Motorcycle Repair: When to do a re-build, proper tools, pistons

Question
I've got an 06 883l with about 11,000 miles on it now. At what point would you consider a re-build? Is doing a 1200 conversion basically rebuilding the engine? What all does a re-build involve? How easy is it to install a 1200 kit? All the sites say that it's an easy bolt-on but I know that they are trying to sell their kits. I'm determined to do all the work on my bike myself that way it will be mine. Hope you don't mind all the questions.

Answer
A rebuild is when you remove the engine, tear it apart mic all the parts and replace whats needed. You need to determine a rebuild by noises in the motor or alot of smoking out the exhaust or a loss of power. I have seen 80,000 miles before having to tear down the motor. Adding a 1200 kit is just replacing the cylinders and pistons. You should check the valves while its apart. That would be doing a top end. Its not that hard to change to a 1200, the only things your would need is the proper tools. If you planning on doing it yourself you need to get a service manual to follow
Good luck and happy riding
Mike