Looking at either the 48 or nightster. Have also contemplated getting the iron and punching it out, but I think I would rather just have a 1200. What is everyone thoughts that have ridden them all? Coming off a 99 1200xl and looking for something fuel injected and a little more comfy for longer highway rides.

 

Most recent Sportster models have short forks and rear shocks, so purely in terms of suspension comfort, you may find them little better than your XL! A common subject in here is improving ride comfort. The rubber mounts are certainly a much nicer bike to ride IMHO, but budget for some extras to make life comfortable on those longer rides!

 

All 3 come with 11" shocks and ornamental seats. I have owned an 09 Nightster, have a 13 custom and bought wife an 11 Iron. My solution has been to install 12.5" progressive shocks, 412 and now 430s, and Mustang wide seats. The difference is dramatic. I had a Switchback in between my Nightster and custom, I feel that my altered sportsters were as comfortable as the switchback, which is to say comfortable. Love the looks of the 48, but the tiny tank and clamshell position it puts you in. The iron' s gearing makes it sound and feel high strung if you get on the interstate compared to the 1200, but it sure looks good and with mid controls and riding position easier to ride in the twisties compared to my custom imo. The Nightster gives you the mids, 1200, best looking tank, but grey engine that is easy to discolor. 07-09 have poorly housed fuses and solenoids that are easily corroded, need to be cleaned and greased regularly.

 

Really hate they did a gray engine on the nightster.

 

That's the fun part...tearing it apart and making it yours. Motor can be blacked-out...along with other parts. I wouldn't let this hold you back.

 

I put mid-controls off of a 2014 Iron on my 2014 48. More comfortable for me with more control of the bike. So don't let the forward controls be a put off.

 

Love my 48....but they're right...especially for lighter riders like me the ride can get pretty harsh (I weigh 145). I'm changing my shocks out for some Ohlins ones.

 

A wise choice!

 

This is true and it certainly wouldnt hold me back. Some look a lot lighter gray then others and some look like a dark gun metal gray. Maybe just because of color schemes, but the dark gun metal gray ive seen with the black bikes is killer!

 

I've toured on both the 883 and 1200 EFI bikes and the 1200 gearing is much better on the slab. So much so that I don't click into 5th gear until 70 mph.

2.2 gal tank is nothing more than for bar hopping. I like the range the 4.5 gal tank offers.

Shocks, springs and a seat is a must.