Lots of Q's

I found this site because of the popping from the carb, i have read enough threads on that to know where to start with it. Gonna order a stage 1 kit. It has a free flowing exhaust and cleaner, but don't know if the carb has been messed with at all, dont look like it has
This 883 only has 12K miles and not knowing the history I figure its due for a good servicing. Mostly looks like what im used to except the electronic ignition. I was told to set the timing with a timing light. Not sure how that works yet. And don't have a service manual for it yet either. any tips on this?
Also is there a good place to buy parts for this other that jpcycles? there arent any places close to here for service and parts for these

Other than CC whats the differences between 1200 and 883 heads

gearing is different, cams are different etc..

Get yourself a service manual whether or not you do your own wrenching. Best tool you can have.

Google motorcycle service manuals and you will find several places that sell them.

I didnt know about the cams but i was mostly interested in the differences in the cylinder heads. I know the combustion chamber is smaller but are the Int/Ex ports smaller too

Im mostly finding DVD manuals and downloads. I have seen some books but im not sure the are the factory service manuals. From my readings HD didnt put them out on DVD, and I didnt want to go that route. besides theres nothing better than having the book on the bench.
I plan on heading to Columbus, Oh soon and hittin up a couple HD shops there to get it. But right now this bike needs help before i can.

6 to 8 weeks for a service manual, $52 per set for brake pads, $27 for the oil filter.

Oil flter sounds like it's gold plated. I use an Evo oil filter on my shovel. Black and $10. Works as good as a chrome one.

I would get the bike running good with what you have before making any major changes to it. You might like the way it runs as is, once you get it serviced and tuned up.

actually the kits im seeing say 9.5 to 1 compression with the 883 heads and they use dished pistons, 10.5 to 1 with the 1200 heads with domes pistons. I dont have a lot of funds to spend all at once. so im debating which kit to go with. but that project will be down the road a bit. right now i need to get it riding and running good for the summer

yeah thats the plan, it is under powered though, so i know i will be going with one of the kits. the 69 sporty i had would run circles around this thing. The 76 was a wreck, always needing something fixed before i could ride it. then it would break down everytime i did ride it.
the heads is whats holding me up right now, 04 to 09? 1200 heads are good ones to get, but at $1500 i dont see getting them anytime soon

You'd be better off getting the 883 heads done than buying a set of 1200 heads...cost less than buying a set and better heads when they're done...

i thought about that too but i dont want to be down that long. even the kits im looking at i want jugs to come with them so it will be faster than sending mine out to get bored. but that depends on how winter goes. If im in bama i can still ride most of it. but here in ohio it will be down awhile anyway