Hi, I'm new to the forum - I've just been offered a friends '11 Sportster Forty-Eight 1200X which is as stock at the moment.. I'm keen to get it looking more like the one pictured, but I'm not sure what sort of costs I'm looking at on top of the price of the Bike.. I've done a Cafe Racer custom before on a Yamaha SR400 and used almost entirely parts sourced from Thailand and China and spent about a third of the cost it would have if I'd gotten parts from some of the major suppliers, but I've been advised that if you're going to spend the money on a Harley to begin with... you don't ruin it with cheap parts. I'm in two minds because I'm fairly happy with my SR custom, so:

1. Is there much of a difference in price between Genuine Harley Parts/Accessories

2. Is the difference in quality worth the price?

3. Can I get parts just as good (or better) elsewhere? Does it also just depend on what I want to do?

Even if I can get some advice on sites or suppliers I can go to get started researching/comparing would be great

Thanks

 

 

My only advice is to take the bike if you want it. Either way, if you think of it as a cost effective excercise, you're doing it wrong.

You can get more for your money elsewhere. Stamp collecting, Coins...Gold bullion...

I always wanted a Harley, Its the most I've spent on anything (except my kids) ...

 Thanks for the advice - I know a bike is an excercise in evaporating money, and I'm pretty deadset on getting the bike, but I also want to spend my money in the most effective/smartest way. Because I've not done a custom Harley, I don't know yet what brands/suppliers are for newbies who just throw cash at everything, and what brands/suppliers are genuinely better, or which specialise in certain parts but not others. For example with my SR I made a lot of mistakes early on spending $$ in the wrong places, giving it to people who "saw me coming"... etc

I wouldn't want this to turn into a brand bash or anything, but as an example of the sort of advice I'm looking for: Screamin' Eagle Versus Vance & Hines, or is there a 3rd option just as good with a similar look and sound? (thinking V&H twin Slash slip ons)

There are a heap of good aftermarket stuff to go the 48. Exhaust, grips, bags, custom bling, etc etc... The list goes on. It all depends on how much you want to change and how much you are prepared to spend. Some of the aftermarket stuff is great, some not so good, just check though the review sections, and if you are thinking about a big ticket item, it never hurts to ask on here. Just have Fun with the bike, and don't add up how much money you actually do spend.

Dan, there was a great looking 48 for sale on here a maybe a month or so ago...................bike was in NSW, but looked great and he was struggling to move it!! Search through the for sale ads and you'll find it (provided it hasn't been sold), bike was in the Blue Mountains from memory!

Just bought a 48 myself and love it , especially after owning sports bikes most of my life , my advice is definately shop around and do your research , buying from the Us is cheaper but watch the postage as some postge is a rip off . tons of aftermarket accessories available depends on how deep your pockets are , my advice is dont skimp on accessories price , you mainly get what u pay for these days good luck

search the forums for advice / opinions on items before you buy, chances are there's a bunch of guys who've had what you're thinking of at one stage or another. I've found mentioning the price i can get it from the states, and or ebay is a great way to bargain local suppliers down. Usually you end up paying half way between their original asking price, and what you can get it from the states for. I'm happy to pay a little more, to get it a little earlier, and have a shopfront to return it to if theres a fuck up. Supporting the local shops is a good longterm idea too. Just not at full recommended retail price.

Thanks everyone for the advice - I guess it's just a matter of doing my research and getting familiar with what's out there. I just checked out Roland Sands - There's a heap of great retro-fit style gear on there which I think is the sort of the direction I'm going to head in now

 Hi all, 

 Just wanted to say a quick thank you for such a great forum. I picked up my forty eight yesterday. i have been looking for one for a while and have had alot of questions i wanted answers for. i have found an answer for every question i have had on HD forums .

cheers.

the only complaint I have with my 1200 sportster is the bloody fuel tank way to small but that is going to be fixed with bigger tank

What tank you putting in.