Quick question for ya. I've got an 03' 883R pipes,carb work, k&n. My buddy has an 04' 883C. They are pretty much tuned the same (I did the work so I know). Man his sure seems like a dog compared to mine. Is there diffrence in heads,timing box, cams? Or are they the same? Thanks.

 

To my knowledge, the 883 motors in 03 vs 04 are basically the same. For the 1200's, the 04's got the Buell Thunderstorm heads and a higher performance cam.

The difference you're seeing is likely due to the weight increase that occurred with the 04 Sportsters when they redesigned the frame and rubber mounted the motor.

The difference between an R and a C model is basically, suspension and dual vs single front disk brake.

 

The 2003 883 Sportster is right at 70 pounds lighter than the redesigned 2004+ models.

Published figures show a 'dry weight' of 489 pounds for the 2003 and earlier 883 Sportster, and right at 560 pounds for the 2004 and newer.

That's quite a difference for a bike that only produces 40 to 42 horsepower at the rear wheel in stock condition.

Plus with your modifications you should be putting out more horsepower than your friends bike.

 

wow what a gip I thought the r stood for race not a bunch a crap like 13.5" long springs and dual discs. I guess that makes sense though seeing as mines got a peanut tank and his is the bigger tank. So it's probabley closer to 100lbs

 

The "R" stands for Roadster, not "Race"...

Also, the larger tank is already factored into the additional weight of the 2004+ models.