When younger, topped off at 5'8", but at 75 only 5'7" (actually, maybe shorter....LOL).....On my 5th Harley, went back to sporties....Love my 48.....Perfect....Added 14" (1.5" thick) apes, fatboy headlight and 4 gallon tank to keep fat theme and get more miles/tank....She looks just like a mini-fatboy....arrrrr
Damn man! I love that 48. Just got into riding in April and got a Forty Eight. Rode it on a 450 mile trip and the light would come on every 50 miles lmfao. I think that was the halfway mark. Lots of refills... Subscribed.
As much as I keep looking and admiring other sporties, I still grin when I look at my 1200 iron. Put forward controls etc on it so you can tailor make them to suit you anyway. They’re all pretty bikes and you be like a kiddie in a sweet shop deciding, very happy with the iron👍🏻
I am 5’ 6” and have no issues with the forwards on my 2018 forty eight special. You are definitely right about the gas tank. Looks badass, but the range sucks.
Not an issue for us older folks, we just get one of each. Or just get a 3.3 and mount it on the 48. Iron, 72, 48 and nightster are all sweet bikes with a huge aftermarket supply. Nobody rides a stock one for long.
Looking to get my first Harley, think the 48 will be my choice even though its the smallest tank of them all but stretching your legs and filling up doesnt hurt! I dont plan any long trips either just commuting and fun rides around town/nearby cities. Just think it looks awesome!
@@aztriumphster 48. I'd like to start with a smaller HD as my first. Also heard the Street Bob potentially have some fork issues with leaks and that worries me a bit.
@@Skuglyft good plan to make sure u r comfortable before u bump up. If the fork seals are a known issue, Harley will warranty it and next years model will no longer have the issue.
I have to say, great video. I'm 5'4" 156 lbs. The 48 is cool looking, but I would prefer the 1200 only because of the power and more gas tank, plus I need something that'll carry my wife and I when we go riding. I just passed my riders course and got my certificate from Harley-Davidson. Now I'm saving up to get the Iron 1200 in Barracuda Silver with a 2up seat, passenger pegs, sissy bar. Eventual louder mufflers, you name it. I also like the Iron 883 because it looks better than the 1200, but under powder. That's just me. Thanks.
Congrats on passing the course! The iron 1200 in silver is a fantastic choice. When u start looking at sissy bars, handlebars and mufflers etc, checkout dean speed Customs
You dont buy or not buy a bike just because of the tank size . If you want the 48 because it's a cooler bike and you do a long ride you get a second bigger tank and slap it on for the longer ride. Easy fix.
for in-town riding or 1 hour ride time, the 2.1 gallon tank does not pose a problem. but if you hate going to gas station or you want a 2+ hour ride from town to town non stop, then the Iron 1200 is by far a better bike. Looks is preference and both bike are good. The iron 1200 taller handlebar will save you time and money during upgrade.
Get the iron 1200, remove the fairing & get handlebars and paint the tank black with no amf print maybe a custom HD logo and you got yourself a fairly priced badass bike.
I lucked out, my first harley was a 2011 48 and the previous owner upgraded the tank to the 3.3 gallon and I think they look a little cooler with the bigger tank. I also love the spoke wheels on the 48
Thanks! I have ridden the Roadster, several time and I love it! Most fun sporster u can buy. As for long ride bike right off the showroom floor, the iron still wins, due to ergos, but for a fun rip through the twisties and a blast shootin around town, the Roadster would be a good buy. I've seen some folks put risers and MX style bars on the roadster to make a better long haul bike out of it
I've had a Busa, a Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, and BMW. I'm buying my first Harley. Iron 1200 or Sportster 1200? Need help from the Harley guys who know...
R Kaylor I tried these two bike. My preference go to the Iron 1200 I prefere the drive position. I bought one in december, a 2020 model and I change the handelbar by a 883, two seat equiped, and pipes Cobra, sisibar. Very happy with this choice. The roadster is more « sport », Wais not m’y priority, if you drive alone, should be ok. 🤘🏻from France. 😉
finally a video with the billiard blue iron 1200 is it worth it over the black version I just need to know im thinking in getting this motorcycle im going for a chopper look after the right mods ofcourse
That is also the first time I have seen the Iron1200 in that scheme and it is beautiful! I still like my 2018 48 tho! I am 5'10 and it fits amazing. I also got myself a lcd fuel gauge kit for the handlebars that is being installed very soon! The side mount solo saddlebag with a fuel bottle helps. I have 7.5 inch mini apes with the stock cables and I have 0 problems with it! Good vid!
@@jonnymac8925 I'm buying a set of Harley 'Tallboy' (new in box Craigslist deal) bars for my 16" 48. They are 7.25" in height. I believe they are the exact bar that the 48 Special uses. The dealer tells me I need to replace all cables & get a extended wiring kit. Other folks say I only need to replace the brake cable. Now I read you used all stock? I'm ready to just put them on but I don't want to get 1/2 way they & find out I need to order cables (now the bike sits) On the other hand I don't want to buy and then be stuck with cables I have no use for. Did you do the switch yourself?
I suppose it depends on what u r going for. I feel that the Iron is more versatile considering its larger fuel capacity. I think the 48 has more of a vintage look which im into. If i were to go buy one right now, it would be the Iron.
@@saggot420son I had a buddy with no prior riding experience, took the rider course and bought an Iron 883 as his first bike. There were a few times where the torque caught him off guard, like when he would stall it or leaving a stopped position on a turn he would run too wide. Other than that they are extremely easy bikes to ride and highly customizable. Most folks i tell to start off around the 500-650cc range but not a crotch rocket. However, even an 883 is something you will outgrow quickly. I think the iron 1200 can be a good first bike for someone with no riding experience if they keep front of mind that they r jumping in on something thats not necessarily a beginner bike. It has alot to give and can still catch some experienced riders off guard. Also the rear brake locks up real easy. That buddy I mentioned with the iron 883, locked up the rear coming too hot into a roundabout. With the rear sliding the bike stepped out a little to one side then caught and tossed him a few feet. Busted up bike and broken elbow. After the bike was prepared and he was healed he traded it in for an iron 1200, then a year later traded for a softail street bob.
@@aztriumphster I've been looking. I don't see that fit. Some say the 883 set fits, some say they don't. Please tell me where to find them, I'm not Jessie James, can't build them.
@@Tony-bv7gz luckily mids from any sportster from about 03 to present will fit. I bought my 72 with forwards so I went on ebay and found a set of mids from a Custom 1200. They didn't come with the pegs themselves but did come with the base brackets that mount to the frame and the brake and shifter linkages.
1200 is a logic choice while 48 is choice that comes from heart
I ll follow my heart...this is an emotional purchase for me.
And i can swap the tank to 4.5g.
Yuppp
@@hazarddavid6987 1200 is the wife you cuddle with, 48 is the mistress that keeps you up until sunrise.
@@Tony-bv7gz lol
The fat tires of the 48 makes it look so badass...
Good review, as a fellow 5'5 er I appreciate the height comparisons.
When younger, topped off at 5'8", but at 75 only 5'7" (actually, maybe shorter....LOL).....On my 5th Harley, went back to sporties....Love my 48.....Perfect....Added 14" (1.5" thick) apes, fatboy headlight and 4 gallon tank to keep fat theme and get more miles/tank....She looks just like a mini-fatboy....arrrrr
Damn man! I love that 48.
Just got into riding in April and got a Forty Eight. Rode it on a 450 mile trip and the light would come on every 50 miles lmfao. I think that was the halfway mark. Lots of refills...
Subscribed.
Thanks for the sub! Coincidentally both the sportsters i had were the peanut tank. Ha ha
As much as I keep looking and admiring other sporties, I still grin when I look at my 1200 iron.
Put forward controls etc on it so you can tailor make them to suit you anyway.
They’re all pretty bikes and you be like a kiddie in a sweet shop deciding, very happy with the iron👍🏻
I am 5’ 6” and have no issues with the forwards on my 2018 forty eight special. You are definitely right about the gas tank. Looks badass, but the range sucks.
Not an issue for us older folks, we just get one of each. Or just get a 3.3 and mount it on the 48. Iron, 72, 48 and nightster are all sweet bikes with a huge aftermarket supply. Nobody rides a stock one for long.
One of the better comparison vids I have seen for these two bikes. Right on brah thanx!
Forty Eight is a beauty! Shame they are no longer making them.
Cheers for the video!
Was looking to buy a Iron 883 but now leaning towards the 1200 but not sure between the 48 and Iron
Looking to get my first Harley, think the 48 will be my choice even though its the smallest tank of them all but stretching your legs and filling up doesnt hurt! I dont plan any long trips either just commuting and fun rides around town/nearby cities. Just think it looks awesome!
My first Harley was a 48. I enjoyed the frequent stops, kinda broke up the rides a little.
@@aztriumphster yeah can't wait! Going to be awesome
@@Skuglyft so r u going for a 48 or a street bob?
@@aztriumphster 48. I'd like to start with a smaller HD as my first. Also heard the Street Bob potentially have some fork issues with leaks and that worries me a bit.
@@Skuglyft good plan to make sure u r comfortable before u bump up. If the fork seals are a known issue, Harley will warranty it and next years model will no longer have the issue.
Forty Eight has that Fat Boy look... the tank profile is awesome..
I have to say, great video. I'm 5'4" 156 lbs. The 48 is cool looking, but I would prefer the 1200 only because of the power and more gas tank, plus I need something that'll carry my wife and I when we go riding. I just passed my riders course and got my certificate from Harley-Davidson. Now I'm saving up to get the Iron 1200 in Barracuda Silver with a 2up seat, passenger pegs, sissy bar. Eventual louder mufflers, you name it. I also like the Iron 883 because it looks better than the 1200, but under powder. That's just me. Thanks.
Congrats on passing the course! The iron 1200 in silver is a fantastic choice. When u start looking at sissy bars, handlebars and mufflers etc, checkout dean speed Customs
The 48 and the Iron 1200 have the same engine. So power is the same.
You dont buy or not buy a bike just because of the tank size . If you want the 48 because it's a cooler bike and you do a long ride you get a second bigger tank and slap it on for the longer ride. Easy fix.
Thank you the insights!
Thanks for the video. I was deciding between Iron 1200 and 48 and I chose the Iron 1200.
Awesome Man! Ride safe
I subscribed when he said he was 5'5... I'm also 5'5 perfect review for me
for in-town riding or 1 hour ride time, the 2.1 gallon tank does not pose a problem. but if you hate going to gas station or you want a 2+ hour ride from town to town non stop, then the Iron 1200 is by far a better bike. Looks is preference and both bike are good. The iron 1200 taller handlebar will save you time and money during upgrade.
My 72 starts flashing at about 55-60 miles. Better on the highway but it rarely sees the interstate, it is a cruising bike for sure.
Get the iron 1200, remove the fairing & get handlebars and paint the tank black with no amf print maybe a custom HD logo and you got yourself a fairly priced badass bike.
Why are you telling people how to spend there money ? Anybody can do what they want with there bike as everyone has different tastes.
@@alexv5581 Stay off the soy diet, its turning you into a woman! I'm merely saying what i would do.
The tank decal designs on the irons 1200, throw it off for me. But I like the handle bars, compared to the forty. But the forty looks better to me.
I lucked out, my first harley was a 2011 48 and the previous owner upgraded the tank to the 3.3 gallon and I think they look a little cooler with the bigger tank. I also love the spoke wheels on the 48
Great review, well done! Nice to hear your clear opinion
I have a 883 Iron but wish I had the front wheel, forks and dual disks would be nice from the 48.
Checkout the roadster, it might have what u r looking for.
Can you slap a slight bigger peanut tank on the 48?
Yup! In fact you can fit most FI sportster tanks to it.
Why nobody compares the Superlow with one of this bikes?
Nice comparison and good to hear your thoughts! Have you ridden the Roadster and if so, where would you place it comapred to the iron1200 and 48?
Thanks! I have ridden the Roadster, several time and I love it! Most fun sporster u can buy. As for long ride bike right off the showroom floor, the iron still wins, due to ergos, but for a fun rip through the twisties and a blast shootin around town, the Roadster would be a good buy. I've seen some folks put risers and MX style bars on the roadster to make a better long haul bike out of it
@@aztriumphster good to hear! Yes i've seen that to and it seems to be an interesting solution for better long haul comfort on the Roadster👍
I've had a Busa, a Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, and BMW. I'm buying my first Harley. Iron 1200 or Sportster 1200? Need help from the Harley guys who know...
R Kaylor I tried these two bike. My preference go to the Iron 1200 I prefere the drive position. I bought one in december, a 2020 model and I change the handelbar by a 883, two seat equiped, and pipes Cobra, sisibar. Very happy with this choice. The roadster is more « sport », Wais not m’y priority, if you drive alone, should be ok. 🤘🏻from France. 😉
My apologies for the late reaponse, im finding u tube doesnt inform me of all incoming comments. My pick of the 2 would be the iron.
Is the back tire also thicker on the 48? Or just the front ?
Just the front
I’m 5’11 and considering between the iron and the 48, any tall riders and vouch for me?
48 and taller bars
Just imagine a 1200 with forward controls
finally a video with the billiard blue iron 1200 is it worth it over the black version I just need to know im thinking in getting this motorcycle
im going for a chopper look after the right mods ofcourse
Checkout the couple videos i did on my old sporty seventy-two. U might like some of those mods.
That is also the first time I have seen the Iron1200 in that scheme and it is beautiful! I still like my 2018 48 tho! I am 5'10 and it fits amazing. I also got myself a lcd fuel gauge kit for the handlebars that is being installed very soon! The side mount solo saddlebag with a fuel bottle helps. I have 7.5 inch mini apes with the stock cables and I have 0 problems with it! Good vid!
@@jonnymac8925 I'm buying a set of Harley 'Tallboy' (new in box Craigslist deal) bars for my 16" 48. They are 7.25" in height. I believe they are the exact bar that the 48 Special uses. The dealer tells me I need to replace all cables & get a extended wiring kit. Other folks say I only need to replace the brake cable. Now I read you used all stock? I'm ready to just put them on but I don't want to get 1/2 way they & find out I need to order cables (now the bike sits) On the other hand I don't want to buy and then be stuck with cables I have no use for. Did you do the switch yourself?
Damn bro u are small.. so those bikes are perfect for you
Yup!
AZ Triumphster at least you look big on videos man 😎 great reviews
@@CZESAR99 thanks Brother
Quale è meglio delle due?
I suppose it depends on what u r going for. I feel that the Iron is more versatile considering its larger fuel capacity. I think the 48 has more of a vintage look which im into. If i were to go buy one right now, it would be the Iron.
I put a 3gal Nightster fuel tank on my 48 and I'm 5foot7 #sportstersrule FTW
Whats up with the exposed wirings?
Exposed wiring where?
How do you feel about the iron 1200 as a first bike?
How tall r u? Have u taken a riders course? If not have u ridden anything before?
@@aztriumphster I'm 5'11 and 170lbs, athletic build.. I've taken the basic course but no other experience
@@saggot420son I had a buddy with no prior riding experience, took the rider course and bought an Iron 883 as his first bike. There were a few times where the torque caught him off guard, like when he would stall it or leaving a stopped position on a turn he would run too wide. Other than that they are extremely easy bikes to ride and highly customizable. Most folks i tell to start off around the 500-650cc range but not a crotch rocket. However, even an 883 is something you will outgrow quickly. I think the iron 1200 can be a good first bike for someone with no riding experience if they keep front of mind that they r jumping in on something thats not necessarily a beginner bike. It has alot to give and can still catch some experienced riders off guard. Also the rear brake locks up real easy. That buddy I mentioned with the iron 883, locked up the rear coming too hot into a roundabout. With the rear sliding the bike stepped out a little to one side then caught and tossed him a few feet. Busted up bike and broken elbow. After the bike was prepared and he was healed he traded it in for an iron 1200, then a year later traded for a softail street bob.
@@aztriumphster appreciate your knowledge 🙌
That’s where I bought my 48
Hey im in the market for a 48. Whats a good otd price?
Sad. Homie is 5'5" and he has trouble with the controls. I'm 5"3' with Red Wings on and my dreams are crushed
Gotta swap in some midd
*mids
@@aztriumphster I've been looking. I don't see that fit. Some say the 883 set fits, some say they don't. Please tell me where to find them, I'm not Jessie James, can't build them.
@@Tony-bv7gz luckily mids from any sportster from about 03 to present will fit. I bought my 72 with forwards so I went on ebay and found a set of mids from a Custom 1200. They didn't come with the pegs themselves but did come with the base brackets that mount to the frame and the brake and shifter linkages.
@@Tony-bv7gz the brake linkage changes from 2013 to 2014 and newer but its a more commonly found kit from 14 to present.
1500 milliliter fuel bottle
The answer is an Indian Scout 60 😂😂