I'm sure this dilemma has been covered in the past, but I'll post anyway... Getting back into owning a bike. Never had a Harley, but always wanted one. I love the look and size of the 883 Iron, (I'm 5'7" - 195). Fits me perfectly. Then I started reading the forums, reviews, and you tubes and discovered that everyone recommends the stage one upgrade to improve the power and more importantly the sound. Made sense and easy to hear on You Tube. So I put a deposit at my HD dealer on a black denim Iron 883, with about $1,500 in upgrades, including V&H 3" slash cut slip ons, SE intake and fuel mapping, and some cosmetic stuff. All set to pay for it next week, and schedule the work and pick up date, but I couldn't help reading into this further, and found many for and against the 1200 upgrade and if or when to do it, or going to the 48. I also love the look and size of the 48, but have hear some negatives about the riding position for a shorter person like me (w/shorter arms), and the vibration, the small gas tank, and then there's justifying the higher price. However, it is already a 1200 and it's cool, and all the accessories I ordered can work on the 48, or be changed for 48 versions). So I was hoping that some of you may have had experience with this and could recommend between: Just stick with 883 Iron, get the Iron and have the 1200 upgrade done before delivery, or switch to 48? Thanks.

 

Everyone will have their opinions...but it really comes down to what you like/want.

If I were you I would ride the 48 and the Iron...they do handle and feel a bit different...see which you like better.

If you end up liking the 48 better, and don't like the smaller tank, it is not big deal to swap it out for a larger tank.

If the 883 is not enough power for you down the road, I prefer an 883 upgraded to a 1250 over a factory 1200 anyway...plus it is less expensive.

Most important is for you to do a test ride on each and see which is preferable to you.

 

Honestly I've only rode a 48(1st & only bike) and the only opinion I can offer is this; being I don't have long money, I realized after making my deal that, I could have had a lot more customization options had I gone with the Iron. The initial cost just allows more wiggle room.
I do totally love the feel of my 48 however. My only gripe is my need to do Stage 1. But that's everybody starting out and I don't mind the tank. In the beginning I foolishly thought I would be keeping my bike stock. Imagine that!

 

Thanks Trudger1272, I know I need to do the stage one if I get the 48. It's almost mandatory from everything I'm reading. Plus a better seat, and maybe that larger gas tank. I can't believe how many are griping about the 2.1 gallon tank! But then I'm talking about appx. $3,500 more than I would be spending on the Iron, or $1,500 more than the Iron with the 1200 upgrade. Maybe it will be clearer after the test rides.

 

If you put a kit in 883 it will out run stock 1200 if that helps

 

So for an entirely different 'slant' on the equation,
if you get the 883, it'll be cheaper to insure and you
can always put a 1275 Hammer jug kit on it and
still only pay insurance for an 883...

If you want the 'fat front tire', then you might
indeed consider the 48, otherwise you'll have to
swap out the Iron's narrow glide for a mid glide
if you wanted a fat front tire...

good luck,

T.

 

I got a 2014 883 that is now a 1250 with 560 cams and impact Hammer head work. It is 90 HP and hauls butt and I still pay the cheaper insurance. Yippee.

 

If I were buying a new Harley today I already know what I would do. Buy an 883 Iron and run into town for this:

http://www.hammerperf.com/

 

Yeah I understand. The tank would probably matter more to me if I took longer rides. I do ride daily though and gas stations are always around. I have a seat to install but honestly I haven't been having problems there at all or with the suspension either. (and I have to finish it)
A lot of my concerns were based off of others experiences but once I started logging my own miles, I have found my ride more than capable and comfortable for my needs. I've fallen in love with it's raw characteristics and wouldn't have it any other way.

Test ride. You want know what's for you until you ride them yourself. Still it's good to ask questions and do your homework. There's a lot of knowledge and wisdom here in these forums.
Best of luck!

 

883 Iron has a trail = 4.6"
1200 48 has a trail = 5.7"

therefore, the 883 will have quicker steering than 48
and will handle better in the corners.
Thr 48 will be more stable on the highway when hitting pot holes and rpm will be slightly less than the 883 Iron at 65 mph highway speed.
If you like the fat boy look go for the 48 road bike