2021 Harley Sportster 1200 48 Review and First Ride - Good first bike?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2024
- 2021 Harley Sportster 1200 48 Forty Eight Motorcycle First Review and Ride by 2020 Sportster Iron 883 owner. The review covers the details of how it feels, looks, rides, and who I would recommend this bike to. I go over what it is like to ride the Sportster 1200 as a new rider and from some one who already owns the little brother, 2020 Iron 883. The forward controls of the motorcycle was weird at first but after riding it for a while, they were amazing!
There are many parts of the episode therefore here are the time stamps:
00:00 Intro
00:37 January Giveaway Winner
02:34 Entrance to Barnes Harley Dealership Victoria
03:11 2021 Sportster 1200 48 Reveal and Control Overview
04:42 Quick gut-check of the Sporster 48 before the real test ride
08:10 Start of the test ride
10:17 Sportster 48 close up
11:03 Cornering, Acceleration, and Braking test
14:26 Side by Side with 2020 Sportster Iron 883
17:33 Closing Remarks
#motorcyclereview #sporster48 #sportster1200
Thanks for watching!
Collaboration with:
Greg Samborski
- YT / gregsamborski-is
- Insta / chain.driven
- Website gregsamborski.com/the-bike-ri...
Barnes Harley Davidson Dealership
- www.barneshd.com
Motorcycle: 2020 Harley Sportster Iron 883
Instagram: KS_MOTO_CAFE / ks_moto_cafe
Please subscribe and like! - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Hope you all enjoyed the video! For any re-watchers and looking for specific segments, here are the timestamps:
00:37 January Giveaway Winner
02:34 Entrance to Barnes Harley Dealership Victoria
03:11 2021 Sportster 1200 48 Reveal and Control Overview
04:42 Quick gut-check of the Sporster 48 before the real test ride
08:10 Start of the test ride
10:17 Sportster 48 close up
11:03 Cornering, Acceleration, and Braking test
14:26 Side by Side with 2020 Sportster Iron 883
17:33 Closing Remarks
Thanks for watching!
Which Hero gopro are you using? I need a new one
@@jayteesgear gopro 8!
Ape hangers and a Mid peg mod and wham this is a cool bike
Quite literally one of best looking motorcycles of all time.
agreed
Yep, in the "skinny" ones of harley. The forty eight is spot on
Nice review, thanks for the ride. I had a 2006 883 sportster and first this I did when I got it, I added the forward controls. Got them from Harley in Victoria, back in the day. Made a big difference. Loved them.
hey another local viewer! thanks for watching - I was pretty nervous doing this review a year back. Since then, I have ridden many more bikes and was able to look back and update some of my points made here on my latest episodes! Hope to see you around 😎
Nice video! The sportster has been such a solid bike for decades!!
One love ✌🏼
thank you for the support!
Very good, my friend. Great analysis and beautiful shots.
Thanks brother, glad it was worth the wait!
oh wow hyung im impressed man, quality of the video is awesome; subscribed and liked!
lol thanks man! glad you found it entertaining!
Great video! I just got my first exactly bike but in 2020 . Still try to get a hang of it , very good looking bike for sure!!! Waiting for my MSF class in 2 weeks to get my license. Thanks for the video.!
Amazing! Take it easy prior to the MSF since you don't want to get into situations that might end up hurting you or the bike! One thing I am glad MSF taught me was how to stop/start on an uphill!
The peanut tank looks great on the 48. The 883 converted to a 1200-1275 is also loads of fun.
Yeah I loved your series of upgrading your 883! It is definitely on my mind but I just don't have the mechanical background to do it myself, so the labour cost will just push it over my limit on how much I would want to spend on my 883. But yeah I now know the feeling of having more room per gear with the 1200.
I went from a 76 BMW R90 to a Forty-Eight and I remember that feeling of the forward controls for the first time. I immediately loved it. I'm also 6'4. WAY more ergonomic for my body type. I absolutely love it.
Yes! You are my proof that a taller rider can stay comfortable on a sportster with fwd controls! Glad you are still enjoying the 48. It is such a nice bike that I had a real hard time shaking it off to go back on my 883 lol. I reviewed another fwd control harley - softail slim, you should check it out! thanks for watching and commenting Stephen.
@@KSMotoCafe Right after I got it I ran into a dude on an 883 at Home Depot and he was like "Dude, I've had this 6 months and I already feel like I outgrew it, I wish I'd gotten a 48." I'm glad I did. I actually went to the dealership to get an 883, but the one I saw online wasn't there anymore so I ended up testing a used 48 and I fell in love. They're totally comfy for a taller guy if you have forwards. The salesman that I did the test ride with was like 6'7 and he rode one. I figured if he was comfortable and didn't look too big on it I'd be fine.
Both bikes are sexy as hell.
@@stephenbeatty5662 you made the right choice my friend. I "outgrew" my 883 once I started test riding other bikes for my channel review but recently, I fell back in love with the 883 and am content with what it does for me. Now I am on a hunt for a second bike..
@@KSMotoCafe You can always throw some forwards on it and do a 1200 conversion, which I've seen A LOT of people do. I was planning to immediately do the forwards on the one I almost got. Then you'd basically have a 48 with a longer gas range and that cool denim finish. I've seen some mean looking 883's online. Definitely a badass bike. I love how easy it is to work on sportsters and really make them your own.
Great review bro. Need to do one on mine after a year of riding it. Keep em coming 👍🏾👍🏾
Thanks man! Looking forward to your review!
Awesome man, waited for this. My 2020 48 is still in the garage waiting for spring to come. Can't wait to get out and ride it, first Harley for me and got to get used to the forwards 😁 BTW, you looked badass on that bike at 10:15, such a beautiful bike 🤘
Thanks for the compliment! I felt like a badass with the fwd controls. It is such a fun bike to flick around and gets all the looks (any sportster). I am going to try roadster and iron 1200 next so I can finish the review of sportster series. stay tuned!
@@KSMotoCafe will do man! Keep it up, quality content 😁
The forty-eights are sweet. So much style and the classic air cooled evolution motor braps mad. Barnes is chill too.
yeah man such a slick looking bike
What can I say? I’m 5’5.. yes, I certainly feel a lil stretch (have the 1200 forwards) but nothing that I can’t handle.. just love how stylish it looks!!! Great review bud . Safe rides 😎
thanks for the feedback!
Really love your content. Very well made. Currently riding a Gen3 Superduke 1290 R which I love but it's not a bike you can ride in a "relaxed" way... So, I'm really considering returning to HD, maybe with a Fat Boy... Just love the looks. Keep it up! I'm sure your channel will grow a lot... From a fellow Canadian on the other side of the country.
Thanks for the kind words Eric! I do hope you get a chance to catch my more recent reviews as I have grown as a rider and youtuber since this one. With that said, I had a chance to review 990R and it would be a difficult bike to give up! KTMs make no-bullshit, brilliant machines
I bought this motocycle Harley 48 2019 about a week ago and I love it. Also this is my first motocycle and after a week riding I feel like this is very strong bike. I think I am going to keep this motocycle for while. So basically my Harley 48 making my summer vocations beatifull.
amazing! congrats on your new bike man!
I could write the same comment today, I boiught miy '19 - 48 special edition a week ago, how is it after a year?
5:33 was the laugh of damn... yeah bud your height and build is needing forward controls. lax look and feel factor is always good. Your legs will appreciate it as well. When I first got my bike I was going to swap for rear sets but I’m glad I didn’t... Keep up the good work. Details and different perspectives are always gold nuggets for your audience. It gives me ideas (the short side perspectives).
haha yeah - that laugh was me crying in the inside because I want it now. I agree that my build is probably more shifting towards favouring fwds and I might try that mod on my sporty. Let me know if there are any bikes you want me to try! cheers
Gorgeous looking bikes, I just bought a 2019 48 for my first bike and am absolutely loving it. Slowly looking at small mods to make it more personal. Great video man...what camera you recording with there, great quality
So other than my gopro, Greg was using a EOS DSLR - not sure which model
The smaller Peanut tank looks cool. The bigger tanks just look dumb.
🤣 I wouldn't go as far as saying it looks dumb but the 48 tank is definitely sexier. But needing to refuel so often could impede the fun of riding and give some travel anxiety (especially if you are going places with no gas stops within 100miles).
@@KSMotoCafe The king tank just sits to tall on the bike.
@@matrox ah ok - I never ridden a Road King before so I wouldn't know. But yeah those smaller peanut tanks are what makes the sportster look so classic and good looking
Nice review ! Appreciate the efforts :)
thank you! this was my first review of another bike so it came off sloppy but glad you enjoyed it
Kris, l see you moving on up. Cruising at a lower RPM is better for the bike. I went from the 883 Sportster to a 103 cubic inch Heritage Classic. I am.looking forward to this year's road trips.
Not quite yet! Gonna keep my 883 until I fall in love with a bigger bike! It was super tempting though but I got insurance to keep me in check :)
You can’t beat forward controls man! You messed up now trying out more power. RIP bank account 😂. Then when you ride a street bob or soft tail....it’s going to be a fun day
lollllll I know! It's like using the original IPhone all the time and then trying out someone's IPhone X for a day and then going back to the smaller IPhone! Only thing keeping me grounded is the insurance cost if I went over 1000cc lol. Thanks for your time Rev!
Nice review! Also very nice intro!
Thank you! I love it when hard work pays off!
The reason why the visibility is terrible with these mirror is because when they received the bike at the dealership, they didn't adjust properly the controls, they should face your chest, not your knees. I have a drag bar on mine which makes the mirrors seats even lower, but still, it can see fine, you just need to adjust the handlebar controls.
Awesome content... well done guys!!
Thank you!
Mirrors down with the side mounted plate and forward controls is a throw back to early chopper years... just looks cool, not for function . New sporty looks awesome .
some people swear they get better view angle. I couldn't see shit lol 😅
Great vid. Great review.
I personally think your 883 is a sexier bike and in the side by side the 883 actually looked larger.
Thanks man - yeah the 883 has 18inch wheels and larger fuel tank vs 48 having 16inch wheels but fatter tires and smaller gas tank. We need to collab soon!
Gas tank has great styling but low capacity is a drawback. All the round black air cleaners that come stock on so many bikes, are the first item I would replace. Good honest review 😎🤙🏻
Am looking at 883's and the 48. Was leaning more towards the 883 but now think the 48 with an aftermarket 3.3 gal gas tank would suit me better.
@@briansearles4473 If for no other reason, go for the 1200 motor. Last of the Evos
How was low speed handling and cornering on the 48 with the thicc tires vs skinnier but larger diameter wheels on the 883?
at low speeds, Iron 883 takes the cake because it is much easier to control the bike with mid controls.
Great vid man, and yeah I am a little worried about the torque on the 1200 too, its my first bike...got my test this week and I already bought the forty eight in a 1200. As you say, if I am sensible I should be ok. I have 20 years driving experience, so hoping that will add the necessary "maturity" hehe, cheers again from England
Brother - now that I have ridden all evo sportsters, few softails, and some naked sport bikes - you will be fine starting out on the 1200. The 48 is the best looking sportster from the line up and congrats my man!
@@KSMotoCafe Thanks bud
Don’t worry, 1200 is irrelevant because it’s a low HP bike that’s heavy. Very slow compared to other lighter bikes.
@@michaeljohnson2922 I bought it and yeah its fine, but very torque’y!! Love it, but english roads at this time of year are greasey and it keeps skipping out when pulling out of a roundabout, even with small amount of throttle. I had to put 12”Apes on it as well, and now its the perfect bike for me and riding position is now more comfortable
I have something to say
1: 3:16 DAMN BOY SHE S THICC
2: "every bike is a beginner bike" even Hayabusa i think
3: your 883 Iron looks better
4: Chain.driven shots are awsome and that s why I follow him now
5: this is your best video, keep it up!
Thanks for the detailed feedback Augustin! This was my most ambitious video and I am glad you liked it!
The busa is on my list to try (JK!!..?) And I am glad I could help Chain.Driven get his name out!
@@KSMotoCafe only pussies rides stock Busas, you ll need a turbo busa
Dude im at work but i snuck a few seconds... I WANNA BUY THIS LIKE NOW! 😂🤘🏻
lol "dew it" - Emperor's voice
@@KSMotoCafe 😂☝🏻
new subscriber👋🏻, I enjoyed watching your video!
thank you for your support!!
What backpack are u using in this video? Im looking for something simple.
I am using a waterproof backpack from Outdoor Research!
"EXCELLENT REVIEW OF 'SPORTSTER 48' AND COMPARISON BETWEEN 'IRON 883' I REALLY CONVINCE TO GET 48' THANKS MEN🤘
glad you enjoyed it!
I had a 2015 1200 Iron sportster, I now drive a 2020 48, it is alot better riding for a 6 ft guy, swapped out the tank for a larger one.
Great idea changing out the gas tank! Yeah for anyone 6' or taller, 100% opt for fwd controls. I didn't explain on the review but the other differences as you know are the fatter but smaller front tire and thicker fork suspension on top of the fwd controls. I haven't tried it yet but I think the roadster will win my heart and force me to trade my 883 lol. Thanks for your time!
Great video! Keep it up!!!! :)
My first bike Sept 30 2022 sportser 48. Virgin rider and super excited.
Amber, you made the right call. When I made this video, I was super new and very nervous about going on the bigger sporty. After few months of riding after this, I changed my mind that I think all Sportsters (maybe minus Roadster) is beginner proof. Such a sexy bike! congrats
Awesome video thanks man
Thank you!
man , i love the 48 ! dream bike
yeah she is a beauty - be sure to watch my updated video on this th-cam.com/video/_n5-h_w4Rcc/w-d-xo.html
My friend just got the breakout 114 last year as his first bike. The power is scary...
oh yeah 114 would be insane!
I got a Lowrider S with 114 as my first bike. Just gotta respect it.
Great review :)
I would love to get a 1200 and just tear it down amd make it badass to my liking. Good stuff man
Yeah I am also very tempted for the 1200 now lol...
@@KSMotoCafe for sure, I know there are things you can do to them to get them up to speed, Or just get an indian scout 😆. I’m hoping the next sportster gets a wicked makeover to be able to push the competition between the two bikes. The scout is probably the most fun bike I’ve ever ridden, and I’ve probably ridden over 50 bikes in my life. Sportsters are just cool snd old school though, that’s why I want one.
@@SaltyandSprinkles lol Scout is a perfect bike period. It's got everything from high performance and the sexy look. Especially the scout bobber. I have it on my radar for a ride/review but it is a very dangerous one because I may really consider trading lol. Now that I got comfortable with fwd control... but also means I will no longer belong to my "Harley" boys. God these companies know how to create brand loyalty! But yeah if a person came to and ask my opinion between a scout and sportster, it will be scout all day.
@@KSMotoCafe oh yeah, it’s such a good bike. Also, it sounds absolutely badass. Way better than my challenger 😆. Don’t tell sprinkles I said that
Awesome video!!!
thanks buddy! be sure to check out new ones (about 3 more bike reviews including a softail slim and a ducati 😂)!
👍🏻great content guys!
Thank you!!
Nice Review ….Thanks !
glad you enjoyed it!
Great review
Such a beautiful bike,, seems like the 48 is no longer available in the UK, sad times
yeah but it is time for an update and I have a feeling the nee "sportster" with revolution max engine will complete well next year.
I like the looks of the 883 better, the front tire and the bigger tank. But I like the 1200 motor better. My ideal bike would be the 883 bored to a 1200 I guess.
Whats a great way to be able to sit up higher on the bike so its not so rough on your back?
risers or ape bars will get your back to straighten and be more comfortable. With that said, I found forward control seating made my back absorb most of the impact when going over bumps. So upgrading rear shocks would help as well
@@KSMotoCafe thank you just got the 48 as my first bike an its the only thing I'm not a fan of
some Z bars look great on the the 48 and also congrats!!
@@KSMotoCafe thank you look forward to learning to ride
@@epstiendidntkillhimself1435 you will love it! hope you learn through my mistakes and my episodes help you make a better rider :)
Nice bike! Can you relocate to forward controls on the 883?
Yes there is a forward control kit you can install - it is about $150USD from HD and I believe the installation is fairly simple but you would have to watch the YT tutorials on it. Lots of tall people opt to put fwd controls on it for comfort.
Yes I did it on my 883 iron here in uk 🇬🇧
Very cool!
thanks for your time brother!
Great review tbh
What happens if you accidentally hit the kill switch while riding??
if you are not holding in the clutch when you press the kill switch, the rear wheel will lock in gear and you will hit the pavement pretty quickly.
@@KSMotoCafe great to know thanks for replying
Just want to switch out the bars an seat so its not so forward an its more comfortable over long distances. But as my first hike I like
You might actually like the 1200 Iron. It comes with mini-ape bars and the styling is the same. You just need to figure out if you want fwd or mid controls. Iron comes with mid control.
@@KSMotoCafe lol to late now I have the 48 already
@@epstiendidntkillhimself1435 all good :) just put some risers or taller z-bars and you are set!
@@KSMotoCafe gonna have to look into that when I get back to my bike. 70 days an counting
That’s a pretty bike!!
it sure is!
@ 3:29 in, why would they curse a speedometer like that? 60 should be where 100 is.
I want one 😍
I had a 48 and a 1200 Custom. I think the 1200 is the same weight or lighter than the 883. They just bored it out. The same motor on both.
Hey Tom, I just fact checked and you sir are 100% correct! the 48 is lighter than my iron 883 when wet due to smaller gas tank and the same when dry! The 1200 Iron is 2lbs heavier than 883 when dry but has the same weight as when wet. The Roadster is 10lb heavier than the 883 and the custom is the heaviest (591lb wet due to bigger gas tank of 4.5gallons). Thanks for the correction!
@@KSMotoCafe Yea, they are great bikes though. They last forever. best motors harley ever built. have fun.
@@tomsreviews238 You are right about that! Too bad it is end of an era for the evo engine though. I am curious what the Revolution max line up would look like for the sportsters.
How is this bike for someone 5ft 3?
I would suggest going for mid control sportster - like Iron 883 and 1200.
I'm 5'6 and the forward controls don't bother me that much
Hard to find these in Canada now.
Yeah they had some come in two weeks ago and they sold before they were even unloaded by the dealer
What jacket are you wearing, also what pants?
I actually haven't reviewed this jacket or pants yet but the jacket is Off The Chain 2.0 from Speed & Strength - same guys who made this jacket that I just reviewed today (th-cam.com/video/OR7LwExSd58/w-d-xo.html). The pants are ICON 1000 Akromont jeans.
@@KSMotoCafe I was watching your other jacket review as we speak! Thanks for the info!
Just curious would this make a good starter motorcycle?
great question! Is it a good first motorcycle? yes but there are some caveats that you need to consider for this 48. Fwd controls are relaxing to ride with but it can be a tricky learning curve for a new rider compared to mid-controls. The power delivery is much more smoother on 1200 versus 883 but at the same time, if you don't respect the throttle, it will take off on you. It really comes down to what you want out of your first bike.
Are you looking for bike with slightly steep learning curve but can keep for a while and won't outgrow it? Or are you looking for a bike to learn on and really fine tune your skills before dropping big money on your end game bike? If you are more of the first type, then any of the 1200cc sportster will be a good fit and if you are the second type (like I was), then 883 is the best start bike to train on.
I had my 883 since last october and I have already "outgrown" it but I still love my 883 for many reasons other than just power. And you never stop learning once you pick up a bike and for me, 883 is giving me plenty of lessons to learn from.
The 48 has a really small gas tank, and you will be stopping for gas basically on every trip longer than 100miles. 100 miles might sound like a lot in the beginning but once you get riding, 100miles is basically one long errand 😆
All of this is assuming that you can physically handle the 560lb motorcycle with +26in in seam. Best advice is for you to go to your local HD dealership and sit on one :) happy hunting!!
@@KSMotoCafe thanks this helps alot cuz my dad has a 1200 and the thing is fast lol. Im now interested getting back into motorcycles after that ride on that beast. I just want a good motorcycle that sounds nice, can go pretty quick when i want to floor it🤣 and it will be fun for just riding around. This bike seems like a great bike just dont wanna buy it if its gonna be too much to handle.
@@GhostActual22 if you get a chance, watch my 1000km review of my 883 and then the most recent review of Roadster. The 883 one was edited before I got my gopro, so it might feel dated but I still stand by what I mentioned on it. I will be doing an update review and discuss why I believe 883 was the best first bike for me. But after riding the Roadster, I got the need for speed hahahah. Cheers and keep me posted on your first bike! I love first bike stories.
if you want to try a different 1200, your welcome to try my monster out that was at IMC this past Saturday at the solparadisoxmotors booth, sorry didn't have more time to chat on Saturday
You bet! I got to try out the Monster 821 that day and just put my thoughts of "fast" and "nimble" bike to a whole new category lol.
@@KSMotoCafe your more then welcome any weekend, I wouldn't mind trying the 883 as I've never even so much as sat on a Harley
@@jpdesmo8123 deal! I will reach out when it is a good time =D
Enjoy your vids
awesome! Thanks for watching :)
Just subbed buddy some good content 👍
thanks for the support!!!
edit: I subbed back!
@@KSMotoCafe I’m a latecomer TH-camr I know how much support means to us 👍
@@CRAZYLEGSONABIKE lol you would enjoy my episode on latecomer youtube. Cheers man!
@@KSMotoCafe haha watching it now 👍
I can only hope it's a good first, cuz I'm getting one xD
So I will be updating my review on this during my battle of sportster series but yeah this bike is ok for first bike. A little awkward ergo to learn from since it is fwd control but once you get used to it, the fwd controls are awesome
Nice video bud...but something went wrong with the speedo LOL.
lol yeah I don't know what you are talking about.. it was just the sun glare 🤣 Thanks for the sub!
@@KSMotoCafe 😆😆😆
I'm 6'2 about 260lbs will i look like king kong riding a football on this bike?
Possibly. You will have to go sit on one and have someone take a side profile picture. That is what I did when I was shopping for my 883
Cool helmet what kind is it
Z1R Warrant with mirror face shield from FortNine.
hi. how tall are you?
5-10
nice videos 10/10
thanks!
I love my 883 too. Everything in it is like smooth symmetric piece of art but in 48, it is a mess. those chrome looks silly along with that wheel design. May be 48 is bigger in cc, yet I prefer 883 than 48. I would rather go for Breakout/FatBoy.
late reply on this thread…bad thing about getting a 48 or any other Sportster is that…you eventually will buy bigger Harley.
👍🏼
thanks for the thumbs up!
Hi from Georgia
Just bought one on 11/3/2021, hey……
nice! Congrats on the 48!
The fuel tank has a capacity of 3.3 gallons.
the forty eight has 2.1 gallons. all other sportsters have 3.3 and the older 1200C (custom) has a larger gas tank but the forty eight is 2.1G
@@KSMotoCafe you are correct
@@DJRTP all good! the smaller tank is so sexy but I would be annoyed to refill every trip
@@KSMotoCafe lol, I just bought a brand new 2021 sportster 1200, I usually ride sportbikes, I hope the tank doesn't frustrate me lol haha
the beauty tho is you can always swap out for an iron 3.3g tank. My ultimate sporty would be exactly that -48 with iron 883 gas tank.
you could have easily skipped on that loud music and stayed with the engine sound and nature, especially with the nice video away from the 1st person pov
Thanks for the tip!
I’ll stick with my 883,better feel I’m sorry 👍🏿
lol no need to be sorry - i love my 883
Next time make sure the oil cap is pushed in
lol yes glad someone caught that after this many views
H-D is never good first bike because of the price tag even for a second hand. H-D is more a bike one buy to show off. For a first bike one need to chose wisely according to its needs. there are a lot of fantastic bikes out there outside H-D and Indian bikes world.
I understand what you mean but everyone is so different that it is difficult to steer people to a certain bike because of its price point or maintenance cost. I think as long as the rider has no buyer's remorse and is having a good time on the two wheel, it is the right bike for the rider. From a financial point of view, you are right, HD is a premium bike - much like someone buying a BMW as their first car. As long as the buyer does his or her research and picks the right bike within their means and physical attributes, there shouldn't be an issue. Thanks for coming by!
Sportbikes Are power harleys are cruising bikes. Try a sportbike if u want more power my guy. We can bike swap anytime u want lol
lol let me know if you come around Victoria, BC area and I will take you up on that! I have the most inefficient bike, so any bike will impress me haha
1200 not heavier than the 883!
Charlie
hmm?
Pisssss your oil cap is loose
yeah I noticed that lollll
That horn is gay, why can't they use the old harley horn, it had more balls.
Great review
thank you! hope I can make it better as I keep doing this!