| Author | Message | ||
     Mmmi_grad |
Why Change Your Pulley? The main reason to increase the front pulley size is for interstate riding with better than factory fuel economy. The Sportsters are long stroke engines, plenty of torque, so they all handle taller than factory gearing. They work good for "low rpm" cruising. The 883's are geared lower than the 1200's, especially since 2004. So, the pulley of choice goes to the riding style of the rider rather than the bike. If you changed the cams for performance at higher rpm, the 3100 rpm reference following may be too low; the cam mfg. should have recommendation. I strongly recommend a tach, it's the only way to really judge your driving style. The year is important because HD changed the primary gearing in 2004 of the 883: 1991-2003, (Primary gearing same for 883 & 1200): Neither the original 27 tooth or the later 28 tooth 883 pulleys are economical on the interstate. The 28 is excellent for around town, traffic and two-up riding because launch is easier. The 27 tooth is good for wheelies and racing 1200's! The 29 tooth is best around town, traffic is easiest because road speed at idle is about 6. Two-up riding is easiest with this lower gear. The "sweet spot" for fuel economy is 65 mph, about 3000 rpm. This is the same over all gearing as the 1200. The 30 tooth is fine around town, traffic requires more frequent clutching because road speed at idle is about 10. The "sweet spot" for fuel economy is 70 mph, about 3100 rpm. None of these require a belt change. 2004-UP, (Primary gearing is lower for 883 than 1200): Both the 28 and 29 tooth are lower than the 1200. HD decided that the 28 was too low and switched 2008-UP 883’s to 29. The 29 at 65 mph is about 3350 rpm. The 30 tooth is best around town, traffic is easiest because road speed at idle is about 6. Two-up riding is easy with this lower gear. The "sweet spot" for fuel economy is 65 mph, about 3200 rpm. The 32 tooth compensates for the lowered primary gearing of the 883 and gets it to the same gearing as a 1200. Cruising at 65 mph is about 3000 rpm. None of these require a belt change. |
