hi guys
my friend is looking at buying his first harley and wants to go for a sportster, but he is torn between an 883 and a 48, he loves the look of the 883 but would like the power of 48, so logical thing is go for a nightster but there are few and far between out here.

i have ridden both and i prefer the 48, but i was wondering if any of you guys could shed some light on whats it like owning/riding a 883 vs 48 and vice verse as a daily ride, as i have only ridden a 883 for about half an hour on the motorway and around a small track and ive ridden the 48 around a track only.

so are there any regrets from buying either?

he is also looking at turning which ever bike into a cafe racer, bobber, brat or brat bob.

this will also be his first bike as well.

cheers guys

 

As you are probably aware, you may not get identical bikes to North America, an example being that, like us in the UK, you still get the 883 Roadster, no longer available in NA. If your friend wants a cafe racer that would be the model to start with IMHO! It has better suspension and brakes, for starters.

If he wants to upgrade it to a 1200 he has two H-D options: their 1200 kit, which uses totally stock 1200 components; or there is an SE kit designed to work with 883 heads, that raises CR and includes cams plus a tuner. In addition there are the tuning parts available from the USA, such as the 1250 kits which you can read all about in here.

 

I can give a quick comparison of two bikes in my garage right now.
I just bought a 2013 model 48 and my Daughter has a 2001 XLH883 (carbureted).
Power | 883 nice around town , gearing is lower , little weak on highway.
1200 fun around town , taller gearing , nice on highway.
Fuel range | 883 60mpg 3.2 gallon tank
1200 50mpg 2.1 gallon tank
Handling | 883 with Harley lowering kit , not bad nicer lean angle
1200 harsh , watch for bumps, drag pegs alot
Comfort | can be altered no matter what you choose.
My riding is 80% around town , work and back , 20% long rides out from the city.
I like both bikes , both get the job done , the 48 is more fun when I want to get frisky.
Choose what moves you and there will be less regrets later.
I they still made a roadster for the US , I might have one now.
If they still made the XR1200 , there would be one in my garage right now.
Mick

 

cheers for the help guys, he is deciding to go for the 48 and change the seat as his mod,

thanks for all the help
cheers

 

Had a 2012 48 and now have an 2014 Iron 883. The 883 is a more comfortable bike but in my mind it's tough to get the right sound out of an 883. I've tried various slip ons and have settled with V&H Twin Slash with quiet baffles, high flow air cleaner and the Fuelpak 3.

To me on all my bikes a windshield is a must. Both bikes need aftermarket seats but the stock 48 seat is good for like a 20 minute ride. I put in 2 inch handlebar risers on the 48 cause the riding position on longer rides with the forward controls was just too uncomfortable.

Both bikes stage 1 equipped have plenty of go on secondary roads but the 883 with it's lower gearing has the rpm's up more on the highway. The 883 consistently gets 48mpg on secondary roads. Can't remember what the 48 got. Fuel light on the 48 comes on way quick so for almost every ride out I would top off the gas. If I remember right the light came on at 58 miles. On the Iron it comes on at 92 miles.

I prefer the Iron 883 over the 48 but that's just me.

 

For the money, your bud made a good choice with the 48...buying 883 & adding kit pretty much brings both bikes to equal co$t. Can't go wrong w/either bike as both work well for short-tripp'n, but can be modded for longer hauls. Congrats to your friend & ride-on!