Looking for ideas : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Lightnin · 03-04-2003, 03:52 PM

Being that it's winter in the midwest....the snow gives me plenty of time to figure out how to get my bike where it's best for me. I know everyone's ride is different but I like ideas and what works for others.

I have an '03 Sporty 1200 Custom.
changes made are:
1)Kuryakyn ISO grips with throttle boss and ISO Footpegs
2)SE High Perf. Air Cleaner
3)exhaust is stock with a large hole punched through the baffle (I'm looking to go to turndown pipes (groundpounders) that have a small baffle in them.....definately don't want straights. Fiinding exhaust for 1200 Custom isn't as simple because of the forward controls.
4) laydown license plate bracket and frame.
5) chrome carb cover
6) basic fork tool bag below the headlight
7) headlight bezel trim ring (frenched)
8) HD locking gas cap
9) chrome fork sliders

ideas that are currently in process (looking for more recommendations):

1) change stock stem mirrors to something that won't snap off and keep me legal
2) oil cooler with thermostat.....possibly Jagg
3) find a custom jiffy/kick stand
4) keep my efficiency reasonable but performance good too. She's already peppy but looking for reasonable upgrades for the motor.
5) changing the exhaust.....(see #3 from previous list)
6) tossing around the idea of lowering the sporty an inch
7) switching to a solo seat (brand unknown yet) since I ride solo mostly.

Just ideas. Just looking for those with 1200 Customs to see what they've already done that's enhanced their ride. Thx.

ksims1868 · 03-04-2003, 04:56 PM

Well Lightnin...I have an 883 Custom, and I can relate to what you are doing. Actually we have some of the same mods, and I have done some of the ones you are thinking about doing.

Exhaust: I had the Samson big guns...those were great pipes with removable baffles. Worked great with forward controls, but I got to seeing SO many bikes with them that I wanted to change. I recently got the Bassani Pro Street pipes...definitely my favorite. I wouldn't change these pipes again unless I had a custom set built for my bike. Fitment is PERFECT and looks are awesome.

Gas Cap: I've heard there is an aircraft style replacement cap for stock sportster tanks...I am going to look into this more because I think its a cool mod.

Oil Cooler: Rumor has it this is a waste of money unless you have a VERY wild motor. With the basic engine mods (cams, boring, heads, etc..) this is apparantly a worthless piece of equipment. Some people swear by them, some people say they are not beneficial but rather harmful to a mild motor.

Mirrors: This (like exhaust) is very much personal opinion. I like the maltese cross mirrors and many others. For my bike I chose a diamond shaped mirror to go along with my diamond grips, pegs, shifter, etc... All parts bought from eBay.

Seat: I have the same seat you do. Traded a guy with an '03 1200 C that liked the 883 C seat better. Its a pretty good seat for 2-up riding, but like you, I ride solo most of the time. I just bought a Diamondback solo seat with the diamond back tail piece for the fender. I have heard this is a great solo seat, and eBay has them frequently.

Lowering: I have been looking for a lowering kit for '00-up sportsters, and haven't found one. Well I have found a few companies that advertise them, but when I contacted the people that bought them they said they had to modify the part to make it work and they would NOT recommend this part. Haven't checked with HD on this part though. Let me know if you find a good one.

Handlebars: You didn't mention this, but I highly recommend changing bars. I got tired of those stock drag bars quick. I went with 10" mini-apes from Kustom Krome. This really changed my riding position and I am MUCH more comfortable. I can ride for hours and my back doesn't hurt at all. I really didn't notice how much those drag bars affected my comfort until I changed. Very highly recommend.

Turn Signals: Get the relocation kit and put those front signals on your triple trees. Really cleans up the look on the front.

My biggest piece of advice...keep your eyes on eBay. There are ALWAYS great parts and great deals for Sportsters and Sportster parts on eBay. EVERY custom piece on my bike has come from eBay and the Sportster.org swap pages (except for the Bassani Pipes).
I actually just received my Ross conversion pistons today that I bought off eBay. $180 shipped and they are BRAND new. This included all necessary gaskets from James Gaskets ($75 alone), new pistons, rings, etc... For my money...eBay is the place! Have fun. Keep the rubber side down.

Lightnin · 03-04-2003, 05:17 PM

ksims, you got a pic of your scoot? I check out eBay from time to time to get ideas. I haven't seen a new sportster with mini apes so that's why it hasn't been in consideration yet...but I do like apehangers. The aircraft style one can be found easily...it's made by Kuryakyn...it's the only one I know of. I decided against Samson because there was a heatshield issue and so far, it'll cost $450-$500 if the stealership installs V&H bigshots or shortshots on mine. Someone also recommended Hard Krome DD's at one point. How is the sound on the Bassani pipes? do they have removable baffles?

I'll check out the diamondback solo seat.....I've also looked at LaPera seats. If you got pics...let me know....I wouldn't mind seeing your scoot. Thx.

jockeyshift · 03-05-2003, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ksims1868
Oil Cooler: Rumor has it this is a waste of money unless you have a VERY wild motor. With the basic engine mods (cams, boring, heads, etc..) this is apparantly a worthless piece of equipment. Some people swear by them, some people say they are not beneficial but rather harmful to a mild motor.

Was going to say the same thing. I don't think you should even waste your monies on this. The rest of the items on your list will be fun and will set it apart from the masses.

Good luck and have fun!!

ksims1868 · 03-05-2003, 08:57 AM

Lightnin--

Email me and I will send some pics, or you can check out my photo album at Yahoo. Here is the link:
http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/ksims1868...src=ph&.view=t

Click on the Harley folder. These pics are a couple months old. Since this picture I have relocated the turn signals, added the diamond back seat and tail piece, relocated the liscence plate and added a chrome pulley cover on the rear.

The Bassani pipes sound AWESOME! Yes the baffles are also removable.

Greatest thing about these bikes...the only limit is your imagination.

Lightnin · 03-05-2003, 04:18 PM

Here are some mirror choices I'm considering......they're small and sleek......less obtrusive.

Lightnin · 03-05-2003, 04:20 PM

Choice #2

Lightnin · 03-05-2003, 04:25 PM

Choice #3 (which I'm leaning towards)

ksims1868 · 03-05-2003, 07:35 PM

I definitely like #1 & #2 the best. They look almost the same. Then again...that is very opinionated. I think our tastes are pretty similar though.

corillio · 07-27-2004, 04:03 PM

hey ksims1868... i am trying to put some buckhorns on my 03 custom sporty but the electric wiring to the switches and turn signals seem to be too short.
is there any more lentgh under the tank or did you have to put extension wire inline ?

HD1200R · 07-28-2004, 07:03 AM

The wires run into the headlight and will probably have to be extended. I think Harley has a kit that supplies the wire for the extension.