lh4x4: besides the cooler and hoses, I assume there are additional pumps and nozzles to inject oil around the head, and circulate it. As I said, I suspect the 883 will be powerful enough for riding around this small island. Being a simpler, smaller bore, lower displacement, lower compression bike, I am wondering if the 883 actually runs cooler than a XR1200X and, by inference, if it might actually be more reliable. Or maybe I should say, easier to maintain. Obviously any bike that is maintained properly and ridden without undue strain or abuse should function reliably but ... you know what I mean. I prefer to avoid complexity when I don't need it.

 

No, there are no nozzles or additional pumps. Simply passages in the head. The motor has a larger capacity oil cooler thanks to Eric Buell. There is a hose to the cooler radiator and a return line. All of which will out last all of us. Unless you run into some trees or something.

The oil passing through the head picks up heat and the radiator (oil cooler) dissipates the heat into the air. As simple as it can get.

Again, a cooler motor runs stronger and lasts longer.

Will a 883 run cooler than the air/oil cooled XR1200? Hell no! Not by a long shot.

There are a multitude of factors in the life of an engine. One is piston feet per mile. The lower geared 883 runs at a higher rpm than the 1200 at any given speed therefore more wear.

The operator habits like many WOT launches, high rpm shifts or the opposite by lugging the motor will impact the life of the motor.

 

The XR1200 has same primary gearing as 883R.
The secondary gearing might be slightly different.
I own an 883R, but when getting service done I always borrow XR1200s.
XRs get terrible gas mileage.

 

I have consistently gotten 50 to 55 mpg on my 09 Xr1200 since it's brake in. I don't know what a 883 gets though.

The XR is greared to run 125 in fifth gear. I don't know the 883 gearing but I doubt that it is as tall as the XR.

Forgot to mention the XR has two oil pumps to move the oil.