I went from a 2014 48 which I bought new in the summer of 2014 to a 2014 Street Bob which I bought this past spring. I loved the 48 but got tired of stopping so much for gas. And comfort was an issue. I have no regrets. Love the Street Bob. Much more comfortable and no need to stop so much for gas. Go for it!

 

I had the pleasure of riding my friend's 1200 Custom for over 700 miles on a road trip over July 4th. My Switchback was down (still is) for a cam install. My wife also has her own Switchback and the two of us went up to Killington, VT for a few days and used Killington as base camp for our day trips.


My friend's Sportster has a Mustang Wide touring deat, mid mount pegs, windshield, slightly upgraded suspension and some other bits. I found the bike very comfortable and felt modern in a 1950's kind of way. The bike was noticeable lighter than the Switchback but felt more twitchy on the highway. While I liked the Sportster, the Switchback felt like a luxury Cadillac / Acura / Audi / BMW etc compared to a 1962 VW Beetle. If your definition of comfort includes a much higher degree of refinement, yet still having the vibes and pulses at idle of the Dyna, you're in! I think overall "comfort" will be dictated by the hand / *** / foot triangle and what you find comfortable.


While the Sportster is unquestionably cool, the Dyna is going to give a higher level of refinement and solidity. I would guess also that the Dyna will be a better 2 up bike.

 

It's not even close. When I was looking for a Harley, I test rode both back to back. The Dyna was so much more comfortable. They were bone stock 2016 models. Once I upgraded the shocks on my Dyna, it wasn't even comparable to a stock Dyna, much less a stock 48.

The stock SB I test rode against the 48 rode much plusher. It was like a recliner verses a folding chair. The Sporty handled better, but my upgrade Dyna handles way better than the 48. I had trouble getting used to the stock SB mini apes during my test ride so that may of been a issue as far as handling goes.

I'd still like a Sporty to play around on though.

 

first bike I drove from Harley was 48 test bike 2 years ago....then bought sportster 2000, then street bob 2014.....
street bob is like a vacation compared to 48 or sportster.....
you need to get higher apes like I have, your back will be totally straight...you will be rested after a ride not all messed up like after 48 or sportster ride.....
i am so happy with my SB, i will never change it...

 

I just traded in my 14 48 for 16 Street Bob. I had put 8" apes on my 48 earlier this year, and Corbin seat. But it was still not super comfortable. Especially when you would unexpected bumps or something like that..

After riding my stock street bob for about 70 miles yesterday, I know that made good choice.

I am bigger guy 6'1 about 255, I kinda look like a Circus Bear on little bike riding the sporty. But I feel I fit better on the Street Bob.

The 48 was fun at times though..




My 2016 Street Bob




My 2014 Sporty 48

 

I have both an 11 48' and a 16 Lowrider S. The Lowrider is soooooooo much more comfortable than the 48. They are both fun bikes though, and I haven't decided if I am going to part with the 48 or not.

 

i was in the same position in 2013, bought a street bob and the difference is like night and day, much more comfort, the change came into action when i started looking for better seat and better rear shocks, i figured out its time. you won't regret it in my opinion. i still miss my 48 though.