You're Gonna Need Advil | Harley Sportster 48 Test Ride and Review

[@esr243]

This is a quality review. I agree the majority of your comments. I have ridden 27,000 km across Europe. While it is not the most comfortable motorcycle, on long beginning rides, you get your arse and shoulders sore. But my ass got used to the seat and it is not as nearly painful as it was. I like its ruggedness and agility, it holds itself well on long sweeping curves and in mountain twisties. Your conclusion is spot on, as I too find it the best looking Harley. I love its purity, power (with a Stage 1 set) and heritage

[@samgonzalez1757]

I have the exact bike. I ride on the highway for about a 30 min commute to work. My ass jumps at every bump going 70 to 80 mph. And my tailbone is sore after every ride. The mufflers are extremely quiet. I installed road shark slip ons. That made a huge difference. The tank is cool for short distance. I put gas in it every day.

[@oldbuzzard76]

Easy fix . Change out the shocks ! There are many to choose from .

[@Ucmpigs]

The fate of the Sporty breaks my heart....My first HD was a 1200 Sporty. The 48 is a fantastic looking bike, but I prefer the Iron and the 72. Especially the 72...I dig the looks of the taller skinny front tire. Especially with old school apes. Great ride and review. I truly hope HD will make a revival Sportster in the future.

[@sab0024]

I had a 48 2020 all black out. Upgraded the exhaust to v&h, z bars, tubed it and change that peanut tank to a 3.3 tank. Loved it for how long I had it. Sold it to get a R1.

[@c1motorcycles]

First, there is a tach. It's digital and you get to it with the top left button. Plus it tells you what gear you are in. Second, I put a Mustang fastback on it and it is definitely an improvement. Granted, I also cycle and after 3 hours on my road bike, the 48 feels like a couch. lol I was actually looking at trading my 21 in for a 22 Low Rider S. Then I realized the cancelation of Sportsters and decided to hold onto it. Besides, with a Stage 1, I'm about 4sec for 0-60. I'll probably give the Low rider another look once the "COVID tax" wears off at dealerships.

[@sportyonetaubert5923]

I love the Sportster too! Have made some long trips on them but it helps to put a bigger seat, windshield and taller bars. The first thing I'd do on that beautiful blue 48 would be to add some 10" or 12" apes, and some nice Rush slip-on pipes to hear what is probably the best sounding motor in motorcycling!

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Harley needs to grow testicles and bring back the 48 how it was. Some rules are meant to be broken

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

The wife & I have the 48 and Iron 883 and love them. As it turns out, these Sportsters have been granted “sought after” status with the release of the Sportster S. The 48 is a really fun bike for town and winding back road riding. The tank is ridiculously anxious for the nearest gas station and as you mention, the ride can be quite raw w/stock suspension. However, the 48 is a mean looking blast. Despite the fat front tire the short nature of it makes the bike super easy to maneuver and flick easily if desired. We upgraded the exhaust and air cleaner which removes what I consider the 48’s only true drawback which is the polite sound. The 48 begs to sound aggressive IMO. Toss on a riser, gel seat, and upgraded suspension and the 48 is complete. Nice review here too 👍🏻

[@jeremeywilson2318]

Im 43 & have had 3 lumbar surgeries. I rode my dads 48 today for a couple hours for the first time. It actually didn’t bother my lower back hardly at all. My 2016 JKU is a far rougher ride 😂 His 48 was surprisingly comfortable but I’m also only 5’7”

[@thomasnichols7809]

I purchased a 'Sundowner' seat for my 2010 '48' . Best seat I ever had!

[@ramblinjay3816]

I got a 17' Forty-Eight, Never really had any issues with back pain on mine lol. Although, i am short and did just order in a saddlemen seat.

[@MotoMango]

Worth it xD It looks so good 😍🤩

[@FreedomRider1982]

very nice around town bike out to the ponds, the rivers and streams etc etc 💯👍

[@Aramis7]

Absolutely love the 48, but at 50yo and doing mostly longish (150 miles+) rides, I think I'll choose an Indian Scout instead. Good review. cheers

[@Hi.Tech.Redneck]

I’ve never ridden a Sporty , but I wouldn’t mind one as a bar hopper .

[@FatBoyBob]

It’s such a fun bike to just look cool on. And I love it for that. And I think you would too for that

[@westonspence2744]

New seat and your good

[@Livestrong00782]

I love the style but can someone please explain the purpose of the 2.1 gallon tank? Just seems like you would be gassing up everyday if not multiple times a day

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

I love the looks of the 48 but the shortcomings are too much for me, suspension and that ornery oil cap. Good video.

[@FatBoyBob]

Interesting. I never noticed the oil cap problem before. I’ve heard about it but never seen it first hand

[@chitterman]

The best bike for a women to start on or to ride in general is the slim. The sporty has such a high seat it is in my is to high for anyone under 5'8" . The slim in my mind is an amazing ride for a noob you should test one of those out if you can I would love to see your thoughts on it

[@FatBoyBob]

Adding it to the list!

[@rugershooter5268]

48 and Iron, probably Roadster too, are low low low.......Yes the Custom, most common out there Sportster, is high, it's also got more lean angle Not sure about Roadster, but 48 has forward controls, a short person would probably prefer the Iron with controls just slightly forward of crotch rocket pegs My wife fits the iron well, plus it's not too heavy, I had a Custom she couldn't flat foot and a Yamaha Stryker she could flat foot but couldn't get it off the kick stand.......A Slim will definitely be heavier, and used the same year will be about $5k more

[@IronBornRider]

Lol “that went right into the cave”

[@cliffbrowning84]

My gf is 5'1" and 100 lbs. Do you think it would still be uncomfortable for her

[@julianheard7496]

little late here, sorry. i’m 5’8 and about 145, scrawny little bastard. Sportsters sit pretty low as is. i can sit down completely flat footed very comfortably with some bend in my knees and clap my hands (i know because i’ve done this) she will probably be on the balls of her feet, but it’s doable. i don’t think it would be a game of her bouncing back and forth trying to balance on her tippy toes. you can always lower them too. if you want something that is not only cheaper but less CCs, look into an Iron 883.

[@chitterman]

I road my sister inlaws she has a 2017 48 ,the bike had 16 miles on it she has not been able to ride it as she is to short, her feet's are to short and go between the peddles. She is 4'8" the seat is to high so she is one footing it at a stop. Well anyway I drove it I hated the oil cap it kept jabbing my leg the bike has great throttle response but horrible suspension you hit a bump at 65 hold on tight

[@chitterman]

I enjoyed the bike in town at 25 to 45 mph no faster. Great intown bike. The oil cap will rub your inner thigh raw. Just be careful not to be low wristed when you hit a bump or it will cause you to throttle up with a vengeance the bike has an attitude for sure horrible ride great power to weight but not for me

[@BNatoAk]

Do you know what the purpose of a stop sign is? 😂

[@gshock3092]

Old guys ride the big bikes. Me i prefer bobber style bikes. I don't need grampas softale