My son bought a 89 883 that had ben built up tpo a 1200. It was involved in an accident before he bought it and all he got was a complete motor, custom wheels, brakes, and other small parts. The frame is bent in 2 different directions, will cost around $750 to straighten. He is wanting me to do a custome build for it, I ahve found a 91 roller with a 91 1200 OEM frame. WILL the 98 883 motor that has been built up to a 1200 fit into the 1991 1200 frame with minimal modifications and if so what will I ahve to modify. Sportys are a nw animal for me, I ride a FLHT and am more used to the big twins. My son is in the USAF boot camp right now, graduates in April, then to CA for a Tech School that is over a year long. He was wanting me to get this up and running for him to ride in CA. It will be mostly a black basic bike with the exception of the wheels and paint (paint will be a silver and blue United States Air Force theme).

I was told that teh motor should fit any sporty frame from 84 to 2002 as long as I switch out the motors bottom mounting plate, is that true? IF the 91 1200 roller OEM frame will not work, I might try a newer (arpound a 2000) OEM 883 frame IF that is true as to teh motor mounting late.

Mainly is there a difference between a OEM frame made for a 883 and one made for a 1200 and if so what is the main difference.

I appreciate ANY and ALL info, ideas, and input so as to get him up and running.

 

The one thing about harley is almost anything is possible. Not sure about your frame switch, maybe aftermarket frame's will work? I am sure there is an answer for you out there. If you know a good fabricator/welder in your area, I'm sure he could help you out. maybe fix what you got? The neat thing about steel is, if it bent, you can bend it back,then weld it. I should know, I'm a fabricator by trade. Auto body shops with frame equipment can fix that, if it's not too bad. They will tell you if it's scrap or not. Look around on the internet for used bike's for sale. If you can find another crash bike of the same year or close it may be cheaper. Plus you get lot's of extra parts. Hope this will help, Anyone who defends our country should have all we can do for them. It's why we can ride free in the wind. Best of luck to you and your son................

HOLLYWOOD

 

As far as I can remember, the bikes were basically the same from 86-03. I am pretty sure the 883 and 1200 engines would be interchangeable since the only difference between the two engines are the piston diameters and final drive pulley sizes. I would think it will bolt right in...

 

You can send the frame to Dr. John. He'll make sure it's straight. Last thing you need is a "slightly" bent frame after an attempt to be repaired.

http://www.drjohnsmfs.com/

 

The engine should swap right over from 86 to 03. The counter pulley as well as the primary are different from the 883 to the 1200 but this will have no bearing on the swap.

 

I understand as to the frame being able to be straightened, I was a certified welder many years ago. What the problem is is cost, I can buy a roller cheaper than having the frame straightened and then having to buy a front end. All was left of his basket case was a motor, wheels, and small parts such as calipers, rotors, controls and pone or 2 more items. I have to buy better than 70% of the bike to finish it. After market is one route I ahve explored and might be the route I take but am looking at a complete 1200 roller woorth the money minus the motor which I have if his 89 883 will bolt into the 91 1200 frame.

Who is the "Dr John" mentioned above. IF I do not buy the roller, how do I contact them about straightening the frame I have? IF the cost is resonable, would prefer to have his frame straightened being it is on a clear non-salvage title. I actually need to find a junk S&S e-carb to get the backing plateoff it so if anyone know of one for sale, I am interested.

As to thh "Dr.; John", would skykasi please e-mail me the contatc info for him/them to my e-mail at:
jjmitchell60@msn.com
so I can contatc them/him?

Thanks for the above info already given. Working on a short deadline being his boot camp gradueation date is a bit over a month away.

 

Who is the "Dr John" mentioned above.
As to thh "Dr.; John", would skykasi please e-mail me the contatc info for him/them to my e-mail at:
jjmitchell60@msn.com
so I can contatc them/him?

Click the web address in my last post above & it will take you to his website. Dr. John has been around for a long time and has been writtten up in many mags.

 

It is a direct bolt in.

 

bolts in no problems. just do it