Heres the back story - I've been riding for years (raced motocross in my teen years) always had a passion for not only 2 wheels but the speed and adrenaline rush. After getting out of the motocross scene I needed something for the street I could have fun with, alas I purchased this:
A 2011 ZX-6R
At the time I was 20 years old (and before we go there, no mommy and daddy did not have any part of this purchase). Regardless I'm sure you can imagine right now the insurance was insane.
So I owned this bike for 2 years and LOVED it, but it got to the point where I feel like I would've killed myself had I rode it any longer. Every time I put my leg over the bike I WANTED to go as fast as I possibly could. This left me in a sticky situation because I have to be on 2 wheels to enjoy life. After browsing around for a few weeks I came across a modded HD 48 and LOVED IT. Fast forward to today where I called my local harley dealer to see what sort of deals could be had.
The result is this; A Brand New 2015 HD 48 - (Currently at 25 miles, took it out for a little night ride and I am highly impressed)
I know I know its a bad picture (Cell phone shot) But thats everything. Any comments or concerns or anything I should know about the bike? First thing first is a new exhaust to which I've been leaning toward a Vance and Hines (I prefer black) but I am open to input any experts!
I've owned or had in the family a total of four Sportsters. Love 'em! Just last month I spent some time in the twisties on a borrowed 2012 Ninja 1000. I hear ya. I'd be in prison.
My suggestion would be to enjoy your bike stock for a while, maybe until next spring. That way, you'll have some time to see other Sporties and talk to their owners, and to look at parts catalogs, magazine articles, etc., so you'll have an idea about what to do to it to make it your own.
I'm guessing you'll do at least air cleaner, exhaust, and a dyno tune, and perhaps cams. That should give you enough boost without risking serious consequences! Then you can also start playing with cosmetic stuff.
Congratulations. Great bike and a blank canvas to make it yours. As others have mentioned, ride it, get to know it... look at the hundreds of build threads here to get ideas... make a list, check it twice... then start modding. It will save you a lot of $$ if you have a plan of what you want the bike to look like versus just changing stuff only to figure out that some of the stuff you bought does not work with the direction you are going...
And on the Sport bike... you will crave wanting to have another one in a few years... I know I did (I do), but you will never want to get rid of the Sportster... it will be something you will add to the stable. Trust me on this one
Congrats on the purchase you will love it. Went from a big Harley down to a Sportster and loving every minute of it. So much more fun to ride.
Only thing I would suggest would be get a louder exhaust and look into Custom Dynamics LED lighting and replace your stock tail lights and turn signals. The lights are next on my list for my 48 along with a HD daymaker headlight. Helps people see and hear you.
11-10-2014, 09:19 PM
Brand New Harley Rider! - 48 (Build thread later)
Then you can also start playing with cosmetic stuff.
