48 vs. Nightster
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 22
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From: Phoenix
48 vs. Nightster
My 2010 883 Iron was considered totaled by my insurence company. Because I had gap insurence I am in the market for a new bike. I saw 2 at the dealer today. A 2008 Nightster with 13,500mi for $8k with Samson exhaust, forward controls and some other cosmetic stuff or a 2012 48 with 3,700mi for 10k it has custom exhaust, ape handlebars wille g skull collection. Both a black and orange. I am really torn. Any ideas and opinions would be helpful.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 218
Likes: 1
From: WI
48 owners will say 48 nightster owners will say nightster.
All your preference. 48 is a bit more indusrial looking like the iron. nightster tank hold 1 more gallon to fuel so you can enjoy riding a little further like the iron.
I think both are killer looking bikes I have a nightster so I say nightster. I guess I'm one of the few that like the two tone motor. It stands out more because of it instead of blending in to the rest of the bike. I see it as a focal point of any motorcycle.
All your preference. 48 is a bit more indusrial looking like the iron. nightster tank hold 1 more gallon to fuel so you can enjoy riding a little further like the iron.
I think both are killer looking bikes I have a nightster so I say nightster. I guess I'm one of the few that like the two tone motor. It stands out more because of it instead of blending in to the rest of the bike. I see it as a focal point of any motorcycle.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 755
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
I think that both of those prices are too high. If you are thinking of spending $10k, then buy new. MSRP on a 48 is $10,599. Or, get another Iron at $7,999.
Get your own exhaust, etc. down the road. Make the bike yours.
Get your own exhaust, etc. down the road. Make the bike yours.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 218
Likes: 1
From: WI
^ agreed I got my 08 nightster last year with 2,500 miles on it for $7,000 and it had $2,000 worth of acceories on it
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: Denver
That Nightster is way overpriced. I paid $6995 for my 2008 from a dealer. 2400 miles. And I consider that an average deal based one what I've seen others paying on here. I think the 48 is the better deal of the two and the price seems average based on what I was seeing when I was shopping for a Nightster/48.
If the Nightster has forward controls then the basic differences are tank size/style and the 48 has a mid-glide front end and wide front tire (which I personally like). The 48s, all being newer, also do not have a fender mounted ECU like the 07-09 Nightster do. I think that's a positive. Everything else is really cosmetic and/or easily changed, and it sounds like a lot of the pieces that make them different have already been changed on both bikes.
If they were both priced right then it'd be a matter of personal preference. But since this Nightster is way overpriced you should get the 48 or keep shopping.
In your situation, I'd get a brand new Iron and do a 1250 kit with the money you saved. I really like the looks of the Iron of the three. I used to dislike the alloy wheels but they are starting to grow on me.
If the Nightster has forward controls then the basic differences are tank size/style and the 48 has a mid-glide front end and wide front tire (which I personally like). The 48s, all being newer, also do not have a fender mounted ECU like the 07-09 Nightster do. I think that's a positive. Everything else is really cosmetic and/or easily changed, and it sounds like a lot of the pieces that make them different have already been changed on both bikes.
If they were both priced right then it'd be a matter of personal preference. But since this Nightster is way overpriced you should get the 48 or keep shopping.
In your situation, I'd get a brand new Iron and do a 1250 kit with the money you saved. I really like the looks of the Iron of the three. I used to dislike the alloy wheels but they are starting to grow on me.
Last edited by jdub099; Jun 20, 2013 at 08:34 AM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 521
From: USA
I'd keep looking for other bikes to choose.
All valid points in above posts....so keep looking.
All valid points in above posts....so keep looking.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,337
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From: Phoenix, AZ
I have to agree the 08 Nightster with 13,500 miles selling for $8,000.00 is Way Over Priced! If my only 2 choices were those two I would go with the 48 hands down but for only $500 more I would get the 2013 48 instead and fix it up my own way..
