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The stock CV carburetor on a Harley Sportster 1200 leaves real throttle response and power on the table. Mikuni’s flatslide smoothbores and S&S’s carbs are the two names that dominate the aftermarket for this engine.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mikuni HSR42 Easy Carburetor Kit | $350-$450 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Mikuni HSR45 Carburetor Kit | $380-$480 | Amazon |
| 3 | S&S Super E Carburetor | $300-$400 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | S&S Super G Carburetor | $320-$420 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Mikuni HSR42 Easy Carburetor Kit
A smoothbore flatslide carb widely praised for a night-and-day throttle response improvement over the stock CV carb.
- 42mm smoothbore flatslide design
- Bolt-on kit designed for easy install
- Fits 1994-2003 1200 Sportsters
- Excellent throttle response for stock-to-mild builds
- Strong reputation for tunability and reliability
- 42mm may be undersized for heavily modified engines
Mikuni HSR45 Carburetor Kit
A slightly larger-bore Mikuni option for Sportsters with more aggressive engine work.
- 45mm smoothbore flatslide design
- Same easy-tune Mikuni platform as the HSR42
- Better suited to mildly built engines
- More airflow headroom than the 42mm for built engines
- Retains Mikuni’s easy-tuning reputation
- Can feel slightly less crisp than the 42mm on a bone-stock engine
S&S Super E Carburetor
A long-standing S&S option known for being easy to tune and rebuild.
- Butterfly-valve carburetor design
- Straightforward tuning and rebuild process
- Well-supported by S&S tuning parts/documentation
- Easy to service and tune at home
- Strong aftermarket parts support
- Some riders report a midrange bog that needs tuning to eliminate
S&S Super G Carburetor
A larger-bore S&S option for riders chasing maximum horsepower over fuel economy.
- Larger venturi than the Super E
- Butterfly-valve design
- Suited to built/high-compression engines
- Best outright horsepower potential of this group per rider reports
- Same easy-service S&S design as the Super E
- Noticeably worse fuel mileage than Mikuni or Super E options
Buying tips
- Mikuni’s smoothbore flatslides are generally the pick for the most direct, responsive throttle feel on a mild-to-stock 1200.
- S&S carbs favor riders comfortable tuning/rebuilding at home and chasing the most peak power.
- Whichever carb you choose, expect to also rejet and adjust for your specific exhaust/air cleaner combo — no carb performs right straight out of the box on a modified engine.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.