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I have the 72 which has the same size tank and the range (90 miles roughly) works for me. Takes about three minutes to fill up. I carry a spare fuel bottle but have never needed it. The 48 is a great looking bike, but the lack of lean angle killed it for me. The Custom or 72 will be better on curves if that's your taste. Test ride is your best option. Stock seat on the 48 and 72 is the worst in my experience so assume you will likely replace it very quickly. Don't hold it against the bike.
I was first looking at the Custom, then I saw the 48 and had to have it.
I do not use a motorcycle to commute, I ride solely for pleasure and I like the tank paint job and looks so much I will collect them as much as I can.
So if you like both it comes down what you are going to use it for.
Loved the look of the 48 but went with the Custom because of my riding needs. Still can't take my eyes off of the 48 when I see one but am very happy with my Custom after a few mods.
I have a 13 custom, wife has an 11 Iron, surprising how different they are to ride considering they have same chasis and power train, well other than cc's. The 48, like the Iron has 11" shocks while the custom has 11 3/4", and it is quite noticeable! I knew I would have to change the bars on the 48, felt like a clam! If had come with the 3.3 tank I would have went with the 48, it is so cool looking. In the end I still had to change the bars on my custom after I got my new seat that Sat me back an inch. I am 6', either way I would have changed seat, bars, shocks! ugh But the tank just seemed like a big deal and would be the most expensive. and I knew it would bug me to no end. Black vs chrome!?
I love my 2016 48. I will probably get a 3 gal tank for longer trips but the peanut drew me in. Love those tanks. My wife goes with me 2 up with my mustang wide seat and she has no complaints either. Get what suits you though.
When im solo...
And 2up...
You can change the look around to what you want in either bike. Just giving you a visual.
for me it was a matter of fitment. at 6'3 and a 34in inseam, the mid controls just didnt work for me so I went with a xl1200c with far forward controls. As some others have stated, its a very personal choice but I can also say I really enjoy not having to stop at every gas station I pass. Larger tank size is definitely a bonus. I also knew I would be doing a lot of 2-up riding
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
