Remember to tell them mini apes cost a lot because you have to get the longer cables and wires not to mention gets you balls deep in other accessories like chrome housing switch covers and new mirrors as well as the chrome grips?
A Tank lift would not be in my first 3 items to replace on my sporty! My first 3 items were: 1. Better tires! 2. Better seat, an seat back rest, so do-Riders didn't feel like they were always sliding off seat! 3. Better exhaust allowing motor to breath better or better fitting bars! I bet we would almost all have different items to replace, but tank lift isn't one of them?
I cut out the baffles put in bigger jets added a k&n high flow filter. I put in a dynatec ignition that gave it better ridability. A mustang seat gave me extra comfort for long rides
BEACHBIKER Bought my 72 recently and I LOVE IT. You coined it perfectly - newer Harley but still a Classic. Late model, higher tech Classic Harley Davidson. Raw, pure power and tech. Solid fun. Damn I love this Sportster. You get it. You do. Glad I came across this channel looking for Sportster 72 stuff. Keep it up!
These upgrades doesn’t doo anything.!first change the springs at front for progressive and then as I said before change how the back wheel its mounted ,its more tricky though,leave this to the professionals !! bud its great improvement!cheers M
the 1 thing that bugs me is the fuel filler position on the tank. i'd modify it to make it more frisco style, including relocating the pet-cock, so you get all the gas you can.
@@CHADAINSWORTH it's moisture in the air. The wrap attracts it. Headers on a car or truck wrapped with it aren't subjected to rain, but they still rust out VERY quickly. If you like that look, that's your choice, but budget for replacement head pipes because they WILL fail due to the wrap.
Yo!! I want to say thank you!!! I'm 6'0" and always felt that I had to go and get a dyna street bob or fat bob due to do what I want - long distance riding, carrying luggage bags, etc - or because they were frowned upon by other HD riders; but always had a big, soft spot for the Sportster and after seeing a couple of your videos, I am not second guessing myself of owning a Sportster Iron as my first bike. Thanks a bunch!!!
I Punched the Baffles, my Custom came with Forward controls and I don't have a Peanut Tank. One of the First things I did was get Rid of the Pussy Clutch.
I'm liking the idea of the tank being lifted so it can breath better but what if you have a larger tank, 3.5 and the 1250 upgrade on a 87 model sportster? I'm 6'3" but living in NYC forward controls seem to get in the way while cuting between cars and zipping through the city.
@@CHADAINSWORTH seems like a lose if I can't keep the fuel capacity. Is there anyway I could get the best of both lifting the tank to let the engine breath and capacity of the largest tank?
This is just a suggestion. Some riders like them some don't. It is a simple add on just a few bolts. Crash bar with foot pegs. There are lots of choices of bars and pegs for that personal touch. Plus it gives you another foot and leg position on those long country roads. Just an idea for you and anyone else who reads this. Wishing you safe rides in the wind!
#1. S&S Super E Shorty carb kit for sportster #2. exhaust ( ditch stock exhaust pipes)! 2into 1 or 2 into 2 is best case scenario 3. bigger plug wires/ ditch the stock 8mm or the 8.8 mm plug wires and go with a 12 mm heavy duty plug wires and get a set of ngk iridium plugs make sure you gap the plugs to (.038-.043) gap don't listen to the auto parts storetheyre not pregapped!!!! and #4. ditch the belt and buy yourself a chain conversion kit from lowbrow customs and then you can get a seat handlebars or whatever but make sure you get a set of forward controls and go with floorboards and crashbar as well
The very first 3 things you should do is the air cleaner/exhaust/tune. Then get rid of those shitty Dunlop tires. Then replace the motor mounts with some Drag Specialties mounts. With make a world of improvement. Not much performance gain on an 883, but the handling and ride will be so much better. Good video!
BEACHBIKER don’t do a factory 1200 swap. Look up Hammer Performance and check out their kits. Cheaper and better then the factory set up. And you can call or Email Dan and/or Aaron and tell him what you got and what you want to achieve. Great people and a great company that stand behind what they do.
BEACHBIKER Dude, I live down in the RGV. Go with what Scott said, do a Hammer performance conversation. I put a 1250 conversion in my Son’s 95’ Sporty. Hammer is a awesome company to work with. Great customer support and will cost you less than screamin eagle with far superior parts. Look up their channel and their website. HammerPerformance.
The stock dunlops have the durometer of a glass bottle, and are dangerous. I upgraded to michelin commander 2 and it was more than a night and day difference.
I'm 69 riding an 06 1200 Sporty with a stock seat, Screamin Eagle air filter with K&N element, Screamin Eagle slip on mufflers. Bike had forward controls and I changed to mids even being 5'11". Always rode CB Hondas and feel more in control with the mids and if I need to jump off the bike for some reason my feet are under me. I love my Sporty. Its light quick and sounds good! Oh I changed clutch to a 9 disk Barnett and it shifts smooth.
I disagree with the importance of all of these. Shocks are the most important and I hate lifted tanks. It looks like the bike has a humpback. That being said to each their own
First HAPPY NEW YEAR. Ok I have been out of the wind for way to long. I live over ten miles back off the closest HW off grid on dirt so do to that and I am not as young as I was when I had my last sportster (a 59 hardtail old school chopper) I pick up a 07 883 sportster with a trikè kit that the last owner had done by HD dealer. Just 5400 mikes on her. My last one just had a mag and kick start. Going take a vacation this sping as long as we get enough grass where I don't need to feed the big kids as last year had to feed all summer. Ok my question is what would be the best oil cooler to get. I be pulling a small camp trailer as it takes to long to up from the ground. Right now its park do to snow and mud when the sun is out. Still figuring what I can do and what I have to have done. A lot has already been done by the feel and sound along with the custom look. Have a fantastic New Year
@@CHADAINSWORTHThe,k for the fast reply. Till I can ride her more to see how she rides as only been able to ride and that's when I pick her up from getting the idel reset as she was running to fast and when it comes to computers on a bike I don't have the skills. So a little shop in town took care it. As the roads home was bad and hard to drive my truck and ride my bike at same time. So before I loaded her I rode around town. Then we got snow and it hasn't been over 29° for a week. Looks like it be a few weeks before the roads dry out. But need the moisture so I can wait I hope. Has a custom seat and short pipes already. I put a trunk on her do to having to lock somethings up when I go into get mail. Have a fantastic week. Only thing I see is the air filter. I be riding in all types of weather when I get out on my trip I need to much sure of what one will work the best for sand and rain that don't hurt the motor or drown out the fuel system.
I love the way the wrap looks on certain bikes. I want to get an old Ironhead and just rat it out. My Biltwell chumps, which I'd consider buckhorn handlebars are pretty great and give it a similar look and comfort you're describing here. Oh, man! I couldn't ride the way I want without my Burley Sissybar!
I bought a new 2004 Harley sportster 1200 roadster. I put screaming eagles, forward pegs and a chrome engine kit & mini apes. Loved that bike I still had it. Your video was very good thanks for sharing
Jockey shift, foot clutch, ape hangers, and solo seat. And pipe wrap. Maybe even a springer. O hell yeah! Might seem silly on a Sportster, especially one with a stock frame, but I'm an old man, and I don't think my lower back will let me ride a rigid frame scoot for very long. I just want it to look, sound, and run like a bastard.
Good advice for anyone who owns a Sportser, that's the beauty of them, so versatile! I love what you've done to yours. I go back & forth with mini apes & street tracker bars, takes me 15 minutes to swap bars. It's so much fun working on your own bike, nice vid!
Forward controls blow. Upgrade the exhaust , air cleaner, and rejet (or remap), then upgrade the suspension. The stock shocks are just dangerous when cornering.
1. Mufflers Short shots, bigger... 2. Comfort forward controls for highway ride 3. Tanklift kit, wire tuck, electrical tape top of frame pinning wires in electrical tape for wether existence. Bonus parts 4. Wrapping pipes with exauhst heat tape. Pipes can breathe better.... 5. SwaP bats to MINI APES BARS jnp cycles Long distance 6. Adding Burley sissy bar for back rest luggage and storage trips. Longer rides. Coast to coast rides Thank you
I'm 5 11 and 225. U think I am too big for a Sportster. My girlfriend says I will look stupid on one. Says I'm too big for one. I have loves the Sportster since college and have never gotten around to getting one. I am 46 and want to get a bike before I am too old and regret never getting one of the bucket list products that I need to get. What Do you think ? Please give me some advice. I am a NEW Rider and have very little experience. Thank you for your time and consideration. Brett.
@@CHADAINSWORTH I've got a custom so its all chromed out, I just don't think wrapped pipes will look good. I would also say a set of saddle bags is a cheap and great addition, great for always keeping a few tools with you and water just in case you need to tighten something up or forget a drink.
I actually prefer relying mainly on a sissybar bag. For one, it helps to keep exposed the aesthetics of the bike. And two, for me personally it provides for a tremendous amount of lumbar support on long trips.
I have a 2003 Sportster with wrapped drag pipes and I think it looks really good. Check out this vid of my bike... ua-cam.com/video/VeAK2-kKZs8/v-deo.html
you have good editing and even better content. you explained everything super well (im a beginner and even i followed along) and i was really shocked to see you had less than 1k subs. keep up the good content
My first upgrade was the biltwell grenade slip ons and oh my god she sounds amazing and i've loved her so much since. Kinetic moto does a tank lift and coil relocation kit for 100 bucks and you get to choose the color of your spark plug wires.
Instead of winding up your wires and since you did a tank lift, you could have just tucked all the wiring under the tank. Take the tank off. Disconnect all the connectors, zip tire the wires on top of the frame, and reconnect the wire connectors. It literally took me maybe 45 minutes to relocate the ignition/coil, tuck the wires, and lift the tank.
If your a bigger guy buy a bigger bike ! Kinda like when I raced motocross and got too big to races 80's anymore and like everyone else did MOVED UP TO A BIGGER BIKE !!! 🤪🤯😳😱🤣
i had a street 750 for the last 2 years just traded it in on a 2018 super low 883 sportster, i put a sissy bar, passenger seat and pegs on, gutted the slipons and put some inserts from bk in...it sounds pretty dam good right now, and put an led headlight in it, way better then the stock headlight, and crash bars, still need to get some pegs to put on them
Holesaw on a drill extension to cut the bulkhead in the mufflers out will save you hundreds of dollars and if done correctly you don't even have to take pipes off.
Nice mods, my favorite one on my 883 was going up two teeth on my front pulley. I also added some Rush slip-one. As well as V&H FP3 and cold air intake.
Have forward controls, back shocks suck bc am 6.2 240lbs, can I put on 13inc progressive shocks without messing with front end? Like bars but can't see out of mirrors, lastly would like to raise tank will doing this also raise bars?
I have a 2006 1200 Custom Sportster only things I upgraded were headlights (led) taillights (led) bright ass lights and screaming eagle carburetor kit...Vance and Hines straight shots pipes and -a windshield
Hi Mr Beachbiker, just came across your channel as my iron arrives 1st March 19 and I’ve been doing a little research. I think you’ve done a splendid job of introducing the sportster to me and pontential owners, I’ve hit the subscribe button and look forward to other shows. Kind regards Beans.
@@CHADAINSWORTH awesome thank you! I have a 2017 1200. Lowered the back. And looking to do similar changes to yours such as front control and mini ape bar. But how about that gas tank lift you mentioned? Do I look for a new tank? Stock ones are almost dented in to the frame
@@CHADAINSWORTH oh awesome. I kinda do wanna change to a bigger tank tho. 2gal doesnt take you very far.... and mine gets about 30mpg. It's terrible. Might need to mess with fuel and air bc I'm running on gutted exhaust (took the baffles out completely from stock exhaust)
nice the only things i add to you list is a air filter and tuner to complete the stage one and you will feel the power difference then anyway mate nice ride enjoy
It’s all a matter of taste. But I couldn’t agree more on all six of these. I’m also 6’2 so the forward controls are a must. I never heard of the exhaust tape changing color like that before though
Nice job hiding wires under tank. You are great. Not once did you mention tuning. You need to modify my bike, your the greatest. My three, exhaust, cam, tune, (properly) leave everything else stock or it'll look ..........yours.
On my 06 I've done, Short Shots *exhaust*, Big Sucker 2 *air cleaner* Tuned to this setup *tune*. Did all 3. Plus, seat, bars, controls, grips, pegs. Doing a Burly Slammer kit soon. Have the parts just need to put them on. I went for the lowrider/drag bike look. Black cherry paint with brown leather. She is pretty...and full of Demon Doggies hahaha
you ever think about taking the upper and lower belt guards off along with the front pully? then pop the cam cover off and trim it to fit just the bottom block of the engine.
Chad Ainsworth thanks man! I took a break from all of my motorcycle related subscriptions simply because they weren’t as relevant to me as they were. Now I come back and you’ve pivoted. More power to ya! Your videos helped me when I bought this 883-my errr first bike; but that’s a whole story unto itself. I love your content and will be sticking around to see what the fuel tire holds.
Rantz2040 are you interested in selling your forward controls? I’m looking into getting the kit for mine, but if I can get them used cheaper then ill go for that
@@CHADAINSWORTH No, thank you! Just picked up a 2004 Sportster Roadster, in Dallas, TX. Working on making it my own now, and dealing with coming from 6 years of Japanese and British bikes :)
I’ve owned 4 Harley’s. Love sportsters. I agreed with the 1st 2 mods. My 3rd mod would be bars that fit your stature. I’m 6 foot so I love 16” bars!!!!
Nice ride, I did all that to my 1200 custom and love the way it looks. DK Customs has all the kits for raising the tank and relocating the coil and ignition. The wrap you can get at any auto parts store and you do want to film it when you start the bike and dry out the wrap. My wife thought the garage was on fire from the steam coming off the pipes.Low Brow has a great bolt on sissy bar for under 200 bucks.Don't forget to change out the breather /intake DK has some real nice systems.
Sportsters are the most fun lightest bike Harley makes the still fit the cruiser look. There are other bikes lighter but they resemble sport bikes more than cruisers. Vance& Hines pipes are the best sound for Sportsters. Also do a ECM flash for a higher performance.
Hey man can you send the link to what bars you got I want to order them
Great video!
That much closer to adding an Iron 883 to my garage 👍
Cheers
BB
🍻
Remember to tell them mini apes cost a lot because you have to get the longer cables and wires not to mention gets you balls deep in other accessories like chrome housing switch covers and new mirrors as well as the chrome grips?
A Tank lift would not be in my first 3 items to replace on my sporty! My first 3 items were: 1. Better tires! 2. Better seat, an seat back rest, so do-Riders didn't feel like they were always sliding off seat! 3. Better exhaust allowing motor to breath better or better fitting bars! I bet we would almost all have different items to replace, but tank lift isn't one of them?
Actually the loud pipes serves a safety purpose so people know you are there
You have to have it reprogrammed if you change exhaust pipes.
I cut out the baffles put in bigger jets added a k&n high flow filter. I put in a dynatec ignition that gave it better ridability. A mustang seat gave me extra comfort for long rides
first thing to change is that seat
Chad Ainsworth yeah seat and exhaust are the first things I went for when I had my iron 883
First upgrade is to trade in to a bigger bike!
Thank you for the ideas !!
This whole vlog is straight up polished and legit. Well put together, lots of info and fun to watch. Legit man. Fuck
BEACHBIKER
Bought my 72 recently and I LOVE IT. You coined it perfectly - newer Harley but still a Classic. Late model, higher tech Classic Harley Davidson. Raw, pure power and tech. Solid fun. Damn I love this Sportster. You get it. You do.
Glad I came across this channel looking for Sportster 72 stuff. Keep it up!
Do not leave your wires exposed considering heavy rain could cause a life threatening issue if on the bike
I did pipes, went for Shark road shorts, got a n S and S airintake and filter, and forward control extensions cause I'm 6'2 and like a long stirrup.
Mufflers , I get it. But forward controls are not good if you want to have a real control over a bike. C'mon.
These upgrades doesn’t doo anything.!first change the springs at front for progressive and then as I said before change how the back wheel its mounted ,its more tricky though,leave this to the professionals !! bud its great improvement!cheers M
The first thing you should so to a sportster is trade it in for a big twin. Done.
the 1 thing that bugs me is the fuel filler position on the tank. i'd modify it to make it more frisco style, including relocating the pet-cock, so you get all the gas you can.
I wanna see a pic with the flat z bars on your bike…
You should never use the heat wrap. It WILL make your exhaust rust out.
@@CHADAINSWORTH it's moisture in the air. The wrap attracts it. Headers on a car or truck wrapped with it aren't subjected to rain, but they still rust out VERY quickly. If you like that look, that's your choice, but budget for replacement head pipes because they WILL fail due to the wrap.
you can't change the exhaust without changing the intake. you completely left that part out
First a great carb ,then a turbo also forged pistons.
@@CHADAINSWORTH make it a carbed bike its not hard.
@@CHADAINSWORTH now you got my ocd going time to watch turbo sportsters on UA-cam
@@CHADAINSWORTH Ross lattimer has a tough turbo sporster on UA-cam.
Yo!! I want to say thank you!!! I'm 6'0" and always felt that I had to go and get a dyna street bob or fat bob due to do what I want - long distance riding, carrying luggage bags, etc - or because they were frowned upon by other HD riders; but always had a big, soft spot for the Sportster and after seeing a couple of your videos, I am not second guessing myself of owning a Sportster Iron as my first bike. Thanks a bunch!!!
Dude I freaking love my Sporty!!! Screw them peeps, my bike is my baby
I Punched the Baffles, my Custom came with Forward controls and I don't have a Peanut Tank.
One of the First things I did was get Rid of the Pussy Clutch.
First three things to do to your sportster...
1 take it to an HD dealership
2 trade it in
3 get a new bagger. 🤣😎
where are next videos.
I'm liking the idea of the tank being lifted so it can breath better but what if you have a larger tank, 3.5 and the 1250 upgrade on a 87 model sportster? I'm 6'3" but living in NYC forward controls seem to get in the way while cuting between cars and zipping through the city.
@@CHADAINSWORTH seems like a lose if I can't keep the fuel capacity. Is there anyway I could get the best of both lifting the tank to let the engine breath and capacity of the largest tank?
Nice video bro 👍
Bro can u make a vid iron 883 Vs 48? Plz
If your 6’3” don’t buy a sportster 😃
No mention of the famously shitty 1 pot brakes ? Better stopping power may be worth a thought.
This is just a suggestion. Some riders like them some don't. It is a simple add on just a few bolts. Crash bar with foot pegs. There are lots of choices of bars and pegs for that personal touch. Plus it gives you another foot and leg position on those long country roads. Just an idea for you and anyone else who reads this. Wishing you safe rides in the wind!
that was one of the first things i put on mine was the crash bars
#1. S&S Super E Shorty carb kit for sportster #2. exhaust ( ditch stock exhaust pipes)! 2into 1 or 2 into 2 is best case scenario 3. bigger plug wires/ ditch the stock 8mm or the 8.8 mm plug wires and go with a 12 mm heavy duty plug wires and get a set of ngk iridium plugs make sure you gap the plugs to (.038-.043) gap don't listen to the auto parts storetheyre not pregapped!!!! and #4. ditch the belt and buy yourself a chain conversion kit from lowbrow customs and then you can get a seat handlebars or whatever but make sure you get a set of forward controls and go with floorboards and crashbar as well
The very first 3 things you should do is the air cleaner/exhaust/tune. Then get rid of those shitty Dunlop tires. Then replace the motor mounts with some Drag Specialties mounts. With make a world of improvement. Not much performance gain on an 883, but the handling and ride will be so much better.
Good video!
BEACHBIKER don’t do a factory 1200 swap. Look up Hammer Performance and check out their kits. Cheaper and better then the factory set up. And you can call or Email Dan and/or Aaron and tell him what you got and what you want to achieve. Great people and a great company that stand behind what they do.
mine came from the factory with michelins... is a recent change then or what am i missing ?
BEACHBIKER Dude, I live down in the RGV. Go with what Scott said, do a Hammer performance conversation. I put a 1250 conversion in my Son’s 95’ Sporty. Hammer is a awesome company to work with. Great customer support and will cost you less than screamin eagle with far superior parts. Look up their channel and their website. HammerPerformance.
nothing you are fine. those are great tires. I know the thread is old but …….
The stock dunlops have the durometer of a glass bottle, and are dangerous. I upgraded to michelin commander 2 and it was more than a night and day difference.
I'm 69 riding an 06 1200 Sporty with a stock seat, Screamin Eagle air filter with K&N element, Screamin Eagle slip on mufflers. Bike had forward controls and I changed to mids even being 5'11". Always rode CB Hondas and feel more in control with the mids and if I need to jump off the bike for some reason my feet are under me. I love my Sporty. Its light quick and sounds good! Oh I changed clutch to a 9 disk Barnett and it shifts smooth.
I disagree with the importance of all of these.
Shocks are the most important and I hate lifted tanks. It looks like the bike has a humpback.
That being said to each their own
I'm 6' 0" 190 pounds and I've ridden Sportsters for 20 years & I agree with ALL of these suggestions!!!
Sprotesters are big in the uk check out sportster sickness uk on utube
Actually the tank lifting don't make the bike look cooler I did and I didn't like it it looks better low
First HAPPY NEW YEAR. Ok I have been out of the wind for way to long. I live over ten miles back off the closest HW off grid on dirt so do to that and I am not as young as I was when I had my last sportster (a 59 hardtail old school chopper) I pick up a 07 883 sportster with a trikè kit that the last owner had done by HD dealer. Just 5400 mikes on her. My last one just had a mag and kick start. Going take a vacation this sping as long as we get enough grass where I don't need to feed the big kids as last year had to feed all summer. Ok my question is what would be the best oil cooler to get. I be pulling a small camp trailer as it takes to long to up from the ground. Right now its park do to snow and mud when the sun is out. Still figuring what I can do and what I have to have done. A lot has already been done by the feel and sound along with the custom look. Have a fantastic New Year
@@CHADAINSWORTHThe,k for the fast reply. Till I can ride her more to see how she rides as only been able to ride and that's when I pick her up from getting the idel reset as she was running to fast and when it comes to computers on a bike I don't have the skills. So a little shop in town took care it. As the roads home was bad and hard to drive my truck and ride my bike at same time. So before I loaded her I rode around town. Then we got snow and it hasn't been over 29° for a week. Looks like it be a few weeks before the roads dry out. But need the moisture so I can wait I hope. Has a custom seat and short pipes already. I put a trunk on her do to having to lock somethings up when I go into get mail. Have a fantastic week. Only thing I see is the air filter. I be riding in all types of weather when I get out on my trip I need to much sure of what one will work the best for sand and rain that don't hurt the motor or drown out the fuel system.
I love the way the wrap looks on certain bikes. I want to get an old Ironhead and just rat it out. My Biltwell chumps, which I'd consider buckhorn handlebars are pretty great and give it a similar look and comfort you're describing here. Oh, man! I couldn't ride the way I want without my Burley Sissybar!
Actually sportster is famous for being a Chicks bike!
Change bars and seat. Harley stock seats are upholstered bricks.
I bought a new 2004 Harley sportster 1200 roadster. I put screaming eagles, forward pegs and a chrome engine kit & mini apes. Loved that bike I still had it. Your video was very good thanks for sharing
Does the air cooled engine overheat?
Sissy bar looks good. Agreed with your tips.
This is my top 4 things to upgrade first.
Exhaust #1 #2 seat (if uncomfortable) #3 saddlebags #4 Led Headlight
Jockey shift, foot clutch, ape hangers, and solo seat. And pipe wrap. Maybe even a springer. O hell yeah! Might seem silly on a Sportster, especially one with a stock frame, but I'm an old man, and I don't think my lower back will let me ride a rigid frame scoot for very long. I just want it to look, sound, and run like a bastard.
Good advice for anyone who owns a Sportser, that's the beauty of them, so versatile! I love what you've done to yours. I go back & forth with mini apes & street tracker bars, takes me 15 minutes to swap bars. It's so much fun working on your own bike, nice vid!
First you should buy a zipper for that jacket
Very clean wire tuck!
@@CHADAINSWORTH Yes, give us a call or an email. Support@dkcustomproducts.com or 662-252-8828
Forward controls blow. Upgrade the exhaust , air cleaner, and rejet (or remap), then upgrade the suspension. The stock shocks are just dangerous when cornering.
I really want to see how it looks under the heat tape 1 year later cause i guess that there will be rust
@@CHADAINSWORTH wow that's amazing
1. Mufflers
Short shots, bigger...
2. Comfort forward controls for highway ride
3. Tanklift kit, wire tuck, electrical tape top of frame pinning wires in electrical tape for wether existence.
Bonus parts
4. Wrapping pipes with exauhst heat tape.
Pipes can breathe better....
5. SwaP bats to MINI APES BARS jnp cycles
Long distance
6. Adding Burley sissy bar for back rest luggage and storage trips. Longer rides. Coast to coast rides
Thank you
I ride out of state a lot. I live here in Memphis TN and my next trip I'm planning is to California in the Spring
I have a sportster 48. swapped out the forward controls for mid controls 'coz I'm only 5' 6". Best decision ever.
@@CHADAINSWORTH any specific brands you would recommend?
I kept my pipes stock. Love Harleys but when they are loud they are obnoxious.
Great stuff by the way!
I'm 5 11 and 225. U think I am too big for a Sportster. My girlfriend says I will look stupid on one. Says I'm too big for one. I have loves the Sportster since college and have never gotten around to getting one. I am 46 and want to get a bike before I am too old and regret never getting one of the bucket list products that I need to get. What Do you think ? Please give me some advice. I am a NEW Rider and have very little experience. Thank you for your time and consideration. Brett.
I got a drag bars and a new seat that looks a better look the pipe rap it's a not go don't look good at all
Bars, sissybar, exhaust... definately. Never thought about wrapping my exhaust though. I wonder how that would work on drag pipes.
@@CHADAINSWORTH I've got a custom so its all chromed out, I just don't think wrapped pipes will look good. I would also say a set of saddle bags is a cheap and great addition, great for always keeping a few tools with you and water just in case you need to tighten something up or forget a drink.
I actually prefer relying mainly on a sissybar bag. For one, it helps to keep exposed the aesthetics of the bike. And two, for me personally it provides for a tremendous amount of lumbar support on long trips.
I have a 2003 Sportster with wrapped drag pipes and I think it looks really good. Check out this vid of my bike... ua-cam.com/video/VeAK2-kKZs8/v-deo.html
you have good editing and even better content. you explained everything super well (im a beginner and even i followed along) and i was really shocked to see you had less than 1k subs. keep up the good content
My first upgrade was the biltwell grenade slip ons and oh my god she sounds amazing and i've loved her so much since. Kinetic moto does a tank lift and coil relocation kit for 100 bucks and you get to choose the color of your spark plug wires.
Mustang seat, Rush slipon slash cut mufflers and screaming eagle air filter , makes any Sporty very cool!
I prefer raised rear suspension and lower handlebars. Cafe all the way for me. But, that's what's great about these bikes. Making it your own.
Found you through John Maxwell I'm loving your content and sporty love. I hope I can get myself a sporty project this year
Instead of winding up your wires and since you did a tank lift, you could have just tucked all the wiring under the tank. Take the tank off. Disconnect all the connectors, zip tire the wires on top of the frame, and reconnect the wire connectors. It literally took me maybe 45 minutes to relocate the ignition/coil, tuck the wires, and lift the tank.
Get it! We have all been there before!
I just want to mention for future knowledge, your shocks don’t change height when adjusting, only dampening.
Awesome advice, I'm 5'11 and about to buy my first harley 883. I like the forward control setup and the mini apes also.
I agree with your process. For me it was lighting. I upgraded my headlight and signals to LED. I use Ciro3D.
If your a bigger guy buy a bigger bike ! Kinda like when I raced motocross and got too big to races 80's anymore and like everyone else did MOVED UP TO A BIGGER BIKE !!! 🤪🤯😳😱🤣
i had a street 750 for the last 2 years just traded it in on a 2018 super low 883 sportster, i put a sissy bar, passenger seat and pegs on, gutted the slipons and put some inserts from bk in...it sounds pretty dam good right now, and put an led headlight in it, way better then the stock headlight, and crash bars, still need to get some pegs to put on them
Holesaw on a drill extension to cut the bulkhead in the mufflers out will save you hundreds of dollars and if done correctly you don't even have to take pipes off.
Thanks for the tip on the exhaust wrapping
Miguel Brown Yes! I woulda screwed that up by starting at the top and working down. Excellent tip for sure!
Nice mods, my favorite one on my 883 was going up two teeth on my front pulley. I also added some Rush slip-one. As well as V&H FP3 and cold air intake.
Where did you get the +2 front pulley? I'm in pa. An none of the shops say they can't get em?? I did a lot of upgrades an run out of gear.
BEACHBIKER
883sportster.com
This is where I purchased the pulley/sprocket front final drive.
Shane Fochtman 883sportster.com
@@jamesmenard5450 thanks bro
Have forward controls, back shocks suck bc am 6.2 240lbs, can I put on 13inc progressive shocks without messing with front end? Like bars but can't see out of mirrors, lastly would like to raise tank will doing this also raise bars?
I have a 2006 1200 Custom Sportster only things I upgraded were headlights (led) taillights (led) bright ass lights and screaming eagle carburetor kit...Vance and Hines straight shots pipes and -a windshield
Sissie ladie man......
Hi Mr Beachbiker, just came across your channel as my iron arrives 1st March 19 and I’ve been doing a little research.
I think you’ve done a splendid job of introducing the sportster to me and pontential owners, I’ve hit the subscribe button and look forward to other shows.
Kind regards Beans.
Sell it get a dyna or softtail problem solve
Didnt need to change the cables for the ape bars? Didnt it come short?
@@CHADAINSWORTH awesome thank you! I have a 2017 1200. Lowered the back. And looking to do similar changes to yours such as front control and mini ape bar. But how about that gas tank lift you mentioned? Do I look for a new tank? Stock ones are almost dented in to the frame
@@CHADAINSWORTH oh awesome. I kinda do wanna change to a bigger tank tho. 2gal doesnt take you very far.... and mine gets about 30mpg. It's terrible. Might need to mess with fuel and air bc I'm running on gutted exhaust (took the baffles out completely from stock exhaust)
nice the only things i add to you list is a air filter and tuner to complete the stage one and you will feel the power difference then anyway mate nice ride enjoy
It’s all a matter of taste. But I couldn’t agree more on all six of these. I’m also 6’2 so the forward controls are a must. I never heard of the exhaust tape changing color like that before though
Great video, normal guy talking about bikes loved it!
If you changed the exhaust, it used to be that you needed to re-jet the carb. What about today?
Nice job hiding wires under tank. You are great. Not once did you mention tuning. You need to modify my bike, your the greatest. My three, exhaust, cam, tune, (properly) leave everything else stock or it'll look ..........yours.
After 40 years of riding XL models, I bought a Roadster. I upgraded the bike by buying a Vrod.
Born in Midland and raised in Amarillo. Love the channel man!
On my 06 I've done, Short Shots *exhaust*, Big Sucker 2 *air cleaner* Tuned to this setup *tune*. Did all 3. Plus, seat, bars, controls, grips, pegs. Doing a Burly Slammer kit soon. Have the parts just need to put them on. I went for the lowrider/drag bike look. Black cherry paint with brown leather. She is pretty...and full of Demon Doggies hahaha
I thought sportster were for girls in other countries
you ever think about taking the upper and lower belt guards off along with the front pully? then pop the cam cover off and trim it to fit just the bottom block of the engine.
One of the top 3 things should have suspension!
Agreed!!! #1 expense that makes a world of difference!!!
Cobra exhaust sounds great! FYI
Great info and tips man, thank you. Thinking about getting a 1200 custom soon.
a hug from Brazil
I have a stock 2017 iron and I’m wanting to put these bars on it. Did you have to swap out any of the lines, or were the stock lines long enough?
Chad Ainsworth thanks man! I took a break from all of my motorcycle related subscriptions simply because they weren’t as relevant to me as they were. Now I come back and you’ve pivoted. More power to ya! Your videos helped me when I bought this 883-my errr first bike; but that’s a whole story unto itself. I love your content and will be sticking around to see what the fuel tire holds.
6'4 I just swapped the forward controls out for a set of mids, but I'm an odd duck
Rantz2040 are you interested in selling your forward controls? I’m looking into getting the kit for mine, but if I can get them used cheaper then ill go for that
Hey man i also ride a sporty and i live in big spring thats cool man
I put a hard tail and springer on my 1200 yeah man change what floats your boat man
Good video !
Just watched my first John Maxwell video and subscribed. It led me here and ...yup I subscribed. Thanks dude!
@@CHADAINSWORTH and btw...I LOVE MY SPORTSTER 1200 TOO!!!
Dude, solid content and production quality! Great tips!
@@CHADAINSWORTH No, thank you! Just picked up a 2004 Sportster Roadster, in Dallas, TX. Working on making it my own now, and dealing with coming from 6 years of Japanese and British bikes :)
I’ve owned 4 Harley’s. Love sportsters. I agreed with the 1st 2 mods. My 3rd mod would be bars that fit your stature. I’m 6 foot so I love 16” bars!!!!
Nice ride, I did all that to my 1200 custom and love the way it looks. DK Customs has all the kits for raising the tank and relocating the coil and ignition. The wrap you can get at any auto parts store and you do want to film it when you start the bike and dry out the wrap. My wife thought the garage was on fire from the steam coming off the pipes.Low Brow has a great bolt on sissy bar for under 200 bucks.Don't forget to change out the breather /intake DK has some real nice systems.
Nice descriptions. Its what I want to know without all the fuss.
Sportsters are the most fun lightest bike Harley makes the still fit the cruiser look. There are other bikes lighter but they resemble sport bikes more than cruisers. Vance& Hines pipes are the best sound for Sportsters. Also do a ECM flash for a higher performance.