It's a Harley. Nothing like a Harley. Have to own one and ride it to know what it's all about. I think the Sportsters were the best thing Harley ever made.
Im an American. I have a 2017 48. Bobbed rear fender, hollowed exhaust (loud!) open air filter and a stage 1 tune. brass bits throughout. Ive had it 2 years now and absolutely love it! Glad to see other countries enjoying our brands.
I bought a 2020 Forty-Eight about three weeks ago, my first Harley. I love love love it! It is a head turner for sure. The only drawback is the frequent fuel stops. I can live with that because it is the so much fun to ride. I've put just over 1000 miles on it already. Enjoyed your video. Have to tell you though, as an American, it was a bit unnerving seeing oncoming traffic on the right!
@@chuck6575 get a 883 Iron tank for it . Easy swap too (only air overflow pipe to shortened ) .Looks just as good (to me anyway) and you'll get an Xtra 40 miles out of it .
Your review is 100% spot on. Bought my 48 new in 2018 and it is my first bike, originally I was set on getting a Triumph Bobber but my dad and I test drove them and the 48 really stood out as you correctly said as being something special and not just looking it but sounding and more importantly feeling it aswell. It feels alive.
I have a 2020 48, great bike. I had replaced my 2015 1200 Iron. Forward controls, fat tire and love the riding position. Great review, I am glad to finally hear a good review. Harley is what it is.
I picked up my 48 yesterday with mini apes and afull stage 1, s&s super breather, vance and hines short shots and a tune and honestly the bike moves along great and handles just fine, the torque is insane! It is so loud and crisp, I can't get enough of it haha I will be picking up a fatbob 114 next, but damn I love my 48!
Awesome review mate! Got my first Harley on my 18th birthday in 1975. A Sportster 1000cc AMF Harley Davidson. Been riding Harley's ever since and now I'm 63. I have a Harley Street Glide and Big Dog custom bike back home in the US but I'm working over here in South Korea and plan to buy one of these Sportster 48's to get around on. Keep riding free brother.
Awesome cheers mate. Always nice to hear feedback from long time harley owners. I havent tried the street glide yet but really like the look of those. If I was going to be getting a harley that's probably the one I'd go for
Just bought one that has been Stage 2 and i need better ear defenders and it sets off car alarms love it. Had a tool roll added to the front. Crash bars and a new seat w Sissy bar. Also HD do wonderful upgrade pegs mine are delightful
I was in the market for a 48 and I ended up test driving the 48 and iron 883 and I fell in love with the iron 883. I didn't notice much difference in power cuz the iron had stage 1 setup and tune and 48 was stock but the ergos and height of Iron just felt so perfect for me and it was cheaper with lower miles so it was a no brainer for me. I really tricked mine out and will be updating videos cuz I made so.e more changes and bike is just about perfect now. I will never let it go. It's more than enough power and is faster than I expected by a mile. One day I will get the street bob 114 in Stonewash White but for now I'm very happy with the Iron. I do love the 48 too and it is a fantastic bike for anyone and fun to trick out.
Bought my 48 on Monday and picking it up tomorrow. Cannot wait! Saw it in the shop and such a beautiful machine, has a custom painted tank and Vance & Hines side shots. I was standing there looking at it for so long the girl asked me if if like to take it for a ride. A bit like the reviewer here I had no Harley experience but I always wanted one, (probably since the day I saw terminator 2...) Riding it was like becoming a force of nature. The feel, the sound, like roaring along on a thunder cloud, turning heads. It was the opposite of clean quite soft comfortable high tech modern life. I literally thought I was Thor for an hour. Bought it immediately I got back to the shop. Watching this video has me smiling with pure joy. Roll on tomorrow!
Hey there mate! Greetings from India! Your review of the bike was just spectacular! Finally someone who understands the bike so well, what it's meant to do & not knock it or bash the brand for the few limitations. I'm a sporty 48 owner and I've been riding it for the last 2 years. You spoke everything so well & mentioned about that unique intangible factor/ feel that you get while riding & being on a Harley. The Pros > Cons. It's so rewarding mate. Absolutely spot on. There are so many better bikes out there, but I absolutely will love a Harley as a staple in my mancave all day, everyday mate. Everytime I crank her up, it makes me smile ear to ear, grin & giggle like a mad scientist. Also I've subbed to your channel. Keep putting out ace content. Cheers mate. I love me some Bonnies & Ducatis too! Haha. It's down the pipeline soon! xx stay safe mate!
Thanks! Always good to hear from owners. I really enjoyed the ride on the 48, very unique feeling. I'm looking forward to trying out more of the harley range...
Nice bike ! I have one from Aug 2018 and have 20.000KM on him now ! I spend my money on 360mm rear shocks, cross country style foot pegs (for more ground clearance ), fly screen and chin spoiler ! Every 5000Km new oil in the engine (Motul 7100 20w50 MA2) and in the gearbox Elf 20w60 (MA2) for better shifting ! The standard brakes are very good but with EBC HH even better !! The tyres are also very good (scorcher 31) but I must change them very often, 4500KM in the front and 5500Km in the rear ! After 7500 KM is the engine FREE ! The seat is a real problem, that I couldn't solve yet ! (Sorry for my bad English).
Great roads. I test rode one earlier this year in same colour. It had Bassani mufflers. I loved it. It's very engaging. It reminded me of my old royal enfield. Similar mechanical feel. You feel the engine parts working and shaking when sitting at lights. For me it's a great second bike. I will buy one after I finish paying off my Bonnie.
Ugh I can't wait to get either the 48 or the 883 , I'm going to test drive a 883 for the first time , super excited . Love your video, I can hear the excitement :)
I see a lot of folks nitpicking these Sportsters (Iron 883/1200 too) to death over everything from the forward controls,, tank size, power, etc. In many decades of riding all kinds of motorcycles I have come to the conclusion that the only justification you need is the size of the damn smile on your face as you ride that motorcycle! Not everyone wants the same thing. Hell, there’s a Harley for everyone but they’re not for everybody either and that works too. I personally love HD bikes and I especially love the Sportsters. I love the Road King for its classic styling and comfort. It’s the motorcycle equivalent of driving a school bus! I love the The Dyna Street Bob for its vibrating goodness, power, muted looks, and mix of old school bobber and modern comfort. However, and most of all I love the Sportsters because they’re hassle free and damn fun to ride. Sure you can stage 1 or even stage 2 em’ but even if you don’t you’ll always enjoy the experience. They are not as comfortable and they are a no frills motorcycle BUT they are so interchangeable, dependable, nimble, and they can be as unique as you want them to be. They’re not going to work for super big or tall riders as much but such is life. It’s a bike that’s boiled to only the essentials. A seat, motor, wheels, tank, handlebars. No stereo, no fancy tech, no cup holder… I see more big ass baggers in the shop than I ever see Sportsters. See bikes stranded on the side of the road much? They’re usually sport bikes and baggers. The baggers are fantastic if you’re taking trips, and grocery shopping, or if you’re the dude that only pulls her from the garage on weekends, rides to buy beer, then comes home to polish off the evidence. 🤣 If you want to just get out and slice down the roads and feel the wind against your chest, just about any Sportster will do the trick and not cost you a kidney either while doing it. The Forty Eights are great bikes. We just bought my wife one and she loves it. I ride it too and it’s a ton of fun. No worries, no frills, low to the ground, and those big tires make corners real fun! No matter what bikes I we own, we’ll always have a Sportster in the mix. Good overview here 👍🏻
Bought a 2020 White Forty-Eight. Just got to wait out the winter now and wait for spring. Did get the V&H slip ons to get the proper harley sound. They won't be sold anymore in Europe 2021 either so thought I had to buy it even if its winter. Coming from a Yamaha XSR 700 but I feel like the Harley is just a whole other experience. 😀
I haven't owned a 'real' motorbike yet, but the Forty-Eight has been so far the most interesting to me. Not just bcos of the cool looks, bcos it meets the things I am after. I don't like freeway/highways drives anyway, so, cruising through the countryside, is more my goal. The reason I haven't gotten one yet, I am two left handed when it comes to manual shifting. The most scary part for me is the downshifting, as iam scared to 'jump'...🥴 But with 42 yrs of age, it's time to 'man up'. Thanks for the video review. It really motivates me more, to treat myself with a "48".I don't need fancy motorbike stuff, it's more the freedom you have to jump on it, clear your head. 👍😎
Sounds good mate! Just take it easy and release clutch slowly. Im sure youll get used to it quickly if you are riding already. Maybe book some more training too, more training can never hurt.
i love my lil iron 883 . I've had a lot of different bikes in my time riding (got my license in 1996) and getting a Harley was a boyhood dream . It is Loud AF, vibrates like a dildo on speed, is rather slow and is by far the best bike i've ever had . Customising it is soooo much fun too !! GET ONE !
The 48 comes with the small peanut tank reminiscent from the ironhead sportsters. Then came the bigger peanut tanks like those on the 883. Don’t put any other tank on a Sportster as it is really part of their identity
There is just something about a long stroke, low rpm motor that produces its grunt right off of idle. Though it runs out soon enough, there is another gear. They don't have to be loud to sound good, not to my ears. I also appreciate the whirring of gears and the bit of clammer of the hardware as it goes on to meet its appointed rounds. I can appreciate the old school automotive technology. The Sportster is a bit of an odd bike. I don't know why it feels so small, but it does. It just feels physically small, smaller than it really is. Is it just the narrowness of it or is it the small gas tank that is so deceiving? I don't know, but it's like riding a bicycle down the highway. It can be a bit weird, but that's the way it is.
Tough call on the tank as it's a big part of the looks of the bike. But if you're going to swap it out, worth getting the bike in black and getting an aftermarket tank as paint matched tanks from HD are not cheap.
For once I was online when this got posted - can't believe within being up for literally less than the length of the clip and someone whacks a dislike up, it's like people sit there waiting for vids to be published so they can jump on and give it a thumbs down! Anyhow, I love a Harley although the size and weight has been a put off for me. Always makes me turn my head, nothing quite like that classic rumble - especially when one pulls up alongside you in the car and you can feel it reverberating through your seat!
Thanks, with the weight being so low down I think you would be surprised at how easy it is to handle. I know you've been looking at a few options and I think this could be a great option for you 😎
8:30 While you were turning your head, I was looking at the rearview mirror already lol SEXY! motorcycle man 18:27 Love how the speedometer gets blurred automatically(LOL) superb! hehe
I know after a couple of hours cross country the vibrations can give you a headache. Did you get anything close to that? Or hands/body feel tingly after? But I do love a Harley! I agree, it gains attention when it purrs and exterior!
@@TommyBarnezTV it keeps me looking for 6th gear but she's fast. Took a 700km trip to the desert (during a heat wave) with 0 problems, other than all the gas stops. Next week she gets a new riser, MoonMC headlight and LED corners.
Great vid, thanks! I, too, love this bike. Test rode an 883 and found it to be a sloth, with a terrible riding position for me at 6'1". Then I rode this beauty. If Harley had squeezed an extra (uk) gallon into that ridiculous peanut tank, I would have snapped it up. Instead I bought an XL1200 custom with a sensible sized tank. It's nearly as good as the 48 - but not quite!
@Doyleyburger Thanks. I considered doing that but I'm happy with my XL1200C now. It's almost the same bike and it already had V&H pipes. I just need a "reasonable excuse" to go and ride it (in these coronavirus times)!
dude - that was the best part! I put some music on in the background and for a bit, I was on that bike. Nice vid, I'm picking up my 48 next week. Regards from South Africa
@@thrivinnaidoo7207 cheers! Glad you liked it! I tend to include a no talking section through more interesting roads but always looking at different ways to capture what a bike is like so I appreciate the feedback. Enjoy the bike!
Maidstone,UK? I couldn't live with that tank. I think you can get larger Harley / Custom ones. Mirrors are good on 8" mini ape hangers. Sportster I prefer is the 1200 Roadster with twin disc front end. Always have mids myself. Vibration is a lot better on these than in the eighties.
Ok so that is actually a very hard question. I have a friend, late 30s who bought the bobber black as his first bike. He loves it however used to get uncomfy after an hour in saddle. He put around 5k miles on it I think and then bought a second bike, a GS which he then started using a lot more than the bobber. He is now looking to sell the bobber, even though he loves it to get the new rocket. He'll keep the GS long term I think. The sportster 48 I see the most value as being in its customisation. Both bikes will have the same problem, they are both more suited to shorter journeys. I would say that means you will probably want another bike or replacement similar to friend mentioned above. For that reason I'd probably say bobber black between the two as customising the sportster to a point where you love it only to realise you want to get something more suited to what you want from the bike. I'd say test them, take it easy on the power as they are both pretty torque rich, but also have a good think about the riding you want to do. Hope that helps?
GiDay Tommy. I have ridden many bikes since late 68. Triumph Bonnies, Suzies Ducati and the like. Up until 2 years ago, I had only ridden 1 H-D Herritage Special I think it was an 88C Inch? That was the late 90's In 2018 I accidentally fell into the H-D dealership where I was forced to take a H-D 114 CI Fat Boy for a test ride! 155nm torque gave me a little surprise! .... I Bought one. Did 8000k in 4 months. Upon getting a service, the dealer principal cast a spell: "Would you like to take the new 2019 Sport Glide home for the weekend"? Monday came and I took the bike back, .......... Jeremy asked what I thought of it? .. $%$#@ I bought it! Like yourself, ... I just didn't get the Harley thing? Wow! I certainly do now! In 11 months Iv'e done 18000K And yes! I tend to smile a lot too. Just a wee point, .. If you blip match the throttle, you will be rewarded with unique sensations and sounds! LOL Take the H-D Sport Glide out. By the way, you can really move very quickly through the corners when you get the feel of them. ..... Barry M. Australia
Thanks for feedback Barry, sounds like a great journey you have had with bikes! I'm very drawn to the street glide at the moment. I havent ridden on one yet though and will want to move somewhere I have a garage before getting something like that. Great range of bikes though, real personality behind them. Will be making my way through them, just editing my street bob review
Have heard complaints about Sportster's jarring suspension. They should bring this model back with a 1275cc air cooled Evo and with a 6 speed and Ohlins front and rear and dual disc Brembos. I'd prefer that to the new water cooled version any day.
Great review but dump all this "entry level' attitude that US testers always refer to, because as a Brit you should realise that it does not apply to most of us here in Blighty because (sadly) we are all now too "F**king old" for "entry level"! So speaking not just for myself but many watching this excellent review I am sure, like a lot of performance orientated bikers (37 years of riding) I have been somewhat anti-Harley all my life, but the "48' I find very seductive, it is the ONLY Harley I actually would put in my stable and I am actively looking for one. I love the insane look of a massive engine with almost no motorcycle around it, it appeals to my sense of "yeah why TF not and shove all the emissions/sound regulations etc up your pipe!" ! I know that am not alone in that view.
So this Sportster has aftermarket slip-on mufflers, but has the fuel system been re-mapped from an aftermarket tuner? I have a 2018 48 but the exhaust is stock and wonder if I put V&H slip-ons, whether I'd need a tuner or not to eliminate deceleration popping.
Hmm not sure actually sorry. First experience with a harley but will ask more questions when next in. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will see your comment and reply. In terms of this bike it wasnt retuned. I quite like the pops though...
Similar bikes to be honest, both with their own charm. I think most would probably go with the bobber black, however I think if you're going to do some customising the 48 is better. Also worth riding them both as the 48 is definitely shakes you around a lot more which some like and some dont
The 48 is one of the best looking bikes.. and moves you up into the not getting laughed at category because it’s a small bike like the other sportsters ... but the seat is not very comfortable and gas tank is too small
Bike looks cool, but the gearbox sounded like an old tractor. I think, for most people, this would be a second bike, so the small fuel tank would be less of a problem. You'd, simply, fill up with fuel before you went for a ride - which, obviously, wouldn't be able be a long ride.
Only 3 miles on the clock, gear box is tight. Also down shifting without rev matching with a high torque engine will show flaws in your technique. However, match the shift and the reward is smooth and buttery. My 2018 H-D Fat Boy took about a day to reall get the feel of it. .. Then sheer bliss! Go back and listen to Tommy down shifting: Throttle closed, .... shift down, ... let clutch out, .. it instantly forces the engine to match rev..
thanks for ruining my plans to buy the rebel500 tommy, cause now i have to get the 48 haha. that sound is just amazing. would love to see a proper review of that new HD Low Rider S! cheers from germany!
Haha cheers mate! Did you see my rebel 500 vid? The exhaust on that sounded pretty good. My other half is between the rebel and this. I would prefer her to get one of these however with the price difference a rebel might be a better option. Will also be her first bike and might be worthwhile starting on a rebel for a year or so to build confidence. The power of this isnt excessive but it does have quite a lot of low end torque compared to the rebel. Will be more harley vids coming. Weather isnt great here at the moment though so waiting for some dry days
It's a Harley. Nothing like a Harley. Have to own one and ride it to know what it's all about. I think the Sportsters were the best thing Harley ever made.
Im an American. I have a 2017 48. Bobbed rear fender, hollowed exhaust (loud!) open air filter and a stage 1 tune.
brass bits throughout. Ive had it 2 years now and absolutely love it!
Glad to see other countries enjoying our brands.
3 years later and these bikes are still relevant just bought one that has ape hangers and a sheild im in love
I bought a 2020 Forty-Eight about three weeks ago, my first Harley. I love love love it! It is a head turner for sure. The only drawback is the frequent fuel stops. I can live with that because it is the so much fun to ride. I've put just over 1000 miles on it already. Enjoyed your video. Have to tell you though, as an American, it was a bit unnerving seeing oncoming traffic on the right!
Nice! Considered getting a larger tank?
TommyBarnezTV I’m undecided. It would totally change the look of the bike.
@@chuck6575 yeah I think someone else might have commented about not changing it for that reason.
I think if they just stretched it back to the seat you could probably get another litre in there without spoiling the looks.
@@chuck6575 get a 883 Iron tank for it . Easy swap too (only air overflow pipe to shortened ) .Looks just as good (to me anyway) and you'll get an Xtra 40 miles out of it .
Your review is 100% spot on. Bought my 48 new in 2018 and it is my first bike, originally I was set on getting a Triumph Bobber but my dad and I test drove them and the 48 really stood out as you correctly said as being something special and not just looking it but sounding and more importantly feeling it aswell. It feels alive.
Long live the 48.
After watching your video and a few other good other ones too, I bought a brand new 48 one month ago. I love it.
Hey thats awesome! Thanks for letting me know the vid was helpful! Happy riding!
I have a 2020 48, great bike. I had replaced my 2015 1200 Iron. Forward controls, fat tire and love the riding position. Great review, I am glad to finally hear a good review. Harley is what it is.
Proper old school bike. For me what riding a motorcycle is all about. Enjoyed the ride, cheers.
I picked up my 48 yesterday with mini apes and afull stage 1, s&s super breather, vance and hines short shots and a tune and honestly the bike moves along great and handles just fine, the torque is insane! It is so loud and crisp, I can't get enough of it haha I will be picking up a fatbob 114 next, but damn I love my 48!
Awesome review mate! Got my first Harley on my 18th birthday in 1975. A Sportster 1000cc AMF Harley Davidson. Been riding Harley's ever since and now I'm 63. I have a Harley Street Glide and Big Dog custom bike back home in the US but I'm working over here in South Korea and plan to buy one of these Sportster 48's to get around on. Keep riding free brother.
Awesome cheers mate. Always nice to hear feedback from long time harley owners. I havent tried the street glide yet but really like the look of those. If I was going to be getting a harley that's probably the one I'd go for
Just bought one that has been Stage 2 and i need better ear defenders and it sets off car alarms love it. Had a tool roll added to the front. Crash bars and a new seat w Sissy bar. Also HD do wonderful upgrade pegs mine are delightful
I was in the market for a 48 and I ended up test driving the 48 and iron 883 and I fell in love with the iron 883. I didn't notice much difference in power cuz the iron had stage 1 setup and tune and 48 was stock but the ergos and height of Iron just felt so perfect for me and it was cheaper with lower miles so it was a no brainer for me. I really tricked mine out and will be updating videos cuz I made so.e more changes and bike is just about perfect now. I will never let it go. It's more than enough power and is faster than I expected by a mile. One day I will get the street bob 114 in Stonewash White but for now I'm very happy with the Iron. I do love the 48 too and it is a fantastic bike for anyone and fun to trick out.
Bought my 48 on Monday and picking it up tomorrow. Cannot wait! Saw it in the shop and such a beautiful machine, has a custom painted tank and Vance & Hines side shots. I was standing there looking at it for so long the girl asked me if if like to take it for a ride. A bit like the reviewer here I had no Harley experience but I always wanted one, (probably since the day I saw terminator 2...) Riding it was like becoming a force of nature. The feel, the sound, like roaring along on a thunder cloud, turning heads. It was the opposite of clean quite soft comfortable high tech modern life. I literally thought I was Thor for an hour. Bought it immediately I got back to the shop. Watching this video has me smiling with pure joy. Roll on tomorrow!
That's aweosme! Great day tomorrow, try not to stay up all night excited 😆
@@TommyBarnezTV can't sleep brother !
@@johnkerr762 😂
These sportsters are great. Own a 2019 883 iron with the same paint job and i Iove it. Can't wait for riding season.
Hey there mate! Greetings from India! Your review of the bike was just spectacular! Finally someone who understands the bike so well, what it's meant to do & not knock it or bash the brand for the few limitations. I'm a sporty 48 owner and I've been riding it for the last 2 years. You spoke everything so well & mentioned about that unique intangible factor/ feel that you get while riding & being on a Harley. The Pros > Cons. It's so rewarding mate. Absolutely spot on. There are so many better bikes out there, but I absolutely will love a Harley as a staple in my mancave all day, everyday mate. Everytime I crank her up, it makes me smile ear to ear, grin & giggle like a mad scientist. Also I've subbed to your channel. Keep putting out ace content. Cheers mate. I love me some Bonnies & Ducatis too! Haha. It's down the pipeline soon! xx stay safe mate!
Thanks! Always good to hear from owners. I really enjoyed the ride on the 48, very unique feeling. I'm looking forward to trying out more of the harley range...
Great video. Nice to see a new Harley Davidson rider. You rode it the way it was intended to be riden .
Very impressive basic computer bike with a bit of freeway riding thrown in. Pipes and bars on those bikes really make the experience worthwhile.
Dude thanks for the 4K 👍🏻 and a great video on the 48
Can't beat the grin factor of a twin even if they're not particularly up on horse power makes up for it in torque!
Nice bike ! I have one from Aug 2018 and have 20.000KM on him now ! I spend my money on 360mm rear shocks, cross country style foot pegs (for more ground clearance ), fly screen and chin spoiler ! Every 5000Km new oil in the engine (Motul 7100 20w50 MA2) and in the gearbox Elf 20w60 (MA2) for better shifting ! The standard brakes are very good but with EBC HH even better !! The tyres are also very good (scorcher 31) but I must change them very often, 4500KM in the front and 5500Km in the rear ! After 7500 KM is the engine FREE ! The seat is a real problem, that I couldn't solve yet ! (Sorry for my bad English).
Nice! Thanks for your owner experience feedback! Your english is good :)
A big thumbs-up! for an old video…very pleasant ride, including the sound.
48’s are great! 👍🏽
Like the sound of those slip ons. What are they. I have a pair of v/h that are way to loud. Put quieter baffles in, but just don’t like the sound.
Why was the speedo ‘censored’ when you ‘got on it’ on the freeway or autobahn or expressway or whatever you folks term it in your country.
There is nothing like riding a Harley 😎
I have deposit on one right now. Can’t wait to get my bike next month.
I’ve literally just bought the exact same bike, love it ❤
Great roads. I test rode one earlier this year in same colour. It had Bassani mufflers. I loved it. It's very engaging. It reminded me of my old royal enfield. Similar mechanical feel. You feel the engine parts working and shaking when sitting at lights. For me it's a great second bike. I will buy one after I finish paying off my Bonnie.
Nice! Yeah I loved the way it felt, very unique compared to other manufacturers offerings I think
Have you tried the Triumph Speedmaster for comparison?
Ugh I can't wait to get either the 48 or the 883 , I'm going to test drive a 883 for the first time , super excited . Love your video, I can hear the excitement :)
Enjoy! I havent tried the 883 yet but will give it a go at some point
nice one I have just ordered one, first bike, can't wait! Vance n Hines full system plus stage 1
Sweet!
I see a lot of folks nitpicking these Sportsters (Iron 883/1200 too) to death over everything from the forward controls,, tank size, power, etc.
In many decades of riding all kinds of motorcycles I have come to the conclusion that the only justification you need is the size of the damn smile on your face as you ride that motorcycle!
Not everyone wants the same thing.
Hell, there’s a Harley for everyone but they’re not for everybody either and that works too.
I personally love HD bikes and I especially love the Sportsters.
I love the Road King for its classic styling and comfort. It’s the motorcycle equivalent of driving a school bus! I love the The Dyna Street Bob for its vibrating goodness, power, muted looks, and mix of old school bobber and modern comfort. However, and most of all I love the Sportsters because they’re hassle free and damn fun to ride. Sure you can stage 1 or even stage 2 em’ but even if you don’t you’ll always enjoy the experience.
They are not as comfortable and they are a no frills motorcycle BUT they are so interchangeable, dependable, nimble, and they can be as unique as you want them to be. They’re not going to work for super big or tall riders as much but such is life.
It’s a bike that’s boiled to only the essentials. A seat, motor, wheels, tank, handlebars.
No stereo, no fancy tech, no cup holder…
I see more big ass baggers in the shop than I ever see Sportsters.
See bikes stranded on the side of the road much? They’re usually sport bikes and baggers.
The baggers are fantastic if you’re taking trips, and grocery shopping, or if you’re the dude that only pulls her from the garage on weekends, rides to buy beer, then comes home to polish off the evidence. 🤣
If you want to just get out and slice down the roads and feel the wind against your chest, just about any Sportster will do the trick and not cost you a kidney either while doing it.
The Forty Eights are great bikes. We just bought my wife one and she loves it.
I ride it too and it’s a ton of fun. No worries, no frills, low to the ground, and those big tires make corners real fun!
No matter what bikes I we own, we’ll always have a Sportster in the mix.
Good overview here 👍🏻
Bought a 2020 White Forty-Eight. Just got to wait out the winter now and wait for spring. Did get the V&H slip ons to get the proper harley sound. They won't be sold anymore in Europe 2021 either so thought I had to buy it even if its winter. Coming from a Yamaha XSR 700 but I feel like the Harley is just a whole other experience. 😀
Congrats !! you're right a Harley is a whole different world but ,my god, prepare for a new world of fun !!
Enjoy! Winter will be over in no time!
I bought same 2020 White 48 👍
I haven't owned a 'real' motorbike yet, but the Forty-Eight has been so far the most interesting to me. Not just bcos of the cool looks, bcos it meets the things I am after.
I don't like freeway/highways drives anyway, so, cruising through the countryside, is more my goal.
The reason I haven't gotten one yet, I am two left handed when it comes to manual shifting. The most scary part for me is the downshifting, as iam scared to 'jump'...🥴
But with 42 yrs of age, it's time to 'man up'.
Thanks for the video review. It really motivates me more, to treat myself with a "48".I don't need fancy motorbike stuff, it's more the freedom you have to jump on it, clear your head.
👍😎
Sounds good mate! Just take it easy and release clutch slowly. Im sure youll get used to it quickly if you are riding already. Maybe book some more training too, more training can never hurt.
love hearing the *clink* of the gearshifts
My first harley as well, i have mid-rise custom pull back handlebars and are more comfortable, but you need to change mirrors to on top
Nice honest review if it makes you smile your half way to buying one trust me.
Yeah a harley will feature in the garage one day I'm sure :)
The older I get the more I like Harley Davidson's. Not sure I could get to grips with forward controls. Probably go for the 1200 iron sportster.
Yeah I like them. Only ridden a couple but they do feel quite unique when compared to other brands
Damn...thats a nice looking bike. I love the early harleys with carburetters and points ignition.
Best review about this bike i saw in 2021! 👍
Thanks!
I want to get one myself. It would also be my first Harley 👍🏼 😃
i love my lil iron 883 . I've had a lot of different bikes in my time riding (got my license in 1996) and getting a Harley was a boyhood dream . It is Loud AF, vibrates like a dildo on speed, is rather slow and is by far the best bike i've ever had . Customising it is soooo much fun too !! GET ONE !
The 48 comes with the small peanut tank reminiscent from the ironhead sportsters. Then came the bigger peanut tanks like those on the 883. Don’t put any other tank on a Sportster as it is really part of their identity
I agree.
If you are worried about ‘out growing’ the sporty, check out the Dyna Street Bob. Same vibe, only meaner.
Great review, I've just got mine, can't wait to do the same xxx
I have a 2020 48 in stilleto red. Loads of fun to ride
There is just something about a long stroke, low rpm motor that produces its grunt right off of idle. Though it runs out soon enough, there is another gear. They don't have to be loud to sound good, not to my ears. I also appreciate the whirring of gears and the bit of clammer of the hardware as it goes on to meet its appointed rounds. I can appreciate the old school automotive technology.
The Sportster is a bit of an odd bike. I don't know why it feels so small, but it does. It just feels physically small, smaller than it really is. Is it just the narrowness of it or is it the small gas tank that is so deceiving? I don't know, but it's like riding a bicycle down the highway. It can be a bit weird, but that's the way it is.
planning on getting one ,this really gave me the insight i needed
i love that you just toss away your staff on the side
Placed gently, but fairly relaxed 😂
Tough call on the tank as it's a big part of the looks of the bike. But if you're going to swap it out, worth getting the bike in black and getting an aftermarket tank as paint matched tanks from HD are not cheap.
For once I was online when this got posted - can't believe within being up for literally less than the length of the clip and someone whacks a dislike up, it's like people sit there waiting for vids to be published so they can jump on and give it a thumbs down!
Anyhow, I love a Harley although the size and weight has been a put off for me. Always makes me turn my head, nothing quite like that classic rumble - especially when one pulls up alongside you in the car and you can feel it reverberating through your seat!
Thanks, with the weight being so low down I think you would be surprised at how easy it is to handle. I know you've been looking at a few options and I think this could be a great option for you 😎
Awesome video brother
Cheers pal
Excellent review 👍👍👍
8:30 While you were turning your head, I was looking at the rearview mirror already lol SEXY! motorcycle man 18:27 Love how the speedometer gets blurred automatically(LOL) superb! hehe
Beautiful roads and countryside 😍
A more pulled back bar and mid controls would really make this bike super rideable
Great Video mate
I know after a couple of hours cross country the vibrations can give you a headache. Did you get anything close to that? Or hands/body feel tingly after?
But I do love a Harley! I agree, it gains attention when it purrs and exterior!
I'm sitting here thinking of buying a new 48 and you giggling and telling me you love it isn't helping! XD Great review thanks!
Just do it 😁
Signed the papers today, get it this week!
*Edit* what a rocket. I love my 48. The torque is just stupid, she pulls even at 120.
Awesome!
@@TommyBarnezTV it keeps me looking for 6th gear but she's fast. Took a 700km trip to the desert (during a heat wave) with 0 problems, other than all the gas stops. Next week she gets a new riser, MoonMC headlight and LED corners.
Great vid, thanks! I, too, love this bike. Test rode an 883 and found it to be a sloth, with a terrible riding position for me at 6'1". Then I rode this beauty. If Harley had squeezed an extra (uk) gallon into that ridiculous peanut tank, I would have snapped it up. Instead I bought an XL1200 custom with a sensible sized tank. It's nearly as good as the 48 - but not quite!
@Doyleyburger Thanks. I considered doing that but I'm happy with my XL1200C now. It's almost the same bike and it already had V&H pipes. I just need a "reasonable excuse" to go and ride it (in these coronavirus times)!
Sorry for the longish quiet section through town - I thought I had cut that out
dude - that was the best part! I put some music on in the background and for a bit, I was on that bike. Nice vid, I'm picking up my 48 next week. Regards from South Africa
@@thrivinnaidoo7207 cheers! Glad you liked it! I tend to include a no talking section through more interesting roads but always looking at different ways to capture what a bike is like so I appreciate the feedback. Enjoy the bike!
Lovely bike. I have a Buell XB12X.
What jacket were you wearing? The sleeves look good.
Excellent review. I have subscribed.
Thanks! That jacket is the furygan Clint. Love it, very smart and versatile
Great bike, loved every minute with it, but I'm getting ready to move on to the Sportster S.
What is the type of exhaust? It's Vance & Hines? Thank you.
at 4:48 Sweet Bike with a massive engine :)
Is that a stock exhaust?
What kind of the exhaust
Maidstone,UK? I couldn't live with that tank. I think you can get larger Harley / Custom ones. Mirrors are good on 8" mini ape hangers. Sportster I prefer is the 1200 Roadster with twin disc front end. Always have mids myself. Vibration is a lot better on these than in the eighties.
Yep Maidstone UK
Hi Tommy, Can i please get you to do a review on a Harley Fat Bob 114 as thinking of getting this as my first bike ?
Thank you.
Hopefully soon, its been a bit difficult keeping up with the reviews but hoping to get back to it soon
Hey man. What camera and sound are you using. Sounds great. I have a yellow 2018. I’ll post videos soon
Cheers! I use my phone (s10+) for the walk around with a purple panda mic. Same mic in helmet with a gopro hero 6
Looks a and sounds great. What do you use to edit. ??? Ride safe
@@Robinjam14 thanks :) premier pro. I dont do any edits on the audio but adjust the levels on the footage a bit
As a new rider, but an older guy I am torn between the bobber black and the 48 ? Which would you go for as a new rider, and why ?
Ok so that is actually a very hard question.
I have a friend, late 30s who bought the bobber black as his first bike. He loves it however used to get uncomfy after an hour in saddle. He put around 5k miles on it I think and then bought a second bike, a GS which he then started using a lot more than the bobber. He is now looking to sell the bobber, even though he loves it to get the new rocket. He'll keep the GS long term I think.
The sportster 48 I see the most value as being in its customisation.
Both bikes will have the same problem, they are both more suited to shorter journeys. I would say that means you will probably want another bike or replacement similar to friend mentioned above. For that reason I'd probably say bobber black between the two as customising the sportster to a point where you love it only to realise you want to get something more suited to what you want from the bike.
I'd say test them, take it easy on the power as they are both pretty torque rich, but also have a good think about the riding you want to do.
Hope that helps?
1200cc the biggest you can't get in your country?
Tommy, do you think you could have just a Harley in the garage, and no other bikes.
Really depends on the riding you do. I personally couldn't
GiDay Tommy.
I have ridden many bikes since late 68. Triumph Bonnies, Suzies Ducati and the like.
Up until 2 years ago, I had only ridden 1 H-D Herritage Special I think it was an 88C Inch? That was the late 90's
In 2018 I accidentally fell into the H-D dealership where I was forced to take a H-D 114 CI Fat Boy for a test ride!
155nm torque gave me a little surprise! .... I Bought one. Did 8000k in 4 months.
Upon getting a service, the dealer principal cast a spell: "Would you like to take the new 2019 Sport Glide home for the weekend"?
Monday came and I took the bike back, .......... Jeremy asked what I thought of it? .. $%$#@ I bought it!
Like yourself, ... I just didn't get the Harley thing? Wow! I certainly do now! In 11 months Iv'e done 18000K And yes! I tend to smile a lot too.
Just a wee point, .. If you blip match the throttle, you will be rewarded with unique sensations and sounds! LOL
Take the H-D Sport Glide out. By the way, you can really move very quickly through the corners when you get the feel of them. .....
Barry M. Australia
Thanks for feedback Barry, sounds like a great journey you have had with bikes! I'm very drawn to the street glide at the moment. I havent ridden on one yet though and will want to move somewhere I have a garage before getting something like that. Great range of bikes though, real personality behind them. Will be making my way through them, just editing my street bob review
Have heard complaints about Sportster's jarring suspension. They should bring this model back with a 1275cc air cooled Evo and with a 6 speed and Ohlins front and rear and dual disc Brembos. I'd prefer that to the new water cooled version any day.
Fuel delivery problems because of aftermarket exhaust.
Coming from a super sport motorbike to this would I feel a massive lacking in power or does the torque make up for it?
Liter bike? It’ll feel similar low rpm but you lose all that top end speed. But the way you ride sitting comfortably the power is plenty of fun.
Very different riding experience
Surprised me with this review about how much you loved the bike , I have a Street rod 750 and I love it 🤣👍
Surprised myself 😂
Great review but dump all this "entry level' attitude that US testers always refer to, because as a Brit you should realise that it does not apply to most of us here in Blighty because (sadly) we are all now too "F**king old" for "entry level"! So speaking not just for myself but many watching this excellent review I am sure, like a lot of performance orientated bikers (37 years of riding) I have been somewhat anti-Harley all my life, but the "48' I find very seductive, it is the ONLY Harley I actually would put in my stable and I am actively looking for one. I love the insane look of a massive engine with almost no motorcycle around it, it appeals to my sense of "yeah why TF not and shove all the emissions/sound regulations etc up your pipe!" ! I know that am not alone in that view.
Is it stock when the video was taken?
I think pretty much apart from the slip ons if I remember right. I point out any non stock items at the start of my reviews
I love mind. It’s perfect
So this Sportster has aftermarket slip-on mufflers, but has the fuel system been re-mapped from an aftermarket tuner? I have a 2018 48 but the exhaust is stock and wonder if I put V&H slip-ons, whether I'd need a tuner or not to eliminate deceleration popping.
Hmm not sure actually sorry. First experience with a harley but will ask more questions when next in. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will see your comment and reply. In terms of this bike it wasnt retuned. I quite like the pops though...
Hi.Go for V&h slip on. No need do anything. I did same on my Nightster. 👌
You could buy a DynoJet Power Vision if you wanted to optimize the mapping of your ECM
@@rafakot3015 Thanks so much, V&H slip-ons are exactly what I have, though they have not been installed yet. So your Nightster has no decel popping?
Keep smiling......
Compare to the triumph bobber?
Similar bikes to be honest, both with their own charm. I think most would probably go with the bobber black, however I think if you're going to do some customising the 48 is better. Also worth riding them both as the 48 is definitely shakes you around a lot more which some like and some dont
I'd only do my bike licence for a Harley
The 48 is one of the best looking bikes.. and moves you up into the not getting laughed at category because it’s a small bike like the other sportsters ... but the seat is not very comfortable and gas tank is too small
Yeah peanut tank looks cool but not sure i could cope with such a small range
Who gives a fuck about what people may think ? Not me bud.
This would replace a bike in your imaginary garage. Why don’t you just imagine a bigger garage?
That is just silly
Great video, Can you let me know what camera set up you used ?
Thanks
Gopro hero 6 on helmet and s10+ phone to film walk around
I like the 48....
Bike looks cool, but the gearbox sounded like an old tractor. I think, for most people, this would be a second bike, so the small fuel tank would be less of a problem. You'd, simply, fill up with fuel before you went for a ride - which, obviously, wouldn't be able be a long ride.
Yeah with my miles it definitely wouldnt work though there are some low mileage bikers out there that could be ok
Only 3 miles on the clock, gear box is tight. Also down shifting without rev matching with a high torque engine will show flaws in your technique. However, match the shift and the reward is smooth and buttery.
My 2018 H-D Fat Boy took about a day to reall get the feel of it. .. Then sheer bliss! Go back and listen to Tommy down shifting:
Throttle closed, .... shift down, ... let clutch out, .. it instantly forces the engine to match rev..
I feel that happiness bro lol
Over 17,000 quid in Thailand!
thanks for ruining my plans to buy the rebel500 tommy, cause now i have to get the 48 haha. that sound is just amazing. would love to see a proper review of that new HD Low Rider S! cheers from germany!
Haha cheers mate! Did you see my rebel 500 vid? The exhaust on that sounded pretty good. My other half is between the rebel and this. I would prefer her to get one of these however with the price difference a rebel might be a better option. Will also be her first bike and might be worthwhile starting on a rebel for a year or so to build confidence. The power of this isnt excessive but it does have quite a lot of low end torque compared to the rebel. Will be more harley vids coming. Weather isnt great here at the moment though so waiting for some dry days
90 miles per tank or even 80 at least is doable but 60iles from full to empty is ridiculous
Even at 40mpg it should give you about 80 miles no?
Unfortunately, that sound would be illegal in the EU -.-
We get away with it in uk :)
What milage do u get? Uk or us?
I like all bikes but can't help feeling harleys are form over function. Which is fine sometimes.
😍😍😍
60 miles to a tank??? 😳
Yeah... not great.
I want
Lane splitting only gonna getcha hurt brother, other than that good deal nice bike.
Lane splitting/filtering is safer