A shout out from Southern California... I dropped 40k total in customizing an 88” Softail back in 05’ and have loved it ever since. I’m 54, and over the years have sat on every iteration of the Forty Eight and have wanted one ever since. @5’-10” the ergonomics are ideal and it is perfectly balanced. I love the customization you’ve done to yours and are hoping to own one someday. There’s an appeal to its old school sound that is unique to these engines as the big-twins move forward in design. I guess I’m moving backward... but if online rumors are true that HD will one day supplant the Sportster for its water cooled brethren, I will definitely scoop one up to grab a piece of yesteryear. Keep showin’ your Sporty... come on over to So Cal where you can ride all year! Great channel 👍🏽
Mid USA here! I just bought this bike, 2019 XL1200X(5/7/2020), came from a custom 1492cc(92") Bobber, and I just love it. 80-ish miles to the tank sucks, but they do have an aftermarket 4.5 gallon tank, sooo. But for an around town fun little bike with Harley's race heritage behind it, as you said people always love the cool sporty's!!! Your voice makes it sound like one of those MotoGP races!!! Cheers Mate!!
I bought in august a new 48 ! Now I have 9200km , two things are horrible : the seat and the ground clearance ! I ordered two RFY rear shocks from 340mm (piggy back style) and pump them up to 6kg with nitrogen (they come empty), what a difference !! Last month I orderd a new seat , step up style but I don't have it yet ! I had also two electrical problems : jiffy stand sensor and the display indicator ! Both are replaced under warranty without a problem ! In the gearbox (hard shifting)I put ELF moto4 twin tech 20w-60 MA2 oil in it and a big difference too ! GREAT BIKE ! (sorry for my very bad English)
The Sportster 48 is timeless and somewhat affordable for a Harley. I think the general style is great but what a platform to work with to build a bike that is one of a kind! Keep up the good work look forward to the bike build!
Love the colour of that 48. I have the Hard Candy Black/Gold paint bit girlie but i love it. First mod i had done was mini apes and have on order some K-Tech Bulliit shocks, pricey but worth it for those longer trips. Screamin Eagle Stage 1 next year i hope. Shawn Smoak has the Legends on his Street Glide, he loves them. Look forward to seeing your bike all moded out.
Hello, great review, as previous ones. I am particularly liking this one because the local Harley-Davidson dealer let me ride one for an hour this morning. And I felt exactly like you do. What a ride ! Epic !
The Sportster has had many improvements over the years. A quick search shows these, I'm sure there's more though: • 1957 "Ironhead" overhead-valve engine introduced • 1958 XLH touring high compression model and XLCH sportier "Competition Hot" model introduced. • 1967 Electric starting introduced on XLH • 1972 "Ironhead" 1,000 cc overhead-valve engine replaces 900 cc. Claimed power was 61 hp (45 kW) @ 6,200 rpm and a top speed of 116 mph (187 km/h) • 1975 Switched to left-side gear change (DOT mandate) • 1977 & 1979 Dual exhaust "Siamese" pipes used, introduced on Willie G. Davidson's XLCR café racer in 1977 all models 1979, along with the triangular frame and rear hydraulic disk brake also introduced on the XLCR. • 1979 Last year for the kickstart only XLCH, only 141 made. • 1985 Last year for the "Ironhead" overhead-valve engine. • 1986 "Evolution" engine introduced in 883 cc and 1,100 cc sizes. • 1988 1200 cc engine replaces 1,100 cc engine. • 1988 Constant velocity carburetor replaces butterfly carburetor. • 1991 Five-speed transmission replaces four-speed. • 1991 Belt drive replaces chain drive on 883 Deluxe and all 1200 models. • 1993 Belt drive made standard on all Sportsters. • 1994 Improved oil tank, battery tray, and clutch made standard. • 1994 New electrical system with sealed connectors. • 1995 Speedometer is now electronic, not mechanical. • 1996 XL1200C Custom model introduced. • 1998 XL1200S gets dual spark plug heads and high-performance cams • 2000 Introduced sealed wheel bearings and updated four-piston brake calipers. • 2003 Last year for the frame mounted Evolution engine. • 2004 All-new frame including rubber-mounted engine for decreased vibration. Elimination of the transmission trap door, New shape hamcan, Exhaust balance pipe moved from running under the air filter and disguised and hidden behind the silencers to show more of engine, new smoother style oil tank right side panel with push and turn filler/dipstick, and the previously exposed battery is now enclosed in a matching side panel on the left • 2005 Enlarged rear axle to 1 inch (25.4 mm) for increased stability. • 2006 New XR1200 is announced at Intermot in Cologne, Germany. The XR1200 is the first Harley-Davidson to utilize Down Draft DDFI II fuel injection. To be released as a late 2006 model. Introduction of helical gears in transmission (2nd-5th). • 2007 Fuel injection replaces carburetion on all models. • 2008 front axle enlarged from 3/4 inch to 25 mm, rear axle decreased from 1 inch (25.4 mm) to 25 mm • 2009 "One size fits all" front mudguard approach replaced by improved mudguard contour to match each model's respective wheel diameters. • 2010 The ECU is relocated to allow more variation in aftermarket seat selection. Side-mounted license plate option on some models • 2014 new electrical harness, new larger brakes, antilock brakes (ABS) option, keyless entry, new speedometer with gear indicator/tachometer, increased engine compression ratio, catalytic converter
jath810 Thanks from the US! Always wanted one and always felt not much had changed. Thanks for the reminder and feel more confident in justifying my urge to own one. Hope they don’t drop the Sporty in the future as EPA clamps down here in the US.
Vance & Hines seems to be the default after market pipe. Tank has to go. Replaced rear drop tank on my Tiger with Breadbox- tiny little tanks don’t work in Australia. Rode a Sportster in the early 80s- vibration was a killer. Always loved the engine and the way it dominates the appearance of the bike.
Excellent review. As an owner of a Buell XB12X and a Yamaha MT-01 [google them both], I really like this bike. Low-down torque is what counts. People always mention the small tank [7.9 litres], but I toured around Europe several times on a Yamaha XT500 which had an 8.8 litre tank. Not so much bigger. You just stop more often for fuel. Luggage? Stick a sissy bar on it and strap your luggage to it. I have subscribed.
Many thanks for a great review. (I suppose it helps that I agree with every word you said!) I loved this bike on a 50-mile test ride but settled for the 1200 Custom instead - because of the 48's small tank. I'm sure HD could have hidden an extra couple of pints in that tank without much alteration in appearance - it would have changed my decision. The ride is hard and the peg scrapage can be a bit annoying but the looks and the engine noise mean that I will forgive anything!
Another awesome vlog mate. You & blockhead are the reason why I’ve just bought my 48 Special (and joined the sickness for good measure) glad to see you back on a sportster. Looking forward to see what you have done/are doing to Phat G. Keep the awesome vlogs coming.
Two new engines since the Evolution, yes but not on the Sportster. The Sportsters use totally different motors ( though both where names Evolution in the mid eighties ) too the big twins, only the big twins have had new motors, the Evolution motor is still current on the Sportster.
Another informative review. At 5:20 you mention the low handlebars, but that was never mentioned in previous Sportster 48 reviews you did. Are the low handlebars still livable for short trips? This video is helpful because I'm close to getting a 48 and I'm also 5'9". I have decisions to make.
It might be a trick of the camera but I can’t help feel like your definition of ‘twisty’ is quite different from mine. Great review though and enough to convince me I need a test ride 😄
Great review! I also got a 48 anniversary edition and love it's ride. Makes me smile whenever I ride. Fuel tank is indeed small... I will follow your advice on suspension and exhaust :)
Excellent review, I'm a Sportser fanatic & love my '95 & will never let it go, I'm going to hold off for now as to upgrading to a more modern bike as I'm very interested in seeing how you like the Future Custom & Street Fighter when they come out. I love the Fat Bob but way too expensive. Nice job as usual!
Weird how the 2013 US Sportster 72 I bought a week ago has these taillights 🤔 Well, now I understand what the prior owner was trying to do. Haha. Changing them back to solid red. Ride safe...
Hopefully you have an answer for me... this is my bike! I would like to do a front turn signal relocation to the forks under the headlight.. but with the double bolts in the front, I’m not sure it’s possible ??? I haven’t seen any relocations for this year 48 . It’s something I really want to do
god i love rides on the english countryside. i lived in england for two years and i miss it so much. now i'm back to the boring straight wide american roads.
Out of the crate I think these bikes are pretty underwhelming. With customisation, Stage 3 kit, airfilters, pipes they become a very good town to medium trip bike. I'd start with a 1200 Roadster with a customised 3.5 gallon tank. Probably change the bars to Z bars that don't pull you forward. One I rode in the 80s, the vibration was unbearable. I got it back to the bike shop after half an hour.
Joshua Churchill you get a gallon and a half. The tank is two and a half gallons. Light comes on at 1 gallon. You can get 30 miles in that last gallon. So I’m all 30+30+15=75 miles.
Emission regulations, which ultimately led to Sportsters not being available to be bought new in Europe after 2020. They are now discontinued worldwide. ☹️
They have had over a 100 years to sort out suspension, reliability, weight, build quality and catering only to munchkins with their entry level bikes and have failed utterly. Nice pipes and that's it.
Hello annonymous, you are greatly mistaken. Get out and talk to Sportster owners or if you're afraid of leaving your hut, use the internet if you have it and get educated on how successful and revolutionary the bike truly is.
Road Rash HD I own a sportster which is being built. I am also sponsored which means I get a second bike which can change frequently based on custom series.
If you are not taller than 5'-6" and okay with stopping every 80 miles to fill up that tiny tank (smaller than a Venti Coffee at Starbucks) and your god given ass has a 4" travel by birth (since the rear shocks are worthless) - it is a bike for you.
Everything I've seen from you has forward controls. What's up with that crap? If they would make bikes with controls ( NOT ) forward, I'm sure sales would climb dramatically. Plus all either have the ( Ape Hangers ) or those ( Low Bars ) I can't do either of them. It's not just HD, it's the whole industry. Those mufflers make it sound like a riding lawn mower.
A shout out from Southern California...
I dropped 40k total in customizing an 88” Softail back in 05’ and have loved it ever since. I’m 54, and over the years have sat on every iteration of the Forty Eight and have wanted one ever since. @5’-10” the ergonomics are ideal and it is perfectly balanced. I love the customization you’ve done to yours and are hoping to own one someday. There’s an appeal to its old school sound that is unique to these engines as the big-twins move forward in design. I guess I’m moving backward... but if online rumors are true that HD will one day supplant the Sportster for its water cooled brethren, I will definitely scoop one up to grab a piece of yesteryear.
Keep showin’ your Sporty... come on over to So Cal where you can ride all year!
Great channel 👍🏽
Mid USA here! I just bought this bike, 2019 XL1200X(5/7/2020), came from a custom 1492cc(92") Bobber, and I just love it. 80-ish miles to the tank sucks, but they do have an aftermarket 4.5 gallon tank, sooo. But for an around town fun little bike with Harley's race heritage behind it, as you said people always love the cool sporty's!!! Your voice makes it sound like one of those MotoGP races!!! Cheers Mate!!
Excellent review - executed like a pro. Brilliant sun glare footage. The unforgettable love of a Sportster 48.
I absolutely love the roads and the scenery. I watch your videos only for those beautiful scenes.
I bought in august a new 48 ! Now I have 9200km , two things are horrible : the seat and the ground clearance ! I ordered two RFY rear shocks from 340mm (piggy back style) and pump them up to 6kg with nitrogen (they come empty), what a difference !! Last month I orderd a new seat , step up style but I don't have it yet ! I had also two electrical problems : jiffy stand sensor and the display indicator ! Both are replaced under warranty without a problem ! In the gearbox (hard shifting)I put ELF moto4 twin tech 20w-60 MA2 oil in it and a big difference too ! GREAT BIKE ! (sorry for my very bad English)
Your English was perfect :)
one of the best reviews i’ve seen
all bases covered, all facts and no bull
The Sportster 48 is timeless and somewhat affordable for a Harley. I think the general style is great but what a platform to work with to build a bike that is one of a kind! Keep up the good work look forward to the bike build!
Love the colour of that 48. I have the Hard Candy Black/Gold paint bit girlie but i love it. First mod i had done was mini apes and have on order some K-Tech Bulliit shocks, pricey but worth it for those longer trips. Screamin Eagle Stage 1 next year i hope. Shawn Smoak has the Legends on his Street Glide, he loves them. Look forward to seeing your bike all moded out.
Great bike... had my 48 a year now... changed quite a few bits but love it....👍
Share with us what you have changed :)
I love all the Sportsters but my favorite is still XL1200CX. That said that 48 is a very cool bike.
Love my blacked-out 19, 48! I did a Stage 3, and am pleased with its power! Nice review!
Sportster reviews are always exciting! Awsome 48.
Hello, great review, as previous ones. I am particularly liking this one because the local Harley-Davidson dealer let me ride one for an hour this morning. And I felt exactly like you do. What a ride ! Epic !
The Sportster has had many improvements over the years. A quick search shows these, I'm sure there's more though:
• 1957 "Ironhead" overhead-valve engine introduced
• 1958 XLH touring high compression model and XLCH sportier "Competition Hot" model introduced.
• 1967 Electric starting introduced on XLH
• 1972 "Ironhead" 1,000 cc overhead-valve engine replaces 900 cc. Claimed power was 61 hp (45 kW) @ 6,200 rpm and a top speed of 116 mph (187 km/h)
• 1975 Switched to left-side gear change (DOT mandate)
• 1977 & 1979 Dual exhaust "Siamese" pipes used, introduced on Willie G. Davidson's XLCR café racer in 1977 all models 1979, along with the triangular frame and rear hydraulic disk brake also introduced on the XLCR.
• 1979 Last year for the kickstart only XLCH, only 141 made.
• 1985 Last year for the "Ironhead" overhead-valve engine.
• 1986 "Evolution" engine introduced in 883 cc and 1,100 cc sizes.
• 1988 1200 cc engine replaces 1,100 cc engine.
• 1988 Constant velocity carburetor replaces butterfly carburetor.
• 1991 Five-speed transmission replaces four-speed.
• 1991 Belt drive replaces chain drive on 883 Deluxe and all 1200 models.
• 1993 Belt drive made standard on all Sportsters.
• 1994 Improved oil tank, battery tray, and clutch made standard.
• 1994 New electrical system with sealed connectors.
• 1995 Speedometer is now electronic, not mechanical.
• 1996 XL1200C Custom model introduced.
• 1998 XL1200S gets dual spark plug heads and high-performance cams
• 2000 Introduced sealed wheel bearings and updated four-piston brake calipers.
• 2003 Last year for the frame mounted Evolution engine.
• 2004 All-new frame including rubber-mounted engine for decreased vibration. Elimination of the transmission trap door, New shape hamcan, Exhaust balance pipe moved from running under the air filter and disguised and hidden behind the silencers to show more of engine, new smoother style oil tank right side panel with push and turn filler/dipstick, and the previously exposed battery is now enclosed in a matching side panel on the left
• 2005 Enlarged rear axle to 1 inch (25.4 mm) for increased stability.
• 2006 New XR1200 is announced at Intermot in Cologne, Germany. The XR1200 is the first Harley-Davidson to utilize Down Draft DDFI II fuel injection. To be released as a late 2006 model. Introduction of helical gears in transmission (2nd-5th).
• 2007 Fuel injection replaces carburetion on all models.
• 2008 front axle enlarged from 3/4 inch to 25 mm, rear axle decreased from 1 inch (25.4 mm) to 25 mm
• 2009 "One size fits all" front mudguard approach replaced by improved mudguard contour to match each model's respective wheel diameters.
• 2010 The ECU is relocated to allow more variation in aftermarket seat selection. Side-mounted license plate option on some models
• 2014 new electrical harness, new larger brakes, antilock brakes (ABS) option, keyless entry, new speedometer with gear indicator/tachometer, increased engine compression ratio, catalytic converter
jath810
Thanks from the US! Always wanted one and always felt not much had changed. Thanks for the reminder and feel more confident in justifying my urge to own one. Hope they don’t drop the Sporty in the future as EPA clamps down here in the US.
Nice vlog can’t wait to see your sportster.when was this filmed we’ve not had a day like that in Scotland for weeks now
Vance & Hines seems to be the default after market pipe. Tank has to go. Replaced rear drop tank on my Tiger with Breadbox- tiny little tanks don’t work in Australia. Rode a Sportster in the early 80s- vibration was a killer. Always loved the engine and the way it dominates the appearance of the bike.
4.5 gal teardrop tanks look great on these bikes with zero drag bars
This is a beautiful bike. I just can’t get over the fuel capacity. But I guess it’s a compromise.
The 48 is one of my favourite bikes but I can't believe you traded the Dyna 110 for it.
Excellent review. As an owner of a Buell XB12X and a Yamaha MT-01 [google them both], I really like this bike. Low-down torque is what counts. People always mention the small tank [7.9 litres], but I toured around Europe several times on a Yamaha XT500 which had an 8.8 litre tank. Not so much bigger. You just stop more often for fuel. Luggage? Stick a sissy bar on it and strap your luggage to it. I have subscribed.
HD should put fuel guages on the Sportsters...... Although I have a feeling they might discontinue the Sportster line all together.
Many thanks for a great review. (I suppose it helps that I agree with every word you said!) I loved this bike on a 50-mile test ride but settled for the 1200 Custom instead - because of the 48's small tank. I'm sure HD could have hidden an extra couple of pints in that tank without much alteration in appearance - it would have changed my decision. The ride is hard and the peg scrapage can be a bit annoying but the looks and the engine noise mean that I will forgive anything!
Another awesome vlog mate. You & blockhead are the reason why I’ve just bought my 48 Special (and joined the sickness for good measure) glad to see you back on a sportster. Looking forward to see what you have done/are doing to Phat G. Keep the awesome vlogs coming.
Same here Glenn! Bought my 2018 Sportster few weeks back. Now looking for the mods ideas...
Two new engines since the Evolution, yes but not on the Sportster. The
Sportsters use totally different motors ( though both where names Evolution in the mid eighties ) too the big twins, only the big twins have had new motors, the Evolution motor is still current on the Sportster.
Another informative review. At 5:20 you mention the low handlebars, but that was never mentioned in previous Sportster 48 reviews you did. Are the low handlebars still livable for short trips? This video is helpful because I'm close to getting a 48 and I'm also 5'9". I have decisions to make.
It might be a trick of the camera but I can’t help feel like your definition of ‘twisty’ is quite different from mine. Great review though and enough to convince me I need a test ride 😄
Great review! I also got a 48 anniversary edition and love it's ride. Makes me smile whenever I ride. Fuel tank is indeed small... I will follow your advice on suspension and exhaust :)
Excellent review, I'm a Sportser fanatic & love my '95 & will never let it go, I'm going to hold off for now as to upgrading to a more modern bike as I'm very interested in seeing how you like the Future Custom & Street Fighter when they come out. I love the Fat Bob but way too expensive. Nice job as usual!
Triumph gives all the technology and stuff but there is just something that pulls me more towards the 48
The Harley Davidson Doorstep has always been a Bad Ass looking motorcycle. I love the looks.
Weird how the 2013 US Sportster 72 I bought a week ago has these taillights 🤔 Well, now I understand what the prior owner was trying to do. Haha. Changing them back to solid red. Ride safe...
Junk pure junk I'm an American and H.D. was always crap I ride Honda and never had trouble
Pretty good review...except for the fact...you didn't adjust your right mirror
call me odd...but i dont dislike the sound of the stock pipe. i like less and less loud pipes. they look real great also
Hopefully you have an answer for me... this is my bike! I would like to do a front turn signal relocation to the forks under the headlight.. but with the double bolts in the front, I’m not sure it’s possible ??? I haven’t seen any relocations for this year 48 . It’s something I really want to do
Great video, I want the sportster 48
Harley has maintained the same design philosophy for decades, i.e. HEAVY. No one should expect them to be a 'rocket'. lol But look cool? Hell yes.
The DDFM crew supports you!
Candice Clark thanks 👌👍
god i love rides on the english countryside. i lived in england for two years and i miss it so much. now i'm back to the boring straight wide american roads.
I don't know if I should get this or the Iron 1200.
Great video! But where did you found that amazing openning Song?
Back to your roots!!!!
Great video as usual , personally a sportster is not for me ,filling up every 10 miles could wear a bit thin
stock sound is decent - E4 sucks but they made the most of it
Can you swap the tank for the 5L one like on the iron?
I’m 6ft 1 will this bike be too small?
That's a beautiful scenery, where is it?
Out of the crate I think these bikes are pretty underwhelming. With customisation, Stage 3 kit, airfilters, pipes they become a very good town to medium trip bike. I'd start with a 1200 Roadster with a customised 3.5 gallon tank. Probably change the bars to Z bars that don't pull you forward. One I rode in the 80s, the vibration was unbearable. I got it back to the bike shop after half an hour.
know what it is capable of and chill! and think about how much a back tyre cost!
Which dealership is this and what area??
Love it my dad has a 2017 48
What Harley dealer is that?
Can Anyone tell me how many miles you get out of a tank till when the light comes on versus a superlow 1200
Joshua Churchill you get a gallon and a half. The tank is two and a half gallons. Light comes on at 1 gallon. You can get 30 miles in that last gallon. So I’m all 30+30+15=75 miles.
Drive past Eastbourne bud
Hello! Name of music (intro)?
I can't wait in 30th of june, my father bought this bike 😍
Ride Safe
Not sure about the mirror position
Need to change the pipe sound like a focus
Why don't Harley sell them with loud pipes instead of crap standard pipes
its called business sense..
Emission regulations, which ultimately led to Sportsters not being available to be bought new in Europe after 2020. They are now discontinued worldwide. ☹️
They have had over a 100 years to sort out suspension, reliability, weight, build quality and catering only to munchkins with their entry level bikes and have failed utterly. Nice pipes and that's it.
Hello annonymous, you are greatly mistaken. Get out and talk to Sportster owners or if you're afraid of leaving your hut, use the internet if you have it and get educated on how successful and revolutionary the bike truly is.
Hai have a kesstech on mine, nice video ride safe ;-)
I miss my 48 :/
Do you even own a Harley now?? or are you building them up to flip them now ??
Road Rash HD I own a sportster which is being built. I am also sponsored which
means I get a second bike which can change frequently based on custom series.
@@Motonewbrider So im guessing the Dyna is long gone then lol. I hope you keep this bike lol
That plate is HUGE
Basicslly another bog stock sporty. Why not review some older bikes? One i'm particularly interested in is the Switchback.
😊👍
That number plate is huge! Obviously the law makers there aren’t petrol heads🤦♂️
Not many parts of the UK look as great in Autumn as East Sussex. Made me want an open fire and a pint of Harveys’ 🍺
Anyone else clock there 242, 240 and s70?
Nice bike super
If you are not taller than 5'-6" and okay with stopping every 80 miles to fill up that tiny tank (smaller than a Venti Coffee at Starbucks) and your god given ass has a 4" travel by birth (since the rear shocks are worthless) - it is a bike for you.
Everything I've seen from you has forward controls. What's up with that crap? If they would make bikes with controls ( NOT ) forward, I'm sure sales would climb dramatically. Plus all either have the ( Ape Hangers ) or those ( Low Bars ) I can't do either of them. It's not just HD, it's the whole industry. Those mufflers make it sound like a riding lawn mower.
Don’t expect much? That sounds like America.
Those mirrors suck. Non of the bikes made today have the proper mirrors on them.
Ilove you 48