I bought a new Sportster 48 earlier this year. With the riding season coming to a close I want to work on it over the winter with some upgrades. Bike is stock at the moment. Pipes are a most definitely a must, probably an air intake as well. I would also like to have a seat that can accommodate a passenger so I can take lady friends for a cruise. I'm new to the bike thing and I need some tips and advice from the seasoned veterans out there on what to do, what not to do, and the like to make this bike ultra bad ***. Anything you guys could recommend or any sources for the aftermarket parts would be much appreciated.

 

You have a great canvas. Search for photos of the bikes, look at all the different permutations...make your list and go from there.

Figuring out the theme/looks that you are after will save you from buying parts that you then stick on the shelve because it was not really what you were after...

For HD stuff New Castle HD or Horny Toad HD gives 20% discounts... Also, don't rule out your local dealer, if you ask, they might match those discounts (not all do, but do ask. I just did that with my local dealer and they matched pricing with what I needed.).

Above all, have fun in the process!!

 

Intake, exhaust, tuner are essential for performance. Seat, shocks, bars for comfort

Here is my 1 year progression -

Stock:


Current:

 

Yeah make sure what you do is what you wanna do. Sounds stupid but Ive got a lot of 1st and 2nd round stuff laying around and sold off cause as it turns out..........wasnt really what I wanted.

1st round


2nd round


3rd round


4th round

 

The fun is just beginning and this forum is a goldmine. Also check out Pinterest, and in the search bar type in harley 48. People take it in all directions, like Wachuko said, try and know a theme if you can as it will save you money and time. Do you ride long distances? Do you need bags? etc....a stage 1 is a hell of a good start. Save images on your computer when you see stuff you like and make a list. Good luck, looking forward to seeing the bike transformation. Don't forget to take pics of your bike stock so you have before and after shots too.

 

Here is link to mine... but nothing like what you mentioned wanting to do...

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...rty-eight.html

Some recommendations:

1. I would recommend going with a tuner from the get go. I have PowerVision and very happy with it. Call the guys at FuelMoto, great bunch of guys. Easy to use, can accommodate any changes you do to the bike...plus you can monitor directly all aspects of the bike in the screen (or put it away if you don't want to do that). Also works as a code reader and for resetting codes.

2. Ask, ask, ask! As many questions as you need to. Best to search for photos of the parts you want, read feedback on changes planned, etc. Do your research, do not buy stuff by impulse. Also check the classified section... you can get good deals on take offs from others (but when doing so, remember that you can get them new for 20% off, so be sure you are getting a deal when buying used, or slightly used).

3. Some Sportster models have parts that you can use on the 48. A good method of finding parts numbers is to use this site: http://www.shopronniesharleydavidson...partfinder.htm

4. You want a passenger setup. Our 48's don't come with passenger mounts nor pegs. You will need to find those mounts used or get the HD Passenger Footpeg Mount Kit-Part Number: 50203-04

5. Passenger will most likely want a backrest... you will need the - HD Docking Hardware Kit Part No. 53529-04 - Even if you do not get the backrest, it does not hurt to have it in place in case there is a need to attach a rack for carrying something... If nothing is mounted, and you want to hide the mounts, they sell covers for them. If that is the case you can order one set of each of these: (1) HD Short Rear Docking Hardware Cover Kit-Black Part No. 48221-10 and (1) HD Large Rear Docking Hardware Cover Kit-Black Part No. 48225-10

6. Grips. Harleys Get-a-Grip are very cool looking, comfortable, and the drop in without having to use any adhesive on them... highly recommended. - HD Get-a-Grip - Part No. 56100008

7. Lights! If you like your current bullet signals then highly recommend the Rear LED signal lights from Custom Dynamics and doing the front with the Dynamic Ringz (LED Driving Lights/Turn Signals) from them as well. You will also need their signal balancer. A quick call to them and they will get you the kit that also includes either clear or smoke lenses (so if you are planning to do smoke lenses... here is some small savings.

8. More on lights... - PIAA Extreme White Plus bulb to replace stock bulb in the headlight. Or save and get the LED headlight from HD (Daymaker LED Headlamp- Part Number 67700145).

9. Seats, a lot of folks here recommend Mustang seats as the have several setups with separate pads for rider and passenger. So if you want a solo look you can remove the passenger seat pad. And they are comfortable. But every as* is different, so test them at bikeweek events before buying...

That is all I have for now... everything else is either cosmetic, or the route I went is different from yours.

 

Please tell me you still have that sissy bar... do you have a photo of the 4th round with the sissy bar? What a sweet looking ride...

 

Welcome to the forum from NW Mississippi! And congrats on the 48! Great bike.

Check out some of the youtube vids in the link in my sig. Lots of bikes in there to get ideas from.

 

Still have it...........used mostly for trips and 2 up though.

 

Thank you... just that I like how the bike looks on this photo:



and would be cool to have one similar with all the new updates and the sissy bar... your bike is one of those that I downloaded all the photos I could find

Anyway... back to normal programming... apologies to the OP for derailing this thread.