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They're all sportsters, just different models within the sportster family. The 1200 refers to the engine size. There are also 883 sportsters. Stay away from them.
The 1200C for example is the sportster custom, the 1200X is the 48, and so on. You'll also notice they have XL in front of them, as in XL1200C. That's just the Harley product code.
All are basically the same bike, just different motor sizes, tanks, handle bars, peg positions and wheels.
The best thing is to decide what look you like (ie: bagger, chopper, sport style) and buy the model that closest resembles what you want, then the moding can begin to truly make it your own.
There is nothing wrong with a 883, I chose a 1200 because I saw that lots of people with 883 eventually want to upgrade to 1200 or more so I figured it was easier to just get the 1200 right off the bat, there are advantages though to starting with an 883 and upgrading such as lower insurance rates, lower gearing and the ability to go to 1250 or even 1275 when you do the upgrade.
Many people (myself included) outgrow a Sportster very quickly. My first foray into the Harley World was late 2015 when I bought an ex demo 48 and absolutely loved it. Nevertheless a rite of passage in my household was for the kids to ride pillion. My eldest is now 41 and my youngest 12. It was ok with my youngest daughter being only 9 at the time riding pillion but the elder children also wanted a shot. The Sportster with two up both being nearly 6' tall does not 'cut the mustard.' If the bike is for solo riding they are great Bar Hoppers.
I also hankered after something a bit larger with a little more grunt so traded in the 48 and bought a Softail December of 2016, one of the last 'Twinkies' (twin cam). The Softail was a **** pig in the handling stakes and it took me longer than any other bike to harmonise both my own capabilities and the limits of the bike. Harleys are great 'Warts n all' type machines a 'little agricultural' too. If you expect a silky smooth gear change, no quirks and to tear it up on the twisties over here think again as it may not be the bike for you? Test ride a few would be my advice.
Well part of the problem is the models have changed over time so what was the 1200C a few years ago isn't the exact same bike now. But here is a comparison of the 2019 1200's.
1200C - Custom - Used to have a 21" front wheel but now they have a 16", Used to have forward controls but now they are mid controls, 4.5 gal tank, kinda standard handlebars on a 4" riser with 2" pull back, seat for two. Lots of chrome.
1200 Iron - 19" front wheel, Mid Controls, 3.3 gal tank, buck horn handlebars, small wind deflector on head light, solo seat.
48 - 16" front wheel, forward controls, 2.1 gal tank, standard bars with no risers. Blacked out engine with Chrome heads. Solo Seat
48 Special - 16" front wheel, forward controls, 2.1 gal tank, buck horn bars with no riser, more chrome on engine with black finned cylinders. Solo Seat
Roadster - 19" front wheel, mid controls, upside down performance fork, dual front disk brakes (all others have single disk), 3.3 gal tank, café racer style bars. seat for two. Blacked out engine, gray cylinders, chrome heads. bobbed rear fender.
Since you will end up catching Modicitus (that's modifying illness) as soon as you park it the first time, just grab a 1200 that is solid, taken care of, and isn't embarrassing to drive in its current condition.
You'll end up spending money you never knew you had to change it anyway.
AH, interesting about growing out of a 48 - that is the bke I am most keen on, like the look of it.
That red bike in the second pic is right up my street - love that color. I really want a bike that is unique so probably a used custom bike of a few years old.
Well part of the problem is the models have changed over time so what was the 1200C a few years ago isn't the exact same bike now. But here is a comparison of the 2019 1200's.
1200C - Custom - Used to have a 21" front wheel but now they have a 16", Used to have forward controls but now they are mid controls, 4.5 gal tank, kinda standard handlebars on a 4" riser with 2" pull back, seat for two. Lots of chrome.
1200 Iron - 19" front wheel, Mid Controls, 3.3 gal tank, buck horn handlebars, small wind deflector on head light, solo seat.
48 - 16" front wheel, forward controls, 2.1 gal tank, standard bars with no risers. Blacked out engine with Chrome heads. Solo Seat
48 Special - 16" front wheel, forward controls, 2.1 gal tank, buck horn bars with no riser, more chrome on engine with black finned cylinders. Solo Seat
Roadster - 19" front wheel, mid controls, upside down performance fork, dual front disk brakes (all others have single disk), 3.3 gal tank, café racer style bars. seat for two. Blacked out engine, gray cylinders, chrome heads. bobbed rear fender.
Perfect , thanks.
I noticed one called an Iron.
What's the real world difference between a Sportster and Roadster? Is it that the Roadster just 'handles' better on bends? Which one is more comfy - which is more important to me than speed now?
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