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I've been looking around for an 883 Sportster to build a bobber bike out of, specifically the '04-'06 models because they have both rubber mount engines and no EFI, and the 883 motor is a fantastic economy piece. I'm no fan of EFI myself, but I've heard here that the EFI setup on these bikes has really caused a drop in the MPG's. Still, despite myself I REALLY like the H-D 1200cc Nightsters, even though they are EFI'd. True what I've heard about the EFI? How's mileage on the 1200 vs. the 883?

I'd be interested in finding out if FI is more fuel efficient as well.

But if you really want to save gas, why don't you build something like this instead?

http://electricmotorcycles.net/modules/wordpress/?p=296

:D

I've heard EFI is more fuel efficient.....I also believe it's less apt to vapor lock in the heat, especially with ethanol (crap) gas. :)

don't get fool injection! i bought an 04, superglide brand new and i looked long and hard to find one with a carb. and they wanted to charge me extra for FI! the ONLY reason to put FI on a simple 2cyl engine is so that EPA can put your bike on a dyno every year to smog test it so that they can take $$ from your pocket and put it in someone else's pocket. i heard guys complain about FI on their Harley all the time. one guy at biker site converted his bike back to a carb. so i've bought my last new harley since they all now come fool injected.

the 883 gets about 58mpg and the 1200 about 53mpg with a carb. who TF knows what it will get with FI... get a 1200 the 883 is a dog.

I'm thinking about getting the 883 and later converting it to 1200-spec, as the 883 insurance is a lot more agreeable...and so is the price of entry :) . In the meantime, I'll enjoy the mileage and work on getting the bobber look just right.

The mileage on the 1200 is impressive though, about what I'm getting now on the Honda. I may end up doing it sooner rather than later...

I have an 883 sportster and I love it. It doesn't get as good of gas mileage as my Insight, but I still can't complain about the 50+ mpg of the Sportster.

I also have a Honda Reflex Scooter (250cc) that gets 75 mpg and is a whole lot of fun to ride. :)

Andrea

Depends. EFI used to be junk, but the stuff now is pretty advanced. Arctic Cat uses batteryless EFI now and we never had a problem with EFI'd sleds.

Harley is advertising 60mpg highway on their site for the 883... It only makes sense that fuel injection wins. The reason Harley guys don't like "fool injection" is because the early Harley fuel injection was garbage. They have since changed sources.

On a side note:
Saw my friend's Dyna last night - that thing was NICE.
Also, that Nightster makes me drool.

Also, that Nightster makes me drool.

I LOVE that bike. Been over to the Harley House several times to see one (they had four of 'em in stock last time). Really, I'm kind of a luddite, and to be honest, the EFI is the ONLY reason I'm not on one of those right now, insurance be damned.

you guys may want to note that the 1200 is geared differently from the 883. to compensate for the lack of power in the smaller motor it revs higher. again: get the 1200 over the 883 and get one with a CARB.

After spending the last year with 3 cylinder bike with 3 carbs... I'd like fuel injection please. On a different note, I believe the Yamaha V Star 1100s have carbs. Dual downdraft Miks I believe.

Going to look at some Harleys and Yammys this weekend. I'm sick of my 30 year old bike!

After spending the last year with 3 cylinder bike with 3 carbs... I'd like fuel injection please. On a different note, I believe the Yamaha V Star 1100s have carbs. Dual downdraft Miks I believe.

Going to look at some Harleys and Yammys this weekend. I'm sick of my 30 year old bike!

all new harleys are fool injected but it's unnecessary on a v-twin with one carb. screw them and their FI, fuel pump in the gas tank, scheit. it's all about smog testing and relying upon the dealer.

if you are torn between fool injection and a carb, read Motorchead Memos in the latest issue of Thunder Press.

you guys may want to note that the 1200 is geared differently from the 883. to compensate for the lack of power in the smaller motor it revs higher. again: get the 1200 over the 883 and get one with a CARB.

Well, the plan is to start with an 883 and eventually slap on the requisite 1200 parts so that I don't have to pay insurance on a bigger bike. At 23 years old, it already hurts enough to insure a bike of any kind...this is why I sold the Shadow 1100, despite the solid 45mpg+ average and the fact that it was a great overall bike.

And as far as I know, the gearing difference between 883's and 1200's is all in the rear sprocket, no? In any case, as I've said, I lean towards carb...always have, probably always will...it's just that the Nightster is the one bike that could actually make me pay the 1200 insurance rates and get me on a fuelie bike - and still feel good about it.

I decided yesterday - I'm getting a d@mn Nightster. I just love the thing. The only dilemma is color...

i like the green ones.... cool little bike. up a pic.

i like the green ones.... cool little bike. up a pic.

Yeah, the green/black is my favorite for the nightster. I also am partial to the gray/black. At this point I'm pretty set on getting a Dyna Street Bob in pewter gray denim if I can get the right price.

What's got two thumbs and is STOKED? ... THIS GUY!

I know that a carb is so much easier to work on, and find parts at a swp meet.....but let me tell you how nice it is to let you bike sit over the winter, walk over hit the switch and have it fire the first time.

to modify the late model FI units you will need a screaming eagle race tuner at $600. Check power commander they have good stuff also.

Chris cross

Picked up the Street Bob about 3 weeks ago... It is unfathomable - the difference between riding an old Japanese bike and this new beast. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the reasons why it's better, but that fuel injection is the cat's pajamas!