Yes, lean angle and short (harsh) suspension would be a deal breaker on your roads. You can raise it and improve both issues, which some have done although this does alter the look bit.

The Seventy-two has good clearance, but the skinny tire might deflect and fight a lot on a really crappy road surface. Lots of fun to ride though.

Another option in a used Nightster. Basically a 1200 iron. Good clearance and looks.

 

Love Sporties. Had two before my Dyna, and I agree that the Forty Eight is, well...flat gorgeous.

However, if you're now riding a Softail, and you like to ride "less than perfect" roads, a Forty Eight will beat. you. up.

Be sure to take a test ride on the kinds of roads you normally ride.

 

Yeah test ride is good idea. My local dealer rents out 48s for about 90 bucks a day

 

As has been previously mentioned, install a proper suspension (not a slammed useless one) and many of the ills that plague the current Sportster line vanish.

The key to "comfort" is learning how to adapt yourself to the bike, not the other way round. Adapting the bike to you just further compromises and already severely compromised platform.

 

I test drove a new 48 the other day. It was neat in all respects except my legs could not get comfortable on the controls. I am 5'10" tall and my knees were slightly higher than my hips, which at my age makes pain. I don't believe the controls could be lowered without redesigning the exhaust pipes. I did like the cafe racer position and it handled very well, I can see this being an excellent bike for a younger person. I also test rode a new Fat Bob from the Dyna line. Excellent handling and cornering and it was my first time on the newer 103 cubic inch motor. I was amazed how smooth the bike ran at speed - like being in a luxury sedan. However, at the end of the day and all things considered I was glad to be back on my CrossBones. I am going to try to work out with weights some more, so that I can hope to build back the muscle mass I once had.