I don't think you really have to worry about running 'too close to the edge' with the 1200 Sportster.

These are potent bikes, but even with mild modifications you are only talking about 70 or so horsepower. By today's standards that isn't close to being considered a high performance engine.

You should be able to get 40,000+ miles out of the clutch plates and rear drive belt. I know of one guy with over 54,000 miles on his 2004 1200, and nothing has been changed out.

If I were considering the advantages, and disadvantages of getting a 1200 over the 883, the expected life of clutch and belt components would be very low on the list of concerns.

 

I knew a guy with an 883 that had 154,000 miles on it. He sold it on ebay for $2700 still in great shape. Don't know how many millions he had put in it to keep it up

Please don't get me wrong. I would recommend a 1200C over an 883 XL. I'm just thinking the 883 has some good points too. 1200's are always beating me off the line, along with the 1450's, and the even bigger ones. If I really cared, I would go ahead with the upgrade right away. I would personally not go over 1250, though.

 

I know guys that have well over 100K on their EVO Big Twins, without any major problems...

The EVO in the Sportster is suppose to be a "improved/enhanced" version of the older EVO engine, so with normal maintenance the engine (and the rest of the bike) should last for a very long time.

 

When all you guys who recommend that the 1200 is better as it has more power, are you saying that from the point of wanting to race someone or are you saying that from a point that it's necessary to have the extra power to move with and around traffic.
Is the 883 sufficient enough to move with traffic or with the group of fellow bikers you are with?

 

No such thing as too much engine or anything else.

 

Trust me, it will not be an issue after 1 week.

I am 6'4" and 180lbs...not the strongest guy in the world. But the bike is well balanced and you CAN handle it.

And cornering is a breaze once you learn to trust the bike.

Just take it slow and practice, that's what I did and it has 15 years since I rode.


But it all came back to me.


And you can respect fear but don't let it control you, cause if you do it will kill you.

 

I haven't read the other responses but after reading the original question I will put in my .02. I can ride my 1200 just as slow as you or any one else can ride an 883. In fact I can probably ride it as slow as anyone who owns a 175 or a 250. Because you got it doesn't mean you gotta use it. After all, it's all in your right wrist.

When you become more comfortable and have gained the necessary experience, the 1200 will be there if and when you want/need it.

I've read a few posts from people with 883's that wished they had bought 1200's. I've never read a post from someone who has a 1200 saying they wished they had bought an 883.

 

I have had an 883, a1,000 and a 1200. Liked the 1200 best - It could keep up with most anything (within reason). So could the PanHead actually. The 883 can keep up, but revs too high in my opinion. The 1200 gearing is much higher, so revs are lower over the whole range.

It was only the desire to get along better with all the glides I ride around with that lead me to the 88ci Fatboy.

I love my Fatboy, yet really wish I could have kept the 1200 too.

 

I love my 1200, I got a roadster, which has a tach along with the speedo, and added the forward controls b/c i'm 6'1". I also ride my dad's 07 softtail standard, and it's heavier, with a bigger engine and more power, but it's easier to pick up off the kickstand, lower center of gravity, and slower than the sportster, but it has a more comftorable riding position. the weight isn't a problem, bc it's lower centered, unless it's on it's side, then it would probably be harder to pick back up.

 

Nah, I don't ever consider racing my 1200. These bikes aren't really fast, but they accelerate well. That's where the power (torque) comes in handy - for making a quick move when you have to.