Had my 883R upgraded to a 1200. The gas tank says 883R on it and I was thinking of getting it painted black with a bar and shield logo. Question:Before I do that, would it be worth it just to chuck the 3.3 gal. and get the bigger tank? Would the bike be unstable and the center of gravity to high after getting the larger tank?

 

My 2006883c came with the 4.5 gallon tank... looks great, and I appreciate the extra range on longer rides...

 

Leave it alone and let those you beat think it was an 883

 

Yes it can be done, no it won't be unstable, and what year is your bike? 04 or newer you can get an actual 4.5gal Sportster tank that'll be a simple bolt on. Older than that and you'll be going aftermarket. Did I miss the pic of your bike?

 

You should be fine with your actual tank or a larger one....obviously, as long as it fits to your liking. Mine is a 1988 883 and I some things done to it (faster vrroooommm!), then I put on a larger tank (fitsd to my liking) and I still don't know what year it was from. I don't have the 4.25 but tinstead the 3.25 and I'm still happy with it. Or, you can do what quig said, let other people think it's still an "883". I had my tank painted with the exact scheme as the original. People still ask me if it is an 883.
I'm no bike expert, but I do not really see any problem with a larger tank on there.
Good luck with which ever you choose!
sambo42xa
Southern, NH
1988 883
2005 FLHTCI
1973 350SS Sprint (under construction)
1942 XA (under construction)

 

Thanks all for the comments. It's a 2006. I'll get a pic of her up as soon as I get a new camera (cracked the screen on the last one).

Sambo, I see you're from NH. I went to UNH and still have a bunch of friends up there (I'm in NJ now). Hiking in the White Mountains last Summer and seeing all those Harley's on the roads is what bit me!

 

On a 2006, you can simply get the 4.5 gallon tank from a 04-06 Custom or Low and bolt it on. I went the opposite route. I took the tank off my Custom and put on a Roadster tank. Simple job.

 

XL, do you find you have to fill up much more often? I'm leaning toward just sticking with the smaller tank...

 

Yeah, you do. Buy that just gives me a reason to stretch the legs. Plan on stopping about 25% more often than you do now w/ a smaller tank.

 

What do you think, XL, about 100 miles on a full smaller tank?