Hi,
I am a new rider and new to the forum too. I really like the Harley Sportster forty eight (48) and was thinking of getting that.

Is this a good bike to start with? I am 5'10" and well built.

Since i have never bought a bike before, i don't know where to start. I emailed a few dealers, but no one got back to me

1) What is the price for a new 48?
2) Where can i find a good used one and for how much?
3) Do dealers give test rides?

Any and all help is appreciated. I just don't know where and how to start my search.

Thanks
KK

 

I was in your shoes 6 months ago so I purchased a 2013 Iron 883. Some friends warned me about out growing it right away but I didn't listened and went for with looks (black matte). It cost me about $7,500 at the dealer.
I'm 5'11 and also well built (about 200lbs). I rode it a couple of times and it was nice but I did feel like I needed more power/torque. After I went about a month, I went back... traded back the 883 for $5500 and took a brand new 2014 for $10,500. I took a lost but I prefer the power and the fat tire look in the front. I'm not happy with it and in the process of modifying it. If you don't have all the cash, I'd recommend getting at the dealer...financed.
Good luck!

 

...dude...

You literally flushed 2 grand down the toilet, for 2 grand and a little bit of work you could have built a sick 110+ hp motor through a company like Hammer performance. Then you could take the additional $3k you spent and converted the front end to mid glide for a fat front end with money left over for all the mods you want. THAT would have been a badass bike, not just another 48.


I'm sorry, I don't want to bash people's bikes but damn...

 

To answer the OP's questions, the 48 is a great looking sporty...the only thing I don't like about it is the 2.2 gallon tank. I feel like I'm filling up my Iron all the time and it has the 3.3 gallon tank. Then again, you can always swap out the 2.2 gallon tank on the 48 for something larger.

If you're considering used, which is a good idea (I almost wish I would have gone used) then Craigslist or cycletrader.com are good places to start searching. There are used sporties everywhere and pricing tends to be pretty varied as well.

Lastly, without your endorsement, you likely won't be able to test ride a bike at a dealer.

 

Check your local Harley dealers for 48's as well. A lot of people buy them and then trade them back in. When I bought mine used, it was a year old and had 800 miles on it. They had 3 used 48's at the time I purchased mine. All about the same price. The 48 is a great bike but, in my opinion, it does need to have some things changed. The rear shocks straight suck and in my opinion, are dangerous.

 

The 48 is a great bike if you are looking for a bike to run around on but not if you are going to spend most of your time on the HWY! Just has a small tank not lacking power the thing runs good! Makes you smile! The big front tire makes slow turns harder but ones it is moving I like it feels solid at speed! As for a first bike its hard to say some would do fine with it but it is a full blown bike despite the small size!

 

In regards to the tank swap, what tanks can be switched and does anyone have pictures of theirs with a larger tank? I have a 2007 1200C and it has a 4.4 gallon tank and I think the 48 might be the next bike I look at but the tank size is one of my concerns as well.

 

Whitebrad25 don't swap the tank IMO it makes the 48! Buy a new custom if the tank is to small for your liking!

 

I don't particularly care about having another 48 so the tank swap would be necessary...not necessarily the size of the 1200C but still it would need to at least be 3.3+

 

I just switched over from my 2003 883 sportster to a 2014 sportster 48, and absolutely love it... the wider tires give you way better handling... I'm 5'11 and 175ish and i feel like i fit it pretty well... I walked out paying like 12k with vance and hines short shots ($480) and led taillight ($100)...
Here is some riding reference to size, I think it's very comfortable for a sportster my longest ride so far was like an hour straight with high way and in town and my back didn't hurt at all even with the stock seat...


Your feet should be flush as well so you wont be stretching out!!