For me it was all about timing, pricing, and the bike.
I'm fairly mechanically inclined, so wrenching on an engine doesn't bother me.

I happened into my 883c for less than $3500. I traded to quads and a trailer for it. I figure I'll have a 1250 stg2 for less than I could have bought a 1200 for, and I can insure it as an 883.

 

man...what a bad a$$ bike! you dont mind how much you spend with all this upgrade to your bike just get some idea...cool bike ever

 

There are many good reasons for upgrading to 1250cc from an 883 - cheaper insurance, larger engine with more grunt than Harley could ever provide at what the upgrade costs, and as grbrown points out, maybe a model not available as other than an 883. However, remember the title will not change so as far as the law is concerned, it remains an 883.

 

Probably have around $7900 in it right now including the initial purchase price.

 

After the 1250 upgrade the insurance company will never know it's not an 883............unless you tell them so insurance would be a little cheaper. For me it was a case of liking the Iron and after having it for a couple of years i wanted to do some engine upgrades. If you want a higher performance engine with head work and cams it makes sense to buy the 883 at a cheaper price and then upgrade. I think the quality of the nrhs parts is better than stock also.

 

Cheez ! why can't i find that kinda deals!!Nice bike!

 

Who the heck buys a Harley Davidson outside of a V-rod looking for a racy bike? The only upside of upgrading is that insurance is kept at 883 levels and you save a lil money over buying a 1200. At over 200lbs i've never had power or accel issues with an 883.

 

My 1981 Yamaha YJ-650 Special would blow a 100hp Sportster away and it only had 70ish horsepower. So your point is? Again Harley's aren't and will never be a performance bike. With that being said i wouldn't own anything but a HD.

 

Regardless of opinion on what should be modified for performance, you can't argue that since the beginning of time man has raced or tried to race everything that can move. And when that happens, man will try and get every advantage he can (afford).

 

Funniest thing i ever saw was a bunch of Pans and Shovels show up at a 1/8th mile E.T. dragstrip *mid 70s* against hopped up inlines and stock Jap bikes. The stock Jap bikes ex Yamaha 1100s were finishing before the HD's were 1/3 down the track. I ride Harleys because i love them and the heritage around them. I'd never waste the money trying to make one into what they will never be ie fast motorcycles.