I'm about to take a motorcycle learning/safety course and will soon after want to purchase my first bike. I've decided on a Sportster but I'm torn between the Iron and 48. I like the style of the 48 more, and it sits a bit lower which will help me because I'm only 5'6" plus it is already a 1200cc bike and will save me the trouble of turning an Iron into a 1200cc later on if it comes to that. But what the Iron has going for it is of course a much lower price, and the fact it has a 3.3-gallon tank vs the 48 which is just a shade over 2. Right now I'm leaning more toward the Iron, mainly because it is so much more affordable. Anyone else have to decide between the two? Were you happy with your choice?

 

I went with the Iron, got used to it and when I realized I liked the bike and I didnt want to swap to a triumph then I got the 1200 kit. I came from a '99 and I wasnt sure about it but my dad was a die hard Harley guy and People swore the Rubber mount efi was the way to go (I still wish I had a carb). But here I am a little over a year later with 13000 and I can say I am satisfied with starting with an Iron and upgrading when I had time. Plus silver lining is the insurance is cheaper on the iron too.

 

Both my 48 owner friends have changed their tanks to the bigger version fitted to the Iron.

 

I've been riding motorcycles, mostly Harleys, for years - over 100,000 miles. I have a Road King and really like that bike.

I've been wanting something rubber mounted/EFI that is small, light and handy for hopping around Daytona and have had my eye on a Sportster for a good long while.

The 883 Iron was an easy choice for me. I like the looks, it's every bit the Sporster that all of the other Sportsters are and if/when I think I need more power (unlikely given the mission profile) a 1200 or 1250 kit can change that. If I want more fuel, windshield, bags, etc. those things can be easily changed as well.

The 883 Iron is the perfect platform, IMHO, to explore Sportster. I may just pay taxes and enjoy the thing or, in a few years, you may see a post here about transforming the bike. I've never owned a Sportster before and this little 883 Iron has made me wonder why I waited so long.

 

883 v. 1200 and fat tire v. skinny tire.

I have been life long Big Twin owner. Just this Spring I purchased the first Sportster that I really like riding, a 2014 48. Like Jehu, I wonder what I waited. Although, the older sportsters never had this low of a center of gravity. I am such huge fan of the big front tire and the styling of the 48. I fell in love with them when they came out. I would always push someone towards the 48... But, that's my personal prejudices.

Are you looking at used or new prices? I found used 48's at reasonable prices. In fact, i bought mine for an Independent dealer for about 8k. With it's age and still having Factory Warranty left, I probably could have financed through Harley still....

 

I've had a '95 sportster, a superlow 883 and now the 48. Out of those, I prefer the 48 and that is what I still have. What sold me, being a shorter person the how low the 48 is - I could easily flat foot it. It corners beautifully and is just fun to ride. Also, after having 883 engines, the 1200 is quite a change - there is a difference. I would rather just get a sporty with a 1200 engine already in it than do a conversion. Oh, plenty of people take their Iron and other 3.3 tanks off and sell them on ebay. I bought a 3.3 gal tank, and then a 4.5 gallon gas tank - now I can travel quite far without having to stop for gas on my 48. My vote is the 48.

 

I was torn also and went with the 48. I wanted the 1200 and it was my first bike. I took off on it right after my Riders Course and never looked back. My wife test rode a 883 a few months back and said it was too slow and not enough power for her. She is used to riding my 48 and a Ducati Monster 695. I would definitely get something with a 1200. You won't regret it.

 

I went through the same thing deciding which to go with but after 2 test rides I decided to go with the 48 and very glad I did. Just plan on buying a good used tank off of ebay and my one gripe is solved! Simple and will keep my old tank to have options

 

get a 48 and deal with the option of a new tank. or roadster and get intervened forks larger tank and longer shocks.