Hi. Wanted some options on me moving from a 2007 fanboy to a 48? I ride local, hwys and state routes. No interstate Trying to way the pros and cons switching to a 48.



This is a 13 48 I'm loving at now.





Here's a pic of my 07 fatboy.

 

I've owned my 48 for about 2 years now and I recently test rode a Fatboy. If I were really going to be doin some major long distance cruising, I would be ok with the Fatboy. But the reality of my life now is that I never get on the interstates and keep to local highways and freeways. A lot of my riding is done in town. Since this 2015, I've gotten my sporty just perfect in the comfort department. I'll average 250 miles a week.

The ONE thing you need to know about the 48 - the suspension is terrible. While it's nice to be on a ride that is more viceral in feeling, you might want to be prepared to do some upgrades that get the 48 to a satisfactory level of comfort for you. I weigh 150 lbs and 5'6. I had to do the following to get my ride juuuust right:
- Corbin seat
- 2inch risers.
- reduced reach foot controls
- wider handlebars
- change front springs
- change rear shocks

This all finally allowed me to ride around town, get on freeways/highways and deal with uneven roads for an extended period of time. I've always loved my 48, but now I love it even more oh and from a power perspective - I'm very happy with my power. I can cruise at 70mph all day and she purrs like a kitten.

Good luck and enjoy the new bike!

 

buy the Custom 1200 and get the 48 but with the benefit of a bigger fuel tank

 

Gonna have to call 2015 the year of dumping big twins. Ive read of more people making the switch this year than any other.

 

I went to a 48 last year but have kept my road king. I haven't been on the road king since I bought the 48 though. I found most of my friends have all gone to big baggers now that they're older, ultra's, street glide's ect... but they also do a lot of 400+ road trips. I did a 400+ trip last week with them and took my 48 and realized I have to keep my road king just in case. lol but if I had to keep just one, it would probably be the 48. my only annoyance with the 48 was I had to keep getting gas every 85 miles (3.3 tank) so I felt I was slowing everyone up. I could keep up fine with the 0-70 entering the highway bursts no problem, and the cruising at 70 on the 48 is fine. I haven't done anything to the shocks or springs, even though I probably should, I just changed the seat.

 

I also went from a BT to a Sportster (back in 2010). I now own a 2014 48. First thing to go was the stock seat. I love the slammed look, but my *** didn't. Also would slide back on the seat when giving it gas. Went to a Mustang Solo Vintage (not wide). Looked big at first, but everyone says it fits the bike (it is narrower by 2" than the wide). You will have to take the seat from me from my cold dead hands...HAH...as with any Harley, you can buy stuff to modify a 48 to suit you. Lots of stuff for Sportsters.

 

Yes, you are correct. I know several guys including myself that have gone from Big twins to Sportsters. That minimalistic skinny look is all the rage right now. I would not be surprised if HD took note and came out with a 103 inch big twin on a dyna chassis with lifted a peanut tank with a narrow glide or mid glide front end.

 

The Fatboy is iconic for sure. But it is looking dated and man, there's too much chrome !

Cafe, Bobber and stripped down street bikes are where it's at - something the sportster has always been able to do very easily.

I've lusted after a 48 since 2010 and finally was able to get one 2 weeks ago. I love it.

Funny though, everyone who is 'non-biker' thinks of a Harley as the Fatboy or other big twin with masses of chrome and tassles. I've found myself having to explain my 48 when they've raised their eyebrow at the mention of a Harley. Whatever !


/Subliminal/ Buy the 48, buy the 48, buy the 48/Subliminal/

 

I bought a 2015 48 and love it! l look forward to riding it everyday. Its just a damn sexy bike!

 

I am not alone! Just sold my Blackline as it had over 25k miles on it. Truth is I really want a Seventy-Two over another soft tail. I work weekends so I really only ride around town. Never going on long hauls. Love the look and skinny bike feel.
For those that made the switch, will I be OK with the power difference? That 103 did get up and go for a Harley.

Dave