SPORTSTER 48 vs IRON 883 REVIEW - Is XL1200X Better Than XL883N?

Here is in depth analysis between the 48 and Iron 883. Watch this video before buying the 2022 Sportster 48 Review! In this review I will compare the 2022 Sportster FortyEight Bobber motorcycle with the 2022 Sportster Iron 883. You may have seen Iron 883 vs 1200 48 but not like this! In this review, I cover if the Sportster 48 is a good beginner bike, how comfortable is it, how does it perform, how does the forty-eight look with a taller rider or shorter rider, and how much skill is required to enjoy the sportster 1200x? Is the sportster 48 a good beginner bike? Do I recommend Sportster 48 as first bike?

00:00 2022 Sportster 48 Review
01:04 Forty-Eight Comfort
04:37 Forty-Eight Performance
09:09 Forty-Eight Style
11:42 Forty-Eight Skillz

#harleydavidson #sportster48 #xl1200x #2022HD

Motorcycle: 2022 Harley Sportster 48 XL1200X @harleydavidson
Sportster Motovlog

[KSMotoCafe]

Thanks for watching this review of the Sportster 48! Hit me up below of thoughts or provide your own input from your experience!

[bill]

To anyone who is used to riding a 500cc Honda Silverwing or any other small cc bike, I'd say that the 883cc EVO will very much impress. That said, I think that the novelty will wear off pretty fast as one gets used to it, especially for anyone who has to hit the highway regularly. My previous bikes were 350cc and 750cc and so I was nervous about jumping all the way up to 1200cc but I'm very glad that I did. You don't have to run it wide open all the time. I really babied mine for a while until I got used to the power delivery and gained some confidence by gradually increasing how much I gave it the beans.

[rexbaumgartner]

I've owned two Softails, the Dynas, three touring HD (Road Kings & Road Glide) and just picked up my second Sportster, a 48! The EVO is bullet proof and will last a lifetime. Such a fun bike!!

[RE-dmjo]

About five days ago I just purchased an iron 883 and I’m 5 2 1/2 short before getting this bike I had only ridden on a bike that was loaned to me in my safety course to get my M1. and I’d have to say that getting slammers and the crash bars be an asset for any new beginners who are short like me I like your contact and your format thank you ride safe👍💯

[siskothekid]

I definitely agree about the tank size regarding frequent stops. I just accepted that it’s all about the nostalgic 1948 look. There’s a video on YouTube of a chap who replaced the 2.1 with a larger, wide tank and it sort of looks cool for a moment till you realize it then loses the whole old school look and becomes a different bike. I keep a few large fuel cans in the shop that I refill every couple weeks and I find that it helps a lot with less station visits.

[almunoz]

Thank you for your awesome review! I recently took the MSF course and I am now in the market for motorcycle. I’m looking at the Irons, the 48s and even Indian Scouts. I’m a short rider (5’4”) and “midlife” in age but I’m finding my interests veering towards a 48. I sat on one last week but found the forward controls a wee bit far. I was informed there are seats available for the 48s that will place me in a more forward position, enough to safely/properly and comfortably control the bike. Again, thank you for your timely review, it is certainly helping me in my decision. Oh! And ride safe! 😁👍🏽

[GreatEgret]

What a great review! I'm really enjoying this series!

Depending on your riding style, that fat 16" front wheel on the 48 compared to the skinny 19" front wheel on the Iron 1200/883 can make a big difference. The 16/130 on the 48 creates more trail compared to the 19/100 on the Iron. More trail means the wheel doesn't dip into the corners as easily. More trail also means more stability. The difference in trail between the two is nearly 18mm. That doesn't sound like a lot, but it is when it comes to trail and how a bike handles. If you like riding in the twisties like I do, the skinnier front wheel on the Iron 1200 or 883 is better. If your rides are less curvy and more on the highway (like Florida, central Illinois, or Saskatchewan), the 48 is better.

[lquidsp]

I love this comparison bc it going into detail about everything you can come across helps so much

[jeffdriggs]

Great info as usual. Right to the meat, no bull. You help out new riders more then I think you know. I’m sure many new buyers are more comfortable in dealerships from your posts, and go in understanding their basic needs from your reviews!
Keep it up!
Ride safe!!

[jennifercuellar]

Another awesome sporty review. The 48 is a great bike but you are right at my small 5'2" stature it was not comfortable stock. Also if I had to choose from the 1200 Sportsters I think the Iron is better looking. Something about the heat shields on the 48 are not pleasing to me. Really sad the Iron 1200 is gone. Also this series has been 🔥 I love watching your reviews and ratings.

[jessekuchinski]

Dude you are the best bike reviewer on youtube and i watch alot of bike reviews. Being im exactly your size now i have a much more clear idea of what to expect. Your passing on the highway comparisom between the 2 engines just solidified my decision to not even bother with an 883. Ive never rode one but the 1200 is nice. So ill stick with a 1200. Thank you

[noidreculse]

Great review my friend. I agree with your opinion on these bikes. My stock 883 scared me every time I tried to pass on a two lane highway, just no burst of speed to get around quickly. I would pick the 1200 for the reasons you mentioned. I would add torque cams and a Stage 2 intake and exhaust system too. It’s styling in pure H-D and the Sportster name is Iconic. It’s a great first bike if you want a Harley. Everything Harley is expensive, I would add that first time riders could most likely find a clean used bike, and save some money. Where I live, Sportsters get traded in on bigger bikes after the owners gain some confidence. I moved up to my Pudgy Bobby 114, stage 2. Keep up the good work. 😎🇺🇸🤙🏻

[chrislaws]

I currently ride a 2022 Harley forty eight, and i LOVE IT. I mean i see these other larger Harleys and i think they LOOK good, but I've tried riding them and it just does NOT feel as good as riding my 48. Now maybe if i was doing a LOT of long distance highway riding, i might feel differently about it and actually WANT a larger street or road glide, but for my local riding and only SOME "longer" distance riding, the 48 is perfect.

[bill]

My '09 Sportster 1200 custom I bought new and it was my first HD bike. It came stock with 21" laced spoke front rim and skinny tire, progressive rear shocks, forward controls, and a 4.5G tank. It was by far the largest cc bike I'd owned and my first with forward controls. I was a little nervous at first but I settled right into it after just a week or two and I have to say that I really like it a lot. The super small 2.1G tank on the 48 would for sure 100% be a deal breaker for me despite the sexy slim appearance of it. I really don't like going to gas stations. I often find myself out on a nice evening run or just out in the country far from anywhere and having that extra gas is greatly appreciated because it allows me to just keep going or to make spur-of-the-moment decisions to go down a road I've never been down without worrying about getting lost and running out of fuel.

[Team_Nacho_Moto]

Man... this helped a ton. My wife wants an Iron 883, and I want a forty-eight. I'm only intending to use this bike for commuting to work (4.5 miles one way), and we're in a position where we can only get one of these bikes this year. We're going to go with the forty-eight first, then get her 883 next year. Thank you for this series and in depth review.

[jasoncory]

Thanks for the review. I'm planning on the 48 being my first bike, but I plan on also switching the stock tank with a nightster tank if I can. I saw it done on some older 48 models to get a 3.1 gallon.

[rossweatherbee]

Good review. You did a great job comparing both bikes pros and cons.

[SPMiller]

Appreciate watching your videos. and you have a good personality. Thank you.

[andrewvickers]

Nice! "The sexy one" for sure. Let's hope it's survived by whatever comes next in the sportster line. Thanks man

[AdobeSFP]

As a 48 owner I totally agree with your thoughts. Very nice review.