Stage 4 Forty-Eight Harley-Davidson w/ Vance & Hines Short Shots Exhaust

Screamin' Eagle Stage 4 Upgrade Kit installed on a 2018 Forty-Eight Sportster. Matt Laidlaw takes it out for a test ride and evaluation. Learn about this performance kit and what type of power increase you can expect from the installation of one.
www.laidlawshar...
Support my Channel: / mattlaidlaw
Learn How to Ride a Motorcycle: www.udemy.com/....
My Helmet: amzn.to/2CwIn3W
My helmet Shield: amzn.to/2CpzxHf
My Helmet Cam: amzn.to/2GP0gLC
The 2nd Helmet Cam: amzn.to/2GNnimi
My hand-held Camera: amzn.to/2DEVi2U
My Drone: amzn.to/2DGVq1W
My Recorder: amzn.to/2DFv8wT
My Cell Phone Mount: amzn.to/2CwvVRB
Cell Phone Case: amzn.to/2Etxksv
My Gimbal: amzn.to/2km6ZnE
Music: "Mohawk Anarchy"
Music from Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsou...)
#2019Forty-Eight #Harley-Davidson #Stage4

[@Arizona_rider]

I just went to the dealership looking at what was new. They tried to sell me the nightster. One bike stood out, the 48… I asked alot of questions and one salesman said they thought the nightster was going to be the hottest bike, but the 48 was the biggest selling model so far. The used 883 was second. They had a ton of sportsters with sold signs and on hold until approval came through. I had to buy one

[@Kaegis]

I love the 48. One of the best Harleys out. I'm 5'7" and 160lb, so the 48 fits perfectly. I rode a Slim S 110, and was awesome but way heavier and geared high. Not as good for squirting around the place. But yeah, highways, like a dream. That 110 is punchy, as soon as you are opened up, you need to be setting up to try pull the 600lb missile up to the next stop. Beast.

[@Chris_L034]

that bike will pass everything on the road but a gas station. haha!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Lol yup. Pretty much

[@ronniestapler]

Second day I got mine I ran out of gas on the highway!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Dang that's no Bueno

[@BlackbeardKNAC]

This is true, I have this bike with the exact same mods...50 miles to a tank if I am lucky.

[@dicktrickle5352]

Wow good to know 50 miles, not really going anywhere on that

[@guaraniparanhos2437]

I've always been in love with Forty-Eight !!!!

[@stanleygraham1389]

Love that raw Harley pipe music.

[@guywihn1658]

I bought my 06 Dyna Street Bob new and have ridden it from Arizona to Canada several times, and I can tell you that by 90mph and for long stretches it has lost a great deal of it's composure. I love my 22 Forty Eight with it's much taller chain gearing upgrade just as much on the open road at high speeds for extended periods of time as on the SB. I'm short 5'5" and older now 73. Been riding Harleys since the mid 60s and have always loved the Sportster as much as any other Harley, maybe more!! These rubber mounted Sportsters are a great weight for the open road at high speed and with taller gearing they are just about perfect in my opinion.

[@slyguyaction]

Crazy how you mentioned people buying up older Sportsters to bob/trick them out. I’m looking into buying a 48 or 72 myself as a second bike to run around town with. With the volume of Sportster personalization parts it’d be fun to tinker with. Thanks for sharing Matt.

[@GoGoggansGo]

The trick with the sportster is to buy them used not new, brand new they really are NOT a good value at all, get one used and the money you saved mod the shit out of it.

[@20Radman07]

Agreed. I just got my 48 and am super happy about it. And I already have an FXR sitting in the same garage; I have no qualms about getting the sportster.

[@jasonhughes887]

I have this exact same bike! Only with a stage 2 on it! And it hauls A$$!! But now seeing this video I'm gonna go all the way with stage 4! I love the sound of my V&H Short shots!! They sure turn heads when you crank on that throttle!!

[@Tristan_Heberlein]

did you make it happen? if so, how'd it go? gettin' ready to get this kit for my 2016 883 soon.

[@Motonewbrider]

Interesting Matt. Just sticking a stage 4 in my new sportster. This will be my 3rd sporty and I absolutely love them.

[@Aprojeep]

I just forwarded this video to my brother. He has a 72 and wants this stage kit installed. I hope he pulls the trigger and does it. Thanks Matt....great video! Excited to see the history of the Street Glide video.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks man. Yea, I'll make the Street Glide Video soon.

[@shaunraimbault4849]

For the same amount of money spent on that (depending on exhaust) 87hp screaming eagle kit with labor, you can get a Hammer Performance 1275cc 120+HP kit. And they provide detailed tutorial videos and instructions to do the install/labor yourself. Awesome bike though!

[@tylerthomas6919]

Hell yeah, I said the same thing on the other stage 4 sporty video

[@josephandreuccetti8043]

Shaun Raimbault Harley stuff sucks for power

[@gavinlangton6808]

Yeah that's cool and all but buying through Harley doesn't void the warranty so if it blows its still covered

[@zacz1986]

The Screamin eagle stage 4 kit is around $2k if you do the work yourself.. to get the hammer 120+ kit you’ll spend $5k on parts alone. I’ve very recently been looking into this stuff for my sporty

[@jonnymac8925]

If you do the Screamin Eagle stuff yourself it is half the price of a Hammer 1275 kit. That being said the 1275 makes a shit ton more power and just has a sound of its own. There is absolutely no doubt about it when a 1275cc Hammer Sporty rides by you, it has a very distinct and bad ass sound!

[@howarddavis8451]

Thanks for being so thorough with the graphs and explanation of the stage 4. You made a really good video and sold me the stage 4 upgrade.

[@northrider8628]

Now i really miss my 48... thats definitely hands down some of the funniest time i have ever spent on a motorcycle... I'm 6'1 and it was surprisingly comfortable to spend time on. Some day i plane to right my wrong and get me a nother 48...

[@20Radman07]

Very precise. Articulate. Your pov is spot-on. Everything you said about this (the) Forty-Eight, is absolutely bullseye. Very very appreciated. Thank you.

[@laxrider8818]

That stage lV 48 is sick, love the tank too

[@WhiteWhite60]

I see U-Haul is having a sale. Great video. I appreciate the graph explaining the upgrade. I like that stuff. And, it is a great looking bike! Thanks. 😊

[@UmmBruuh88]

I just got a iron 1200 as my first bike I prefer the way I fit on the sportster frame when I'm ready to bump up to more power I think this stage 4 would be perfect and possibly cheaper than buying a bigger bike. Thanks for doing a video on the stage 4 👍🏼

[@SpesEtFides111]

Wife just got brand new 48 special and I’m looking to installing V&H short shots and intake as soon as it gets broken in. We installed mustang seat and 72 handlebars and she finally feels comfy on it. Certainly a huge upgrade in terms of hp/tq from her old vstar650 😊. Thanks a lot for great videos, Matt. Watching you and John Maxwell all the time.

[@timmurphy2825]

I rode them modified and agree with your comments. If I could, I would have one in my stable because they are just so damn fun to ride. Not the bike for long trips even though many can, have & will. It sounds great, the mechanical sound and feel going down the road is just a unique experience that no other bike can produce. It's just so old school raw without building one from scratch which some of us aren't mechanically inclined to do so.

[@HunterWolfgang]

87hp 48, Sweet! Nicely done 👍🏻

[@mchristr]

I'd love to ride a Roadster with some engine work. Throw on the larger Sporty gas tank and that would be a bike worth having.

[@donaldsoncole3095]

Sharp bike!!! I wish the covers on the V&H’s exhaust were a darker black color ! These mods have got me checking Craigslist!!! Ya, you are to blame!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@darkoflight4938]

These aniv. bikes are so beautiful. So fitting to make them badass with engine upgrades. Keep em´coming sir!

[@mrcotter2531]

Wow - that 48 looks like Fun! I've always loved how tossable the Sportsters are - after riding the baggers the Sportsters remind me of the original Rush when I was 14 on my new HD AMF X90...

[@DannyCoreRacing]

I’ve got a 48 with 14 inch legend revo a suspension, and a Memphis shades road warrior fairing with a 15 inch wind screen and I can comfortably do 4 hours plus trips no issue. Just depends how you set it up.

[@drsparwaga]

I have an 883 converted to the SE 1200 kit, plus the SE Stage 4 kit on top. I got the 13" Legend Revo Arcs, their front suspension, and the Memphis Shades Cafe Fairing. Bike rides smooth, and can handle motorway speed and any road conditions without an issue. The setup is super comfortable. Only thing missing is cruise control, but I still enjoy the experience of controlling the bike on my own without any tech doing it.

[@doughnut3639]

Man this a beautiful bike. Love that tank graphic

[@guaraniparanhos2437]

Matt Laidlaw more about Forty-Eight !!!!

[@Caseysays]

Love the Sportster line. I own a 2001 XLC. Will never part with it. I own a RK as well, so best of both worlds! Love your vids! Keep 'em coming!!

[@targa1659]

Looks and sounds great!! I really enjoy your reviews Matt. I want a 48 but at 6’1, they feel a bit small for me.

[@mauroarrambide9089]

I see guys 6’4” and I pride them all the time

[@joshskidmore2471]

@@mauroarrambide9089 im 6'2 and have a super custom 48. i also have this stage 4 screaming eagle kit and my bike is a dream to ride. just stick extra forwards on and some 12" ape hangers and its bad ass!

[@nickferdinande1646]

I know a guy who took his 48 from Detroit to Yellowstone and back. According to him it wasn't nearly as bad as he thought it was gonna be.

[@johnboss3562]

This bike is an awesome commute bike.

[@spideliciousx9822]

Nice little bike, great look, awesome sound. Thanks for the vid Matt 👍

[@atcjoe1600]

In 1999 the hammer kit and the CNC heads didn’t exist,so my 1998 sportster has Buell lightning heads. It runs pretty good,but not at the level of the current Hi-Po parts.

[@chrisphilhower6029]

The V&H pipes sound mean. You should try the FireBrand Loose Cannon. Have a pair of chrome on my 18 XL1200C. Look Great. People love the way they sound.

[@Leon-ws9wh]

how good are your videos brother, the level of detail and profecionalizmo that you put is excellent I congratulate you a thousand time and a thousand more time bro

[@ichalmeong7071]

more Forty-Eight video plss

[@Godlobber]

I love and miss my 48, I will probably pick one up again just to build it out.

[@Alexgvigo]

I agree on the 10 for “heart and soul” ... one of the few left that deserves such a score ...too bad this bike is going to go away next year I bet !...

[@jonnymac8925]

No way! The sporty has been around since 1957, if they got rid of that now they would be getting rid of one of their best selling models. That would be suicide by HD hahaha buttttt, if they did do that it would spike the value of the sportster models prior to ending production!

[@mereanochheart7050]

Sportster is the last "real" HD. Imo if you are buying s Harley davidson it's because you want to ride an antique motorcycle. The new bikes Harley builds are so far behind the competition it's a joke. Theres no reason to own one. The sporty though is true to its roots which is why people ride harleys anyway.

[@drainmonkeys385]

Honestly... the 48 looks the best out of all of the bikes.. I know it’s top of the bottom wrung.. but they just look so cool

[@MattLaidlaw]

They are good looking bikes.

[@scottwilloughby3840]

Nice sounding looking bike mead a saddle that you don’t get blown off of

[@ginolopresti2997]

Hammer performance all the way..

[@ronaldswafford4724]

I have Rinehart mufflers and ordered a larger gas tank. Two tone twisted cherry.

[@nauticalpixel]

Love my Sportster. But I got the Iron 1200, no peanut tank I normally get about 100-120 miles out of a tank. I avoided the 48 because of the small gas tank. Probably will do a stage 4 eventually. Got a list of things I want to do with my Sportster. Even just the stage one it really wakes the bike up.

[@thomasangelo4219]

Sounds really strong engine always love a Sportster great simple motorcycle thanks for the video take care Matt

[@tetlow2]

That little bastard looks fun as hell. How was it I'm tall too and I've never ridden a sporty were you comfortable on it. I bet it's a blast in the city.

[@MattLaidlaw]

No, I'm too tall for it as well. It was still fun but I probably look really awkward on it.

[@tetlow2]

Ya I thought so I sat on one once and it seemed too little. I ride a 2010 street bob with forwards on it. And I'll tell ya man that thing was made for me. It's comfortable as shit with the stock bars and seat and handles great. Thanks for the reply and all the awesome content.

[@petterin1]

An awesome Vlog and awesome 48 with that St. IV.

[@Cool_Rider25]

i am a great fan of harley, and i am looking forward to get one of those sportsters after a long wait. I've heard your opinion on this one, and everything, you are really a good, practical reviewer, thanks for such a good review. One of the most important modification which i want to do for my bike is also the stage 4 1200-1200kit, and the exhaust system with the air filter since i've seen your video , in which you've explained about it , which is rarity in youtube to find such an explanation, which is honestly i've been waiting for to see. I have two doubts: 1) How do you feel about the stage 4 kit, because as a person for me to come from a sports bike , would i feel bad about the acceleration or power of this bike and so do i need to change to engine to stage 4 apart from the exhaust and air filter 2) why does everyone commonly use the vance and hines in their harley's as a gold standard, does vance and hines give you better performance when compared to the Screamin eagle exhaust . I need your guidance on this one matt, thanks.

[@GixxerFoo]

The valve train is noisy with that kit, must be a hell of a ramp on those cams.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yup.

[@bobfreed9825]

Check out the pipes from RB Racing. I built up (yeah way too much $$$) '20 Roadster. I use it to hunt sport-bike "non" riders in the CA Gold Country twisties. Just have a Stage 4 kit with RB Racing 2-1 black ceramic pipe. Other pref mods are Progressive 444 shocks and I raised the forks (lowered the bike) 1/2" in the triple clamps to steepen the steering head angle. The engine makes just over 80 Ft lbs of torque for 2300 RPM. Only other mods are Lucky Dave Seat and motocross style bars. 3rd & 4th gear thru the twisties? Wouldn't trade it for the world!!!

[@Silenttreatment1975]

Sounds AMAZING bro

[@jakebasa1517]

Awesome sound and awesome bike!

[@lorebra73]

What brand and model is the handlebar mounted on this forty eight?

[@vincentbeijing6926]

This bike seems so much fun, tons of character! Getting the best of this soon disappeared Evo engine is very tempting, the new 2020 engines will certainly be better in every way but the raw character of the Evo will not remain. The main shortcomings of this kit are linked to financials (each one’s decision in the end), and the limits of the 48 chassis. I’d be interested to see this kit tested on a Roadster, could the extra power associated with better suspension and brakes make it a more valuable proposition?

[@rickdafrog]

You should be able to push those revs more. Make that second gear scream!

[@taps_1021]

I have been looking for a small bike to rip around town . I did test ride the iron 1200 . Gonna try the new indian 1200 ftr to compare.

[@hollywood191]

I was told by the service guy at HD that vance and hines shortshots won't work with my 2019 forty eight sportster 1200

[@gtsteele6219]

Love to see these mods done on a Roadster.

[@paulroberts3550]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIutnGuJfdihlac this was my roadster, bobbed out and stage 4. The hp chart in Matts vid is a conservative by harley, probably to please the strict laws in usa. but with freedom pipes and a custom tune mine was 97hp and 86 tq. generally the stage 4 gives a claimed 40% power increase.

[@gtsteele6219]

@@paulroberts3550 Very cool bike. Keeps all the good stuff and fixes the bad!

[@MrLewisTan]

My 17 sportster has clip on bars and mid controls. Looks awesome but hitting a crack or a hole on the highway is brutal. Plus it has the stock 48 seat so theres no butt bump to keep me in place. Still love the damn thing tho

[@turdferguson4007]

I’ve never had a problem with my Nightster on the highway… Then again I’ve never been crazy enough to spend 20 to 40 thousand dollars on a motorcycle

[@junok2007]

Bike sounds so good

[@georgecostanza2695]

You're right, the stage 4 is pricey; don't mean to be cuttin' your HD grass but you'd be doing anyone looking to get (a lot) more power out of their Sportster a disservice if you don't refer them to Hammer Performance. I love my Sportster, I've got a $20k in it (including price of brand new bike), and I jumped in with both eyes open. I could have gotten a Softail, but I'm 5'7" 145lbs and after riding sport bikes for 30 years, having a bike that feels like it was tailor made for my size is a revelation... so I built my perfect Sportster.

[@kevinkrekels9780]

Very cool bike Great video Matt!!

[@stevedingman3753]

Looks like fun to me !!!

[@lockout6896]

Needs to upgrade brakes with all that added power right. Needs better suspension

[@robertyoung5678]

Great video !! I was surprised that a SE Stage 4 kit on this sporty numbers are not very high !!! The victory octane an some indiana scoots have those numbers stock !!🤔

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea, it’s called water cooling with an over square engine. Say bye to all the character. 👋🏻

[@paulroberts3550]

those numbers are not real, think its harley being consevative for usa laws, I did a stage 4 on a roadster a few years ago and used freedom pipes (v&h short shots are good for noise, but thats it, they make no power) Mine made 97 hp and 86 tq with a good tune. and being aussie we have 98 octane which helps a little too. This is more real figures, and yes, I have all the dyno sheets to back this up.

[@drsparwaga]

@@paulroberts3550 Yup. HDs figures are just with mufflers, and their tuner. If you added a 2-to-1 and used a different tuner, it will hit 100 (or in your case close to it). Then you get the power and have the HD character. Nothing out there will beat it.

[@raymondgarafano8604]

DAMN, those pipes sound Good!

[@robshepherd3263]

I love it. Very sweet ride

[@alexandrareyes8160]

Omg that is my man at the beginning of the video haha.

[@felipeiturra1459]

Do you the number stock vs stage 4 ??

[@luisrivas34]

Please, coul you tell me someone what kind of handlebar is??? I need the same on my 48, just I love the look with this more comfortable handlebar.

[@bobhartman2571]

Very nice..

[@markhenry192]

I wonder what a stage 4 does to the engine long term? Cannot imagine it is too good. Stage 1 is enough in the real world. Thanks

[@sofaking1102]

SE stage 4s are a bit more conservative than other performance mods. The engine will run a little hotter but long term reliability difference is negligible.

[@TheCriPPledMew]

Love tht jacket man

[@pistolpete6321]

Great video and spot on advice!

[@FXDLS-ot1wq]

Super sick!!!

[@dshevack1]

Hi Matt as always great video and as I am a lover of the Iron could you please provided me the information of the Handel bar set up part numbers. I know your a tall guy but what did you think of the bar set up?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Are you referring to the bar setup on this particular bike the forty-Eight? or something you saw on an Iron? I like these bars. They look good and they have a slightly higher rise than stock which is always good for me. I don't think you can go wrong with these.

[@dshevack1]

On this 48 would like to know if it would work on my 2009 Iron

[@dshevack1]

Matt Laidlaw yes I am referring to the 48 but would like to know if it would fit on my 2009 Iron. Looking for make and model of the bars and if they have risers.

[@newyorkhardcore3353]

Want to think my Triumph sounds that good. But when the exhaust goes through a x-pipe it’s cuts the sound down. Trading next year on a 48

[@mogulbets]

Why don't you guys just add a bigger tank, problem solved seen a few with the big flat tank on the 48.

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

everyone will hate on me but i like the stock power of the sportster 883 and 1200 ...there is a '51 mercury on two wheels vibes to it.

[@charlieryan1736]

This bike sounds amazing 🇺🇸👌

[@sandeepd2939]

Hey brother! Any tips to move the seat forward on a forty eight? I am short and its very uncomfortable to ride. I badly want to move the seat a little be forward.

[@jman6090]

Question for all you sportster buffs. Does anyone know the difference in gearbox between the 883 and 1200? Is the only real difference top end? I'm thinking of putting the 1250 kit on my 883 but don't know if I should be replacing the crank and rods too? Any help is appreciated 🙏

[@leeperry1629]

Hey Matt what does a stage 2 or 4 kit do to the fuel consumption? Miles per tank versus stock. It’s already a tiny tank Great reviews 👍🏼

[@johnowen5708]

Does anyone know the product number on the jacket he's wearing.....I've been looking for it for awhile

[@christopheravery5808]

I have a nightster and ride with a club, and you're right. The sportster is a greay bike around town, and a stage 1 will out accelerate a bagger, but it has no top end and is very uncomfortable above 80mph. With the 3.3 gallon tank I have to fill up every 80-100 miles TOPS. I do a lot of riding above 50mph and it's time for me to at the very least get a softail, but most likely a new bagger. It js a good bike for a beginner, and a great bike fir someone who might not be able to afford a $15,000 price tag. I got mine used for $800 down, only had 8,100 miles, and my payments are only $187 per month, so it's very affordable. Also, at the time I had a 595 credit score and Harley Davidson still got me approved. All in all ive been happy with my expierence and Harley Davidson now has a loyal customer.

[@maxgiii_beach_street_photo7161]

Hi Matt, yes increase the horses, but the torque is not stable as in stock. Is it correct?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Stable? No, the torque is just fine. It’s greater in all areas of the RPM range

[@emac417]

Awesome 👏👍

[@jeipiseventwentyone]

I Love that bike!!

[@marvinsagum2928]

Hello Matt I am 5' 8" 90kgs. After sitting I am torned between iron 883 and hd48. Which do you recommend as both bikes are awesome.

[@edkorn9691]

Who is the maker of the seat

[@romanditgen8144]

Nice

[@DJRTP]

I love my 2021 sportster however, I wouldn't necessarily drop 5,000 into it in order to gain such little hp . My GSXR1000 is 170hp stock.

[@CordellGary]

These numbers are suspect to me, I have a 2017 48 and with the stage 1 kit, (Heavy breath, tuner, exhaust), I dynoed out at 85/85. His numbers should be much higher with all 4 stages.

[@davemaxx200]

Cordell Gary I agree wiv what you say , mine is stage oned and from what i can see and hear, engin noise ,revs and speedo, all noise and no poke, (and even Matt has the appearance that hes just stole it lamo), i fancy mine would leave it for dust, its as sweet as a nut right through all the gears up to a 100 mph and never needs to break past 4000 revs . I think Matt has shown a stock stage 4 graph, so it would have been done with SE street cannon pipes with baffles and balance pipe, the V&H pipes running as straight throughs (no baffles) wont produce any torque and coupled with a 58mm throttle body, its been discussed on so many forums that its far too big for that motor running on gasoline (95 ron petrol), so a two into one pipe and standard throttle would be better, the UK dealership are asking nearly five grand to do the conversion. lol, Chain conversions and swapping sprockets for different gear ratios would be cheaper and better fun..

[@mopar21]

The exhaust is robbing this build of power.

[@eugenealexander8745]

How much does the MPG change with the stage 4? I have a 2019 48 special, love the bike so I put on a 3.3 gal peanut tank for more miles, thinking about a stage 4 but will I be going backwards?

[@kennethreynolds8]

Hi Matt, cool scooter for sure. Thanks for keeping it real man. I'm probably going to put my grandson on a sporty next year to commute to school when he gets his license.

[@alainsilva396]

Hello Matt, what is the stage IV kit for Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster 2008?

[@craigpennington1251]

Price is outrageous for only roughly 22 H.P and a few more lbs. in torque. The returns is just not justifiable for the money. That kind of money, you should be at least 97 or higher ih horses.

[@drsparwaga]

You are at those figures, if you use a 2 into 1, and a decent tune. HD just gives you their figures with a muffler and their tune.

[@ichalmeong7071]

could you please compare the sound of stage 4 vs normal ?

[@helierevincent8031]

nice video, what is the mark of this handlebar?

[@groot724]

Is this a good beginner bike for someone with no experience??