Currently have a 48. First bike, first ride, first everything. Almost gave in to the bs stigmas. Decided to keep her forever, especially since it's the last year offered and the peak design for the evo.
Since they'll be gone, I'd like to have 1 more brand new 883. Would be my 4th in 53 years of riding. The three of those baby's lined up in black made for a great video.
@@HaXaW5150 you’d want the 1200 eventually. It’s not bad on insurance. These bikes aren’t as fast as sportbikes. Insurance companies will rape you will sportbikes
the mechanic that worked on my iron at the dealership swears by this. he traded his nightster in for an iron and then had the big bore kit installed. the gearing ratio in the 883 gives you more torque then a stock 1200.
my weapon of choice is 883 or 48. Still looks good. Most people who buy these Sportster don't really about care bout hp or specs. Ill take the new nightster under 9k
I was very surprised by your personal pick out of the three 'Sportsters'. It was my pick too for the same reasons, but also - and most importantly - for the fact that it is air-cooled. However, I'm happiest with my own Sportster Low (XL1200L) for its abundant chrome and 4.5 gallon tank. Still, I am looking forward to hearing a new Nightster with a pair of Vance & Hines pipes.
I got a 48 as a very 1st bike and loved it but crashed it and I loved it so much that I even bought another one even after realizing that I’m a Sportbike guy…. I think it’s a perfect bike to have to get into riding
Great review! I have a 2018 48 Special in Wicked Red and I think that might be the best design HD ever put out. Forget the numbers. It's fast and agile enough for me. Simplicity is the key. It sounds great too.
I have an iron 883 2018 model, it's still in stalk in terms of performance, i have a custom sissy bar and forward controls. Planning to convert the 883 to 1250 or 1275 in the near future, put some performance shocks and hoping to make it rad.
I have owned 3 Sportsters in my lifetime. The 1st was a 1979 Roadster 1000cc Iron Head; I purchased at Killeen HD, when I was Stationed at Ft. Hood. The 2nd was a 1989 XLCH 1200cc Sportster. The 3rd, is the one I own presently, a 2005 XL883C/1200SE Sportser I built at home in my Garage. I, also own a 2003, 100 Year Anniversary, Springer Softail, FXSTS. And, in the past owned 2 FXR's and a Dyna. Myself, I want to try one of the new water cooled Models. But, I will never sell my Sporty or Springer; I absolutely luv their "Old School Style and Sound." So, I totally get you, Bro. :-) :-) :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)
I own a harley Davidson Forty Eight with a stage 1 kit and tuner. Best fun you could have with an air cooled engine. Discontinued in UK. But still the best one of the three.
You are spot on with your comment on the Nightster and the extensive use of plastic. Harley is going with a 13 G+ Buy in & giving you plastic in return! That is a chicken @*#t move on the part of Harley. If they are charging a premium price, give the buyer a premium product. I’m out for now.
I have ridden sportsters for over 40 years. 58 xl, 62, 69 XLCHs with Fairbanks Morse mags, 883 and 1200 evos. Loved them all. But the water cooled job just doesn’t do it for me. Currently have a 2006 custom. It rides like a Cadillac and wouldn’t trade it for the world. Ahh that sound!
Very good review! I ride a 2019 Roadster. I like my sporty very and went with that to be different. Very fun ride! I like the hp on the Nightster but that's it. A Iron 883 converted to 1275 would be perfect tho. 👊👍
Same opinion here. I have a 2019 Iron 883 Stage 1 tuned. I prefer the Evo, and am stage 4 tuning it with a Hammer 1275 this year. With the configuration I have put together, officially I’ll get 110hp out of it. Will put it through a Dyno and see where it lands. Either way, it will still be a big performance increase where I won’t feel like I am missing out not having a Nightster. Besides, as was pointed out already, the fit and finish on the current Sportsters are way better since they used too much plastic on the Nightster.
Man the Roadster was such a solid Sporty. I love the look and style of that bike. Inverted front end, dual disk brakes, 2 up from the factory. I feel like it didn't quite get the respect it deserved.
I HAVE the 48 sportster, im 6'1" and i can see FINE out of those flipped mirrors. I can actually see BETTER out of them then i can upright mirrors. With upright mirrors, ALL i see is my shoulders taking up 3/4 of the mirror. lol.
LOL. Wow. Didn’t realize the Nightster was so tiny compared to the Evo Sportster. I’ve got an 883 that’s for commuting and putting around town and an M8 for putting the miles behind me.
@@throttleblip9854 I inherited the 883 with an upright windshield intending to keep it stock. I get grief when I show up on it and not my softail to ride with friends. My buds roll their eyes and sigh saying „not on the gutless wonder again!“. Lol.
My big issue with the Nighster regarding the price and the fact that it's a liquid cooled engine is that, the bike might make sense in the HD lineup or even as a direct competitor of the Scout but add in the Japanese Naked and there isn't much reason to buy this bike at all. The 48 and 883 tho, air cooled, a completely different feel altogether. Just imagine getting a Yamaha Mt-09 SP for less money and this bike eats the Nighster alive. None of those sounds like Harleys....
I currently have an Iron 883 that’s been converted to a 1200. If the Nightster was out when I was Harley shopping. If you had asked me to choose again between the Forty-Eight, Iron 883 and the Nightster. I’d choose the Nightster out of the 3. I do like the sound look and character of an Air-Cooled V-Twin, but I’d much rather have performance out of the gate.
Looking into buying my first ever bike. I think I'm tempted by the 883 but the 48 is better looking imo and more performance with the 1200. Simply need to swap that tank for more gallons? What's you take on suspension when the road is bumpy and some pot holes? 😅
I’ve seen a good many with low mileage around the 5k price range. Nothing major changed on that model through the years so any year would work. I put out a video not long ago for tips on buying a used bike. That kind of outlines my process. Hope it helps! Love the 48
With that 10:1 compression ratio on the 48, how do they get it to not hammer on like it's on firecrackers? My old '79 XLCH used to sound like I was demo ing concrete when I turned up the throttle.
HI, I'm in the UK and have been desperate for a HD for too many years. I really fancy a Forty Eight as I'm not going to be doing long trips but I'm a little concerned that I may be too big for it. I'm 5'11" and some of the videos that I've seen some of the riders appear to dwarf the bike. How tall is too tall for this bike? Great video btw & informative, thanks.
David, I don't think you will be too tall for this bike because of the forward controls. I am 5'-8" and it's just right for me. It takes a reach to grab the handle bar (I have a 6" tall boy handle bar - sort of mini ape I can pull towards my body) but I can deal with that for the benefit of the relaxed posture. Best is to take one for a spin.
I’m thinking about getting one for canyons and around town, I currently ride a Honda GL1800 and just want something with less weight and smaller for when it’s just me and don’t have my son or wife with me. I have not owned a Harley before, would you recommend the sportster line for what I am looking for? Or would u you recommend a different route?
From what I know about the Honda it's pretty refined. I think you'd enjoy either the Nightster or the Sportster S. Both running the Revolution Max platform. More power, smoother delivery, liquid cooling. The one downfall would be no storage. When you say round town I also think errands and sometimes it's nice to be able to carry things. I don't mind a backpack but not everyone likes that. Out of those 2 models I'd lean towards the S model for the extra power and a gauge/ display that has a lot more to offer.
Or you may consider the 48, or any sportster with the 1200 Evo (roadster if you can find a leftover, would be my favorite). As this sportster will be a complement and not a supplement to your gold wing, why not taking something totally opposite?
Unfortunately, I am of the old school and my love is for a Harley that sounds and acts like a Harley. I am too close to the end 71 to start over with a quiet smooth riding Bike. I was wanting to get a iron 1200 for my Woman and it is next to impossible to find one close by, some 883s but not so many 1200s low mileage or New. Personally, I believe Harley made a mistake by dumping the iron 1200 and 883, for noise is for the Bike Riders and caddies are for the smooth and slick want a bee’s.
The last few minutes of this video is key. Harley charges as much as possible, then adds plastic hand controls. They have been metal for over a HUNDRED YEARS. So so disappointing.
I considered all three of these and ended up buying the 48. The nightster didn’t feel like a Harley, is rather ugly, and has lots of plastic making it feel cheap.
Yeah, they come from the factory quiet and running lean. Put on some open pipes and an air cleaner and they are dangerously lean. Get ready for a professional tune 😢
I personally do not recommend anyone get this bike as a first-time rider. Start low (in CC's) and go slow; learn and earn your experience riding, let your skills have a chance to mature. Get a nice inexpensive 360ish bike, inexpensive to repair (if you have a spill). No one likes to admit they had a small bike because riders have this status to maintain, but its really how you start; Pinto's, Nova, Gremlin's, Dusters...small cars, small bikes. When you get older, skills improve, bikes or cars, your wallet and bank account grows, then you expand. Right?! maybe you even had a POS Ford or Chevy Pick-up? Who cares about dings...Its a working truck! I love the segment, the options, faults and advantages; I don't like the short rake on the 48, i think it gives the rider a disadvantage in handling. Have you seen the 2023 HD Street Bob by Puig? They had a showcase showing the paint to be a gloss-Army Green style with a cream version, not Army Drab. it was sweet. $13, 500 for a new sportster...any size?? TOO MUCH. I got my 97 Lowrider for 11,600 through military sales, NEW; warehouse leftover in 98. Zero price change, 11,600!!! for an 80! HD, you've got your head up your ass to ask so much for a sporty.
Currently have a 48. First bike, first ride, first everything. Almost gave in to the bs stigmas. Decided to keep her forever, especially since it's the last year offered and the peak design for the evo.
Same feelings about my 1200 after customizing
Since they'll be gone, I'd like to have 1 more brand new 883. Would be my 4th in 53 years of riding. The three of those baby's lined up in black made for a great video.
Been thinking about picking one up before they are gone, but currently I ride a Cross Country so its going to feel small.
Sportster shootout! I'd take the 883. Upgrade to a 1200 stage 4 with a 2 into 1 exhaust and a taller rear shock.
Plus insurance is cheaper on the 883. At least that's how it worked out for me.
@@HaXaW5150 you’d want the 1200 eventually. It’s not bad on insurance. These bikes aren’t as fast as sportbikes. Insurance companies will rape you will sportbikes
the mechanic that worked on my iron at the dealership swears by this. he traded his nightster in for an iron and then had the big bore kit installed. the gearing ratio in the 883 gives you more torque then a stock 1200.
my weapon of choice is 883 or 48. Still looks good. Most people who buy these Sportster don't really about care bout hp or specs. Ill take the new nightster under 9k
I was very surprised by your personal pick out of the three 'Sportsters'. It was my pick too for the same reasons, but also - and most importantly - for the fact that it is air-cooled. However, I'm happiest with my own Sportster Low (XL1200L) for its abundant chrome and 4.5 gallon tank. Still, I am looking forward to hearing a new Nightster with a pair of Vance & Hines pipes.
I got a 48 as a very 1st bike and loved it but crashed it and I loved it so much that I even bought another one even after realizing that I’m a Sportbike guy…. I think it’s a perfect bike to have to get into riding
This is the best Sportsters detail comparison I've seen. Good Job!
Great review! I have a 2018 48 Special in Wicked Red and I think that might be the best design HD ever put out. Forget the numbers. It's fast and agile enough for me. Simplicity is the key. It sounds great too.
Love my iron 1200. BEST BIKE EVER!
I have an iron 883 2018 model, it's still in stalk in terms of performance, i have a custom sissy bar and forward controls. Planning to convert the 883 to 1250 or 1275 in the near future, put some performance shocks and hoping to make it rad.
I have owned 3 Sportsters in my lifetime. The 1st was a 1979 Roadster 1000cc Iron Head; I purchased at Killeen HD, when I was Stationed at Ft. Hood. The 2nd was a 1989 XLCH 1200cc Sportster. The 3rd, is the one I own presently, a 2005 XL883C/1200SE Sportser I built at home in my Garage. I, also own a 2003, 100 Year Anniversary, Springer Softail, FXSTS. And, in the past owned 2 FXR's and a Dyna. Myself, I want to try one of the new water cooled Models. But, I will never sell my Sporty or Springer; I absolutely luv their "Old School Style and Sound." So, I totally get you, Bro. :-) :-) :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)
What a solid collection you've had over the years. Based on that I'd love to hear what you think of the new Rev Max platforms if you get to ride one.
I’m looking at buying an 883 within the next year. I jut love everything about it.
I’m still riding my 1978 xlh sportster I bought right out of highschool. To me it’s the best ride I have had all theses years . Find what fits you .
How long until we get t-shirts that just say “However”
🤣💯
Need the “but” added to the shirt too lol
can I put my face on it too? I've never been on a t-shirt and this is a great chance to make it happen! hahaha
Need one with "also" aswell
I have a 2017 883 Superlow that I plan to keep forever
sad that the Sportster line is ending.. im 13 and am hoping to get my own in a year and a half ish to share with my dad.
I would still love to find the Iron 1200. I like the 883. Would do the 975 or the 883 with mini apes.
I own a harley Davidson Forty Eight with a stage 1 kit and tuner. Best fun you could have with an air cooled engine. Discontinued in UK. But still the best one of the three.
How tall are you?
@@davidbentley4099 6ft4
I’ve 2018 Iron.
And I just love her.
You are spot on with your comment on the Nightster and the extensive use of plastic. Harley is going with a 13 G+ Buy in & giving you plastic in return! That is a chicken @*#t move on the part of Harley. If they are charging a premium price, give the buyer a premium product.
I’m out for now.
I have ridden sportsters for over 40 years. 58 xl, 62, 69 XLCHs with Fairbanks Morse mags, 883 and 1200 evos. Loved them all. But the water cooled job just doesn’t do it for me. Currently have a 2006 custom. It rides like a Cadillac and wouldn’t trade it for the world. Ahh that sound!
just got my first 2020 iron 1200 on july 7th, just recently hit my first 500 miles
Very good review! I ride a 2019 Roadster. I like my sporty very and went with that to be different. Very fun ride! I like the hp on the Nightster but that's it. A Iron 883 converted to 1275 would be perfect tho. 👊👍
Same opinion here. I have a 2019 Iron 883 Stage 1 tuned. I prefer the Evo, and am stage 4 tuning it with a Hammer 1275 this year. With the configuration I have put together, officially I’ll get 110hp out of it. Will put it through a Dyno and see where it lands. Either way, it will still be a big performance increase where I won’t feel like I am missing out not having a Nightster. Besides, as was pointed out already, the fit and finish on the current Sportsters are way better since they used too much plastic on the Nightster.
Man the Roadster was such a solid Sporty. I love the look and style of that bike. Inverted front end, dual disk brakes, 2 up from the factory. I feel like it didn't quite get the respect it deserved.
@@throttleblip9854 No it didn't! To be honest not from me at first but it's super fun to ride. Sad to it go when I trade it in. 🤣👍
Yeah, 48, I agree 👍, I love the way it's looking 👌
That tank looks so good to me but maybe carry a gas can haha
I HAVE the 48 sportster, im 6'1" and i can see FINE out of those flipped mirrors. I can actually see BETTER out of them then i can upright mirrors. With upright mirrors, ALL i see is my shoulders taking up 3/4 of the mirror. lol.
these new bikes from HD are going to do wonder keeping used prices up ....... thank you HD !!
LOL. Wow. Didn’t realize the Nightster was so tiny compared to the Evo Sportster. I’ve got an 883 that’s for commuting and putting around town and an M8 for putting the miles behind me.
Solid combo. I think the Lowrider ST will be my next bike and I'll use it for both.
@@throttleblip9854 I inherited the 883 with an upright windshield intending to keep it stock. I get grief when I show up on it and not my softail to ride with friends. My buds roll their eyes and sigh saying „not on the gutless wonder again!“. Lol.
All 3 are nice bikes. A 6 speed would be nice.
My big issue with the Nighster regarding the price and the fact that it's a liquid cooled engine is that, the bike might make sense in the HD lineup or even as a direct competitor of the Scout but add in the Japanese Naked and there isn't much reason to buy this bike at all. The 48 and 883 tho, air cooled, a completely different feel altogether. Just imagine getting a Yamaha Mt-09 SP for less money and this bike eats the Nighster alive. None of those sounds like Harleys....
the only strike I can see against the 48 is that small tank, other than that it's very nice
That's really the only downside to it. The tricky part is the tank is one of the things that gives it that look.
“I myself struggle with it” 😂🤘🏻. Love it B
hahahaha
@@throttleblip9854 🤣
@@throttleblip9854 But in all seriousness it IS a good lookin bike. Its hard to accept the lack of growl in the sound though
I currently have an Iron 883 that’s been converted to a 1200. If the Nightster was out when I was Harley shopping. If you had asked me to choose again between the Forty-Eight, Iron 883 and the Nightster. I’d choose the Nightster out of the 3. I do like the sound look and character of an Air-Cooled V-Twin, but I’d much rather have performance out of the gate.
That's exactly my thinking on it also.
Looking into buying my first ever bike. I think I'm tempted by the 883 but the 48 is better looking imo and more performance with the 1200. Simply need to swap that tank for more gallons? What's you take on suspension when the road is bumpy and some pot holes? 😅
The plastics is where the new riders feel home. I would not buy any of those but will buy the softail standard.
For the money so would I.
IMHO, you nailed my thoughts in the wrapup
Thanks man!!!
48 FTW. Regardless you can customize all of them so much right out the gate if wanted. I think the nightster is probably my least favorite.
How about the 48 with the nighster engine and more torque ,just a thought
Good analysis. Subscribed.
I'm Old School... Give me the 48
Same!!
The XL1200CX Roadster is the finest and best Sportster ever made!
i was quite surprised that nightster in 22 kg lighter than the iron 883 that make the nightster the lightest bike that harley makes
Thanks so much for the detail review 👍👍
How much weight is the 48 in between the S and the 883? I don’t want to get a bike that’s too heavy just yet.
Any advice on buying a used 48 and what year?
I’ve seen a good many with low mileage around the 5k price range. Nothing major changed on that model through the years so any year would work. I put out a video not long ago for tips on buying a used bike. That kind of outlines my process. Hope it helps! Love the 48
With that 10:1 compression ratio on the 48, how do they get it to not hammer on like it's on firecrackers? My old '79 XLCH used to sound like I was demo ing concrete when I turned up the throttle.
Knowing that 48 will be gone, do you think will there be no problem on getting parts in the future?
why?
Real Sportster riders DGAF about peanut tanks except they look really cool!
No Sportster is right for me, But my Aprilia RSV4F is perfect for me.
Where is the XLH1200 custom? The best Harley ever made!
What about the " 72 " and the sportster roadster ?
HI, I'm in the UK and have been desperate for a HD for too many years. I really fancy a Forty Eight as I'm not going to be doing long trips but I'm a little concerned that I may be too big for it. I'm 5'11" and some of the videos that I've seen some of the riders appear to dwarf the bike. How tall is too tall for this bike? Great video btw & informative, thanks.
David, I don't think you will be too tall for this bike because of the forward controls. I am 5'-8" and it's just right for me. It takes a reach to grab the handle bar (I have a 6" tall boy handle bar - sort of mini ape I can pull towards my body) but I can deal with that for the benefit of the relaxed posture. Best is to take one for a spin.
I’m thinking about getting one for canyons and around town, I currently ride a Honda GL1800 and just want something with less weight and smaller for when it’s just me and don’t have my son or wife with me. I have not owned a Harley before, would you recommend the sportster line for what I am looking for? Or would u you recommend a different route?
From what I know about the Honda it's pretty refined. I think you'd enjoy either the Nightster or the Sportster S. Both running the Revolution Max platform. More power, smoother delivery, liquid cooling. The one downfall would be no storage. When you say round town I also think errands and sometimes it's nice to be able to carry things. I don't mind a backpack but not everyone likes that. Out of those 2 models I'd lean towards the S model for the extra power and a gauge/ display that has a lot more to offer.
Or you may consider the 48, or any sportster with the 1200 Evo (roadster if you can find a leftover, would be my favorite). As this sportster will be a complement and not a supplement to your gold wing, why not taking something totally opposite?
That was a Great Comparison! “However”,….lol ! 👍💪
hahahahaha thanks man!!
What is the Harley Davidson Forty Eight price?
In the US MSRP stars at $12,299.
@@throttleblip9854 What is the delivery from Us to India?
Thank you ! Well described 👍
What about the sportster 1200c the custom
Unfortunately, I am of the old school and my love is for a Harley that sounds and acts like a Harley. I am too close to the end 71 to start over with a quiet smooth riding Bike. I was wanting to get a iron 1200 for my Woman and it is next to impossible to find one close by, some 883s but not so many 1200s low mileage or New. Personally, I believe Harley made a mistake by dumping the iron 1200 and 883, for noise is for the Bike Riders and caddies are for the smooth and slick want a bee’s.
daaaamn my 48 sounds like a tank next to those😅
my dream motobike.
maybe someday🤷♂️👍
No,harley,davidson,sounds,as,good,as,the,harley,davidson,sportster.a,hater,is,gonna,hate 😊❤
Hello, how can i contact you about the product sponsorship?
throttleblip257@ gmail . com
The last few minutes of this video is key. Harley charges as much as possible, then adds plastic hand controls. They have been metal for over a HUNDRED YEARS. So so disappointing.
Milwaukee8 with Honda sound
Can you put a larger fuel tank on the 48
Yes. Iron 3.3 gallon tank is interchangeable on the 48. Planning on making the same modification.
Yup. You could even put a 4.5G on a 48.
great show
The right Sportster for me? The one that identifies as a BMW 75/5 😂
48
I considered all three of these and ended up buying the 48. The nightster didn’t feel like a Harley, is rather ugly, and has lots of plastic making it feel cheap.
How tall are you please?
@@davidbentley4099 6’1”
I'd never buy any of those... if it was given to me, I'd sell it... I need some cash for a Low Rider S 😁
I hate small tanks. Even sporties should have at least 4 gallon tanks
Thx bro
RIP Iron 1200
Right. The 72 was one of my all time favorite bikes. The 48 may be second for me so I was glad it held on to the end.
Royal Enfield should just buy Harley and keep em old school.
Don't care for any of them .Love my 1200 iron
Will the tank on the 883 fit a 48?
Yes. Give you an extra gallon of fuel, too.
Asked the same thing at my local Harley and they said it does.
Debaffle them and they will sound bad ass.
The downfall of Harley Davidson is happening before our very eyes.
Yeah, they come from the factory quiet and running lean. Put on some open pipes and an air cleaner and they are dangerously lean. Get ready for a professional tune 😢
Your longest video ever😂
I cut about 7 mins of stuff out of this one. I was like this is getting loooooong lol
The nightster sounds like a scooter lol
The Nightster is not a real Sportster. Get rid of it! Honda clone for 5k more, what a joke.
😎👍🏽
New ist shit
Their all too slow
I'll take one of the 48 and one Nightster. to go.. I'm getting older and need to have some fun before ole Dr. Saw Bones
pronounces me dead.
I personally do not recommend anyone get this bike as a first-time rider. Start low (in CC's) and go slow; learn and earn your experience riding, let your skills have a chance to mature. Get a nice inexpensive 360ish bike, inexpensive to repair (if you have a spill). No one likes to admit they had a small bike because riders have this status to maintain, but its really how you start; Pinto's, Nova, Gremlin's, Dusters...small cars, small bikes. When you get older, skills improve, bikes or cars, your wallet and bank account grows, then you expand. Right?!
maybe you even had a POS Ford or Chevy Pick-up? Who cares about dings...Its a working truck!
I love the segment, the options, faults and advantages; I don't like the short rake on the 48, i think it gives the rider a disadvantage in handling.
Have you seen the 2023 HD Street Bob by Puig? They had a showcase showing the paint to be a gloss-Army Green style with a cream version, not Army Drab. it was sweet.
$13, 500 for a new sportster...any size?? TOO MUCH. I got my 97 Lowrider for 11,600 through military sales, NEW; warehouse leftover in 98. Zero price change, 11,600!!! for an 80!
HD, you've got your head up your ass to ask so much for a sporty.