Thinking about pulling the trigger on this kit while my bike is in winter storage. Spend over $300 in parts or service and my local dealer will store your bike all winter for free. My 10k service took care of the $300 but I was thinking about adding this kit. It comes with 1200 cylinders, forged 10.5:1 compression pistons, cams and the se race tuner. Anyone want to share their thoughts or experience with this kit. The only other option from SE is the 883/1200 kit which brings an 883 to stock 1200 specs(as I'm sure most of the members already know). The stage 2 kit also includes a se clutch spring, gaskets, etc. I'm also gonna do new pushrods and lifters(tappets). Any experience/opinions good or bad will be appreciated! Thanks!

 

How much dinero you talking, amigo? What about the 883 heads, do you get new heads (reworked) too? Would they install another brand aftermarket 1250 kit? What are your hp goals and riding style? Are you going to let it sit all winter after the work before breaking it in?

Don't let that money burn a hole in your pocket so fast, you probably could have saved that $300 already with a service manual and our help. 10K service is pretty basic, minimal effort required.

Free winter storage could be a nice offset versus the elements, so that makes sense. Just remember to make yourself a good, well informed, and prudent decision.


John

 

Thanks John. I've been researching this for some time now. Letting the dealer do the 10k was more about getting free storage, free up some room in the garage for both autos. I've got the manual, and felt the 10k might not have been over my head. Converting my motor is, even though through posts and pics on here it seems doable. I would rather let the pros handle it. The point of me getting into a kit is I'm wanting some real world torque and hp. I ride 2-up 90% of the time. 80% of that riding is done on country roads, though there is some slab time mixed with city streets in there. My Iron 883 just leaves something to be desired when I ride with the ole lady. It's a great bike that I got a steal on paying cash. All the cosmetics are in place and its setup the way I want it. Don't really want to start from scratch on a new or different bike. Just looking for some more low to mid range grunt, as that's the part of the power band I'm in the most. Not really looking for light to light or all out top end. I just want a good all around performer with some reliability and longevity. Basically a little more a$$ would help when me and her hit the pavement. Thoughts?

 

Sounds like a perfectly good rationale. Is there a good independent shop that could maybe do the Hammer or NRHS upgrade? Of course, the dealership may be a more secure decision. Sounds like you've done your homework, probably a wise upgrade considering the 2-up.

I would inquire about what happens with your 883 heads, I think that can be improved pretty easily. Another reason to maybe call NRHS or Hammer and see what advice they may offer. Maybe the 1200 heads come with the kit, who knows?

Thanks for taking my comments gracefully, sometimes things get misunderstood. I totally understand knowing what you can do, and what you should pay the right someone else to do. That fine line can save, or cost, a lot of money in the long run.

John

 

There's no substitute for cubic inches, and a 1250 has 3 more than a 1200.

 

Call Hammer

Bwana

 

If the kit includes new heads, be sure to get your old ones back. Someone will definitely buy them, if just to send off before doing an upgrade on their original engine so no down time. And then selling the old ones. Pay it forward, kind of.

John

 

The stage 2 kit is designed to be used with the stock 883 heads. The stage 1 kit comes with new 1200 heads, but no cams or tuner. It's also been speculated that the pistons with the stage 1 kit are stock cast pistons. I wish there was a well known indy in my area, but there doesn't seem to be, or at least not one close that anyone I know locally would recommend.

A real question I need some advice on, and this pertains to the two different SE kits available, is which kit to go with. SE stage 1 comes with cylinders, pistons, and heads(along with clutch spring, gaskets, and a SE stage 1 a/c). It's designed to bring an 883 up to stock 1200 specs. SE stage 2 gives you cylinders, forged 10.5:1 pistons, cams and a SE race tuner(along with clutch spring, gaskets, SE stage 1 a/c). It's designed to be used with the stock 883 heads, and states its for your track dedicated Iron 883. So, which kit would be best for my application. All opinions welcomed!

 

Sign up on the XLF and contact Hammer.

 

From what you describe it sounds as if the kit is similar to a 1250 kit. The major benefit of those is the increased capacity, plus higher CR. A few less cc's won't make that much difference. If you have a good relationship with your dealer and they offer a good price, it sounds a sensible way to go. We discourage the complete 1200 conversion, partly because of the expense, also because it is bone stock.