Category: HD

So as we have mentioned previously we traded the Softail Slim S in for a new Sportster 48 as a long-term project bike. We got the 2016 Harley-Davidson 48 in the Billet Silver color option. 2016 brought some great changes to the 48 that we were very excited about.

Lets start out with the much needed, in our opinion, suspension upgrade. Harley-Davidson decided to slap on upfront a new set of 49mm forks with cartridge dampening. Those forks coupled with the massive triple clamps and fork brace make for not only a considerable performance hop up but also one mean looking aspect. To compliment the huge handling upgrade in the front Harley also put on a set of their emulsion rear shock with screw adjuster. Now these new rear shocks are a definite upgrade from the old style rear shocks, but between the changes in rear shocks to the change in front suspension I would say the front-end upgrade is more noticeable.

Some aesthetic changes made to the new ’16 48 include, light weight mag wheels replacing the previous spoke setup, a round air cleaner, new paint and graphics, a blacked out exhaust with slotted chrome heat shields, and a ton of other small subtle design changes.

2016 brought some great changes to the 48 that we were very excited about.

So as we know the 48 has what is known as the peanut tank, great looking tank but as you can clearly tell by looking at it, it holds very little fuel, 2.1 gallons to be exact. Now this is no issue for bar hopping or cruising the city, but if you want to use the 48 for a daily commute you are going to be at the gas station quite a bit. For my commute it is every day to be exact. Now I ride a total of 70 miles every day and I am not trying to say anything bad about the fuel consumption here, just trying to make it clear that if you plan on commuting you will be stopping every day or every other day to refuel. Now the only reason I bring it up is that I cannot stand extra steps to my morning routine or especially on my way home. Even something as trivial as stopping for fuel, which takes no time at all when filling a 2-gallon tank, is an extreme annoyance to me. Now I am one of the grumpiest people around so I cant speak for the average person out there, just keep that in mind.

Like previously mentioned, I am not a fan of forward controls. Now unlike the forward floorboards on the Softail, the 48 doesn’t cause me any discomfort but I would still prefer a nice set of mid controls, which is easily changeable. The handlebars are a comfortable fit. The riding position is definitely an aggressive forward one.

All in all we love the new 48, it is a great looking bike right off the showroom floor, but as you know we are making some changes to ours. Will it change it for better or worse? Time will tell and you will be the judge. Stay tuned