Have a 97 FLHR, but bought a new 09 Iron 883 as a second bike.
Great for short hops. I did put screamin eagle slip-ons for some sound.

Sat on a 48 and really like it as well.

my question is, should I add some forward controls to the iron and have a mini-48, or trade it before I put more into it, for a 48???.

 

Myself would add the Fwd Controls but is your money .. Making it your call ..

 

I agree. Make a "mini-48." If you need to, you can always punch it out to 1200, too.

 

If you can swing it, trade it. Had a '04 Roadster. Now have a '07 883L. The 883 is a lot of fun, but man, I'd love to be able to get a 1200. Bigger is better, and more is more.

 

Buy a 1250 kit and have blackbike wheels make you a front wheel like the 48 has. The small tank everyone complains about the range anyway,and your 1250 will be faster. You will have about 400-700 in the wheel tire setup and about the same in the 1250 kit. Economy is in the crapper dont dig in for more payments.

 

I love my 48 and would obviously recommend it. People need to get over the size of the tank. It's a bar hopper not a cross country touring bike. I live in San Diego and drive it all over the place but throughout the course of the day I probably go a total of 15 miles. It's perfect for me and I love the way it looks and rides.

I like the Irons a lot but if you can make it work at a reasonable price it's definitely worth it.

 

You can just buy the tank off a "48" and buy some wire wheels. or you cancer the whole front end... HD dealership can sell you any part.

 

Count me in the "trade it" camp. If you can make a good deal, go for it. I would wager that the difference between what you'd have to put up on a trade would be less than what you'd spend on continuing to tweak the Iron.

Advantages are you're getting a 1200, a way cool front end, forwards, equally crappy shocks/forks/seats.

Don't rush into it, take a 48 for a spin and make sure you like it. Walk away, think about it over night and then decide.

Have fun, any time you want help spending your money just give a shout out!

 

I'd would have to look at the numbers/ money to decide.

Iron...an 883. (Punch out to 1200/ add forwards/ spring seat)

48...2.2 gallon tank. (Add bigger tank..maybe)

From your post you seem to want a 48. It's all money so as above trade for it. If the 883 is powerful enough for you add forwards and call it a day. I think you'd be "ahead" at least (at least) $2K that way. As for punching out to a 1200, just be aware of your warranty if that matters.

 

If you want the larger front tire, I'd just go for the trade-in for a 48. The Iron is great but takes some work and mods to convert it to a 48. The 48 has the foward controls, larger engine, etc. Some don't like the stock seat on the 48, but that can be changed out very quickly. The 48 is a great bike but I think everyone is thinking "Why the 2.2 gal tank?"