Howdy all, we are looking at getting my wife a 1200C. Looking at older models, 2007-2011. I know the current ones 2011-2012 have a bigger tire up front which is what my wife likes. Is it difficult to put a bigger tire on the older ones? I would think not, just replace wheel, tire, and fender. Appreciate any input. Thanks.

 

You can probably go as wide as a 110 with a stock narrow-glide setup. Anything bigger would probably rub the fender or hit the fork sliders.

If I'm not mistaken, the newer Customs come with a mid-glide front end from the moco.

 

Yes they do. You will need mid glide or front glide trees, or you can grind on the forks like outlined in a writeup byMReed.

 

Wouldn't it be cheaper to start with a used 48, add a bigger tank, etc?

 

You can go with the 19" tire which is more rubber, but overall size is the same. Just need a new wheel, fender is not a problem. And you will love this. I bet cHarley will chime in here, he can speak to this from personal experience. He made the change from 21" to 19" after the first time I dusted him on the Dragon, and I think he would still tell you that is the BEST modification made to his bike.

If he doesn't register in here, just send him a private msg.

 

Depends. If buying new, then yes, absolutely. If buying used, possibly, probably not. Forty Eights are holding their used price a little more than Nightsters and Customs. Just for comparison, I bought our 2007 Nightster for $5,800 a year ago, with less than 2,800 miles and about $1500 in add ons. Sold some of the add ons and have around $5200 in the bike now. I have yet to see another deal like that, but do see Nightsers for around the $7K range used... not run across a Forty Eight for that price yet.

 

Thanks all. We'll see what we end up with. Going to look at an '08 1200C tomorrow. See if the wife likes it and I don't see any issues with it.