I’m looking at either the new 2010 Iron 883 or the 2010 Forty-Eight. I realize that both of these are new models (by and large) but I know next to nothing about Harleys and want to know how the motors stack up. The advice I’ve been given so far suggest that I should stay away from the 883 and stick with the 1200. Is that true? What’s been your experience?
I honestly think I’ll be happy with both but I like the style of the Forty-Eight better but like how the 883 already has all the blacked out parts on it. But I’m worried about buying an 883 and figured I could buy the blacked out parts for the Forty-Eight eventually.
I liked the Night Train first but after seeing these other two I decided I need a Harley
I really don’t like the other, bigger bike, styles. As far as keeping the motor stock I’ll assume so but you never know. I can’t see me needing more HP than what the 1200 already delivers. If I wanted HP and speed I’d stick with a sport bike.
Close. It’s the Nightster’s little brother. The Nightster is a 1200 Sportster. The Night Train is a Softail
I was looking had at the Forty Eight myself. If you haven’t had a chance to ride a Sportster yet, I’d try to demo one before buying. IF you plan on more than barhopping/short cruises around town the sportsters may feel a little cramped.
If you have your heart set on one of those 2 bikes, it would have to be the Forty Eight hands down (love the wide glide front end). Yeah. Gotta love the Forty Eight.
It inspired a few of the recent changes to my Suzuki C50:
Good question! I’m not a big guy; 5’5" & 130lbs. My wife is only 5’4" & 105 so we just need something to cruise around town on but I’d mostly be riding it by myself.
BTW, if I get a Harley can I call her my old lady?
woah. yeah… the 883 would suit you just fine, li’l guy. i’d still go 1200, if i were you. i have ridden my buddy’s 883. not bad around town… it has drag bars and fwd controls. but at 6’2" and 205 lbs… it’s a little rough when the going gets tough.
Yeah I’m small which is why I’m really only interested in the Sportster sized bikes. Would the Forty-Eight be fine for me and the wife if we wanted to cruise around town or take it out for a spin in the evenings?
the 48 will suit your every need. looks like a slick bike. just make sure you get a seat that will accommodate her… not insinuating that your woman is large… but the 48 DOES come with a solo seat.
I had a 1200 Sportster (the 1200 “sport” model which was kind of a hybrid Buell type engine) and my ex had an 883 hugger. I was surprised at the difference in getup and go between the bikes. Based on that I can’t recommend anyone the 883 bikes.
I really, really like that forty-eight. it remind me of the Exile bikes that I like so much.
The difference between an 883 and a 1200 is the bore size, and it’s very easy to upgrade an 883 to a 1200. The other differences are that the 883 is geared shorter, and the 1200 will have more chrome.
Take a look at the custom models, they have a larger tank and come with forward controls, and a 2 up seat. Since '04 or '05 the Sportsters have been rubber mounted, which gets rid of most of the felt vibration. The older sportys were paint shakers.
My Brother had an '05 883 low for a while. I never had any interest in Sportsters until I rode his, it was very nice and would make an excellent around town and short distance bike.
EDIT: I forgot that I have ridden a friend’s 883 Custom, not sure what year but it’s new enough to have fuel injection. It’s a very nice bike.
