 shocks (black obviously)
still on stock bars. Im happy with it and have no complaints at all. Enjoy
V&H short shots (because i like the look, and have quiet baffles installed which doesnt really help too much)
V&H Fuel Pak
S.E. stage 1 air cleaner
Progressive 412 shocks (black obviously)
still on stock bars. Im happy with it and have no complaints at all. Enjoy
#7
07-20-2011 | 10:43 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Washington
So I can relate because I had to wait about 5 months before I could buy my 48.
Here's my advice:
1. You will not get enough responses to this thread to be worth your time. If you really want to do it right, do the groundwork and the research. Scour the forums like I did, read reviews, opinions, etc. Look at pictures of other bikes and take what you like from each one.
2. Budget and prioritize. Figure out how much you have to spend and prioritize the mods in order of importance. I am still modding my bike as I have more money. For me, I wasn't going to ride it off with stock pipes. I did the pipes, air cleaner, tuner, 3.3 gal tank and a custom paint job to start with and I've done a ton since as I can. This also gives you time after you get the bike to think about what you really want because on paper and in the garage is a different story.
Here's my opinions on what you posted though to give you a start.
- Exhaust: I run a D&D Bobcat which is also a 2-1. It has a very deep tone and isn't as loud as a drag pipe. They also traditionally have more performance gains.
- Air/Tune: I have an Arlen Ness Derby Sucker (partly for cosmetics) and an SE Super Tuner. Combined with the exhaust I'm pulling just over 78 HP and just under 78 ft lb of torque
- Bars: To me this is about looks and comfort. I plan on also switching to Z Bars soon and I've been researching for a few weeks now. I would be weary of a lone review because you don't know what he was doing when it broke and how well it was installed.
- Lift: I like the DK Custom kits. You can pick a combination of exactly what you want to do as already posted.
- Chop: Personal preference...I'm currently in the Pacific NW where there is far too much rain to do it.
- Shocks: Most people run progressive or air. I have some off a Street Glide and I think they look great so forget you, Kevin!
Now, be free...the internet is yours and the answers to all your hopes and dreams are out there...at least all your Iron 883 hopes and dreams...
Here's my advice:
1. You will not get enough responses to this thread to be worth your time. If you really want to do it right, do the groundwork and the research. Scour the forums like I did, read reviews, opinions, etc. Look at pictures of other bikes and take what you like from each one.
2. Budget and prioritize. Figure out how much you have to spend and prioritize the mods in order of importance. I am still modding my bike as I have more money. For me, I wasn't going to ride it off with stock pipes. I did the pipes, air cleaner, tuner, 3.3 gal tank and a custom paint job to start with and I've done a ton since as I can. This also gives you time after you get the bike to think about what you really want because on paper and in the garage is a different story.
Here's my opinions on what you posted though to give you a start.
- Exhaust: I run a D&D Bobcat which is also a 2-1. It has a very deep tone and isn't as loud as a drag pipe. They also traditionally have more performance gains.
- Air/Tune: I have an Arlen Ness Derby Sucker (partly for cosmetics) and an SE Super Tuner. Combined with the exhaust I'm pulling just over 78 HP and just under 78 ft lb of torque
- Bars: To me this is about looks and comfort. I plan on also switching to Z Bars soon and I've been researching for a few weeks now. I would be weary of a lone review because you don't know what he was doing when it broke and how well it was installed.
- Lift: I like the DK Custom kits. You can pick a combination of exactly what you want to do as already posted.
- Chop: Personal preference...I'm currently in the Pacific NW where there is far too much rain to do it.
- Shocks: Most people run progressive or air. I have some off a Street Glide and I think they look great so forget you, Kevin!
Now, be free...the internet is yours and the answers to all your hopes and dreams are out there...at least all your Iron 883 hopes and dreams...
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#8
07-20-2011 | 11:28 PM
Vance and Hines 2-1 Black exhaust
It's a little different than the sea of short shots out there, and I've read that it may actually give a slight kick in HP. Short shots would be too loud for me, but I still want that solid sound. I think that the 2-1's may give me just what I'm looking for.
this is total preference man. if 2-1 is what you want than nothing i say will change your mind.
Intake and Reprogram
I do not know what is the best way to as far as price / performance goes. I would really appreciate some advice here.
power commander. imo it's the best for the money, very tunable and you can find pcIII's on the cheap these days.
Z-Bars
I really like the look of the Z-bar. How tall should I go? I'd rather not have to replace the cables if at all possible. Also, which brand? I read a comment from someone that their Z-Bar from Lick's Cycle broke on them and left them stranded. How about Biltwell?
biltwell makes quality **** bro. those guys get it. although, they did have a recall which is what you may have heard but no injuries to report from what i heard and they totally honored all sales. again, it's your pref. how high you want to go but biltwell only makes one kind of z bar and it aint really a z bar, see my sig.
Tank Lift
How much lift would be best and what do I need to purchase to make this possible? Do cables need rerouted once this is done?
again, preference. i don't personally like it and guys report problems with the fuel light coming on sonner yadda yadda.....
Remove front fender and chop the rear fender
I think that's a little self explanatory, but is there any advice I may need?
preference hear again if that's the look you're shooting for. i say yes and yes to both!
Upgrade rear suspension
I don't think I'm ready to go the hard tail route. What would you recommend that performs well, but also looks good?
keep the shox, you can still slam the fender and keep them but upgrade to progressive or some air shox. hope this helps dude and welcome to the forum.
It's a little different than the sea of short shots out there, and I've read that it may actually give a slight kick in HP. Short shots would be too loud for me, but I still want that solid sound. I think that the 2-1's may give me just what I'm looking for.
this is total preference man. if 2-1 is what you want than nothing i say will change your mind.
Intake and Reprogram
I do not know what is the best way to as far as price / performance goes. I would really appreciate some advice here.
power commander. imo it's the best for the money, very tunable and you can find pcIII's on the cheap these days.
Z-Bars
I really like the look of the Z-bar. How tall should I go? I'd rather not have to replace the cables if at all possible. Also, which brand? I read a comment from someone that their Z-Bar from Lick's Cycle broke on them and left them stranded. How about Biltwell?
biltwell makes quality **** bro. those guys get it. although, they did have a recall which is what you may have heard but no injuries to report from what i heard and they totally honored all sales. again, it's your pref. how high you want to go but biltwell only makes one kind of z bar and it aint really a z bar, see my sig.
Tank Lift
How much lift would be best and what do I need to purchase to make this possible? Do cables need rerouted once this is done?
again, preference. i don't personally like it and guys report problems with the fuel light coming on sonner yadda yadda.....
Remove front fender and chop the rear fender
I think that's a little self explanatory, but is there any advice I may need?
preference hear again if that's the look you're shooting for. i say yes and yes to both!
Upgrade rear suspension
I don't think I'm ready to go the hard tail route. What would you recommend that performs well, but also looks good?
keep the shox, you can still slam the fender and keep them but upgrade to progressive or some air shox. hope this helps dude and welcome to the forum.
I understand a lot of it is preference. Your bike looks really, really good. Have you lowered the rear?
As for the 2-1 exhaust, if you feel inclined to give me some information, I'm more than willing ot hear you out. I am thinking of going with the 2-1 setup because they are supposed to be quieter than the short shots, and also may give a slight bump in horse power. But if there's more of a reason to go with the short shots, I'd be willing to listen. I can't afford to buy multiple setups so I really want to get this right the first time.
With the Z-bars, it wasn't Biltwell that I heard bad things about. It was actually the Z-bar put out by Lick's that I read had issue of breaking. At least it did for one guy and he let people know about it.
If I may ask, what shox did you decide to go with?
Last edited by blindrocket; 07-20-2011 at 11:32 PM.
#10
07-20-2011 | 11:43 PM
So I can relate because I had to wait about 5 months before I could buy my 48.
Here's my advice:
1. You will not get enough responses to this thread to be worth your time. If you really want to do it right, do the groundwork and the research. Scour the forums like I did, read reviews, opinions, etc. Look at pictures of other bikes and take what you like from each one.
2. Budget and prioritize. Figure out how much you have to spend and prioritize the mods in order of importance. I am still modding my bike as I have more money. For me, I wasn't going to ride it off with stock pipes. I did the pipes, air cleaner, tuner, 3.3 gal tank and a custom paint job to start with and I've done a ton since as I can. This also gives you time after you get the bike to think about what you really want because on paper and in the garage is a different story.
Here's my opinions on what you posted though to give you a start.
- Exhaust: I run a D&D Bobcat which is also a 2-1. It has a very deep tone and isn't as loud as a drag pipe. They also traditionally have more performance gains.
- Air/Tune: I have an Arlen Ness Derby Sucker (partly for cosmetics) and an SE Super Tuner. Combined with the exhaust I'm pulling just over 78 HP and just under 78 ft lb of torque
- Bars: To me this is about looks and comfort. I plan on also switching to Z Bars soon and I've been researching for a few weeks now. I would be weary of a lone review because you don't know what he was doing when it broke and how well it was installed.
- Lift: I like the DK Custom kits. You can pick a combination of exactly what you want to do as already posted.
- Chop: Personal preference...I'm currently in the Pacific NW where there is far too much rain to do it.
- Shocks: Most people run progressive or air. I have some off a Street Glide and I think they look great so forget you, Kevin!
Now, be free...the internet is yours and the answers to all your hopes and dreams are out there...at least all your Iron 883 hopes and dreams...
Here's my advice:
1. You will not get enough responses to this thread to be worth your time. If you really want to do it right, do the groundwork and the research. Scour the forums like I did, read reviews, opinions, etc. Look at pictures of other bikes and take what you like from each one.
2. Budget and prioritize. Figure out how much you have to spend and prioritize the mods in order of importance. I am still modding my bike as I have more money. For me, I wasn't going to ride it off with stock pipes. I did the pipes, air cleaner, tuner, 3.3 gal tank and a custom paint job to start with and I've done a ton since as I can. This also gives you time after you get the bike to think about what you really want because on paper and in the garage is a different story.
Here's my opinions on what you posted though to give you a start.
- Exhaust: I run a D&D Bobcat which is also a 2-1. It has a very deep tone and isn't as loud as a drag pipe. They also traditionally have more performance gains.
- Air/Tune: I have an Arlen Ness Derby Sucker (partly for cosmetics) and an SE Super Tuner. Combined with the exhaust I'm pulling just over 78 HP and just under 78 ft lb of torque
- Bars: To me this is about looks and comfort. I plan on also switching to Z Bars soon and I've been researching for a few weeks now. I would be weary of a lone review because you don't know what he was doing when it broke and how well it was installed.
- Lift: I like the DK Custom kits. You can pick a combination of exactly what you want to do as already posted.
- Chop: Personal preference...I'm currently in the Pacific NW where there is far too much rain to do it.
- Shocks: Most people run progressive or air. I have some off a Street Glide and I think they look great so forget you, Kevin!
Now, be free...the internet is yours and the answers to all your hopes and dreams are out there...at least all your Iron 883 hopes and dreams...
This is something I actually have been doing to an extent. I have the "bug" really bad. I spend a lot of my free time checking out the internet and Youtube for ideas. Basically my "list" in the original post is what I liked about other bikes, for the most part. There are other things I didn't mention that I may do, but those were the biggies.
2. Budget and prioritize. Figure out how much you have to spend and prioritize the mods in order of importance. I am still modding my bike as I have more money. For me, I wasn't going to ride it off with stock pipes. I did the pipes, air cleaner, tuner, 3.3 gal tank and a custom paint job to start with and I've done a ton since as I can. This also gives you time after you get the bike to think about what you really want because on paper and in the garage is a different story.
Good advice, and basically what I planned on doing. I think that the exhaust and then intake will be top priority. The route that you took sounds like a solid plan.
Here's my opinions on what you posted though to give you a start.
- Exhaust: I run a D&D Bobcat which is also a 2-1. It has a very deep tone and isn't as loud as a drag pipe. They also traditionally have more performance gains.
I will look into them. It seems V&H is all I hear about, so basically that's all I know. Thank you for the suggestion.
- Air/Tune: I have an Arlen Ness Derby Sucker (partly for cosmetics) and an SE Super Tuner. Combined with the exhaust I'm pulling just over 78 HP and just under 78 ft lb of torque
- Bars: To me this is about looks and comfort. I plan on also switching to Z Bars soon and I've been researching for a few weeks now. I would be weary of a lone review because you don't know what he was doing when it broke and how well it was installed.
I'll probably run stock for a bit, just to see how my arms and back feel with the setup. But the eventual plan will definitely be Z Bars. I just don't know how tall I can go without changing cables. I'm sure it's posted somewhere on these vast forums.
- Lift: I like the DK Custom kits. You can pick a combination of exactly what you want to do as already posted.
- Chop: Personal preference...I'm currently in the Pacific NW where there is far too much rain to do it.
- Shocks: Most people run progressive or air. I have some off a Street Glide and I think they look great so forget you, Kevin!
Thanks again for your help.