I bought a junk 93 Sportster roller, and just happened to end up with a 93 1200 motor for it. So, I'm checking out the motor mounts and I find that the front mounts on the frame are 1/2" narrower than the motor casing mounts. What the hell? I don't know whether this frame housed an 883 originally, and I'm trying to put a 1200 in it, or whether I'm having a flashback from some good **** from the 70s. Can anybody explain this to me. Thanks in advance.
Ward

 

The engine should fit. The only difference between the 883 vs 1200 motor is the top end, different pistons/valves/heads). Bottome end should be exactly the same. You say this is a junk roller.....Are you sure something isn't slightly bent?

 

Thanks for the reply. The motor case width measures 4 1/4" and the frame mounts measure 3 3/4". It blows my friggin' mind. Typical obstacle for a half-assed welder and mechanic like myself to deal with. Nothing simple in this Godalmighty world. Oh, well. I bought this thing for experience in building and working on bikes....looks like I'll get it.

 

I'm not sure, but I need to go to the stealers this morning and check out the mounts on their assembled Sporty.

 

Sounds like something else was in that frame. No difference in the mounts for an 883/1200. the only differences are in the years.

 

got pics?

do they look bent or obviously modified?

my motor mounts with a elongated X-shaped thick metal piece that is offset. it acts as a spacer and a support and a brace, one for each side of the front motor mounts.

take a look at other sporties of similar years and make sure your not missing anything crucial, just cover all your bases right?