Hi All,

Don't know about tanks but you get used to forward controls really quick, road a dyna with mids and found them uncomfortable. Nice choice of bike!

If ya don't like the forward controls nor the tank, check out the Nightster. Personally, I wouldn't ride anything without forward controls.
Best advice regarding these issues mate will only be answered when you jump on and test ride them. Good luck with the venture.

Thanks M icKO,
I didn't think that the Nightster was available in Aus. The Aus HD website does not show it for sale.

Mate, there is very little difference between all of the Sportster models............its all cosmetic, I'd encourage you to jump on the one you like and are happy with the looks and than make any little changes to spec it out the way you want!!

M icKo is on the money, if you want a 1200 have a look at the Nightster, however if you like the 16' front wheel and a 1200 buy the 48 and change the tank.................you can do pretty much whatever to these bikes with minimal effort and a few $$$.

Alternatively, hang out till the Sportster 72 (i think thats it) arrives in Aust in June-August this year!

Good luck mate, great bikes and shit loads to do to them!

As above, get what you like/looks better to you then change from there. i have an Iron and found the mid controls hurt my hips and im only 5'6", i prefer my forwards now. I have pipes, s&s air filter and screaming eagle super tuner (non harley tune) and my 883 goes as good as a 1200.

T1

Things like forward controls are all relevant to size. I'm 6'2" and ride a 48, and I'd be screwed if it didn't have forwards on it. But tanks can be changed, controls can be changed. Ride a few different bikes and see what fits. Good luck out there.

I'm a fan of mid controls - coming off jap sports bikes it's more natural feel for me. I've gone the other way to T1 - I've got flat drag bar which I love.

 Thanks for the feedback guys.

I'm interested on what deals you know of regarding these two bikes on the road?

Iron 883 is $14250 RRP

Sportster 48 is $18250 RRP

 

Those prices are the best you will get, bargin on free first service and extras such as pipes and riding gear!
T1

Some really good deals on second hand 48's if you look around. There is a full custom 48, from the 2011 Judgement Day contest for $21,000 in Albury (from the dealer who created it), or some others I've seen for around $14,000.

Ross,

Starting a $14k? - can you post a link. I've been looking at bikes sales and they start at $16k.

It's my opinion that many selling on bikesales are a little ambitious when it comes to selling their second hand bikes.  Sure, many have additional goodies, but a buyer will not be prepared to pay the full price for these.  In addition, I'm sure many extras have no HD warranty, as they were fitted by their owners.

With some of the bikes, by the time you pay transfer fees and rego, they come close to a new bike prices.

HD's aren't immune from depreciation...

Here is a new 48 for $16,625 http://motorcycles-for-sale.com.au/display_listing/18127/2011_HARLEY_DAVIDSON_Sportster_Other.html
But the $14,000 ones have been private sale. The average dealer price I've seen lately is about the $16 mark, with a couple of thousand on the clock, but if you keep an eye on the private sales, you'll find a bargin soon enough.
Or you can buy an ex judegement day one for $21,000.
Good luck

Cheers

do a search on each one of those questions. make sure you have a comfy chair.