Two New Harleys: Forty-Eight Special & Iron 1200 Sportster

A few weeks ago, some of the locally-owned Harley dealerships located in Calgary provided the opportunity to take a "behind behind the scene tour" of their facility to curious customers. I've never needed an excuse to make it there to see the latest models and, given that Calgary was still by "Father Winter's" cold grip, I grabbed the chance.

My son, who is 13 years old and I had a blast looking at the showroom's collection of Milwaukee accessories in the showroom as well as the service and parts department, and the dyno area as well. The staff was able to show us some amazing projects they were working on using the brand new Fat Bob and Road Glide 114 bikes. Trask engineered turbo-charged Milwaukee 8 engines, carbon fiber rims Ohlins front suspension, and talk of 300 horsepower Hogs were highlights for me, along with The Snow Rod.

We concluded our tour with a visit to the owner's Harley Group Lounge. The room is cozy and decorated with a taxidermied boar head with chairs, tables and a pool table TV , and wet bar. The staff gave every person who took part in the tour with a free HD T-shirt which I'm not sure my son has worn since. They were warm, welcoming and there was no pressure to purchase anything during the entire time. The company simply wanted to get bikers from the cold to commemorate the 115th season of Harley Davidson and the twowheelsed machines we have a an affection for.

The Harley Davidson Club

I've realized for a while that Harley offers a lot of attention to people who like to butter their bread. However, this ride made it clear to me again. What's the difference on the Harley? It's the design and style of these bikes that create the most brand trust, but it's as well the exclusive treatment offered to owners by dealers. They're doing it right and much better than other motorcycle manufacturer in the market, with BMW being a close second by virtue of its MOA (Motorrad Owner's Club).

A connection with the brand is acceptance into a wider circle of instant acquaintances in a sense. Harley is a part of that, encouraging it frequently by releasing new models that reflect the needs of customers already own to increase the sale of second-hand bikes, rather than attract new blood.

It's evident when studying the two most recent Sportsters for the year 2018: the Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special. They're not new models in the sense that they're older models sporting a new appearance.

The Two New Sportsters

I had my eyes for the brand new Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special on the tour I was disappointed to find they were in transit and only 2 weeks away. I did get to spend a few hours with the other sporters such as those of the Iron 883 and the 115th Forty-Eight anniversary instead.

The first picture in this article is of the unique artwork that is on the Forty Eight Anniversary tank, which I'm an avid fan of. I love the style and the history of Harley Davidson Anniversary bikes. They are known for their motorcycle style. are best at if I'm sincere and that's precisely the reason why the two new Sportsters focus on specifically: throwback styling.

2018 Iron 1200 Sportster

The Good Stuff

Iron 1200 Iron 1200 is a retro design Iron 883 Sportster with larger displacement, stylishly blacked out engine, exhaust, and the majority of body components apart from a few parts like forks and pushrod tubes. The bars are miniature Apes that rise 8.75 inches high , and set back to allow for the most comfortable riding in a comfortable position.

The 70s-inspired designs of The Iron 1200 tank are cool look and are a perfect match for the trend that has been growing among manufacturers in these past couple of years to create nostalgic motorcycles , like the more modern version of Kawasaki Z900RS and Honda CB1100. There's a niche market that you can profit from to be certain.

Iron 1200 Iron 1200 is available in three colors: Vivid Black, Twisted Cherry along with Billiard White.

Harley claims to have a torque boost by 36% when using the 1202cc air-cooled Evolution engine over Iron 883. Also, both the Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special give you 73 ft lbs of torque to enjoy. A 547lb motorbike that is sure to put a smile your face with no doubt.

The seat's ultra-low elevation at 25.7 inches is ideal and extremely comfortable for smaller riders. It also has a frame's narrow width.

This belt drive mechanism is an advantage for me because I hate the effort of lubricating and adjusting chains, and the mess that results from it.

I love looking for tiny details on Harley's motorcycles and the Iron is full of examples such as the small flyscreen windshield, the rubber boot chrome protectors on forks, diamond-patterned stitching on the seat that is solo and the shield and bar logos and stamps.

Security and ABS system are as standard with this model. ABS and a security system are standard on the Iron and Forty-Eight Special, however, there are no other options since these are basic urban riding bikes.

There's nothing wrong with simplicity , and most people appreciate simple style. I'm not one of them. I prefer having bells and whistles on a bike with a clean design such as this, but I prefer them to be kept out of the public eye as much as is possible. You are able to decide not to utilize the technology and features of a bike, but I would like to have it but not having it bothers me.

I'm not a big fan of the pegs on the feet on a lot of Sportster bikes, like Iron 1200. Iron 1200. I like my feet to be closer to the front and for no reason I don't get the insistance that Harley designers to keep the pegs mid-mounted on this model. I thought that the idea behind the two bikes was to spare owners the expense and hassle of making the same modifications that everyone makes to Sportsters? I'm sure they're aware that the forward controls that are present for their bike, aren't they? Quick question, did you check the bikeshalt blog for more in-depth information?

MSRP for the new Iron 1200 starts at $9,999.

2018 Forty-Eight Special

The Forty-Eight Special is quite similar to the Iron 1200. The same engine, weight transmission, and belt drive. Gas tank size is much smaller, but does feature retro-style graphics and paint. There is a seat for a solo passenger too, however, the stitching is less obvious as it is a band of bars running across the length instead of a diamond-shaped pattern.

They have put the Footpegs further forward in the 48 Special thankfully, giving the rider a more comfortable riding position. Do you believe that HD heard me complaining and took note?

On the 48, there is a seat one inch higher, and it has handlebars (7.25 inches of rise) is a bit less than on Iron 1200. Iron 1200.

48 Special prices start at $11,299. Do the additional chrome, forks and rubber really make a difference of $2000?

Beyond that, there's little to talk about the difference. They are siblings of the Sportster family, and Harley has sold a lot of them throughout the lifetime of the range. This means they are aware of what they're doing with the two new models, but they've not been able to woo me in the least, unfortunately. I like to use the Softail and Touring range significantly for my riding requirements. They have more to offer riders like me.

I'm guessing that those who are people who love the Sportster line will appreciate these two a lot but.

A Good Beginner Bike?

Yes it is true to a certain extent. I believe that it is true that the Sportsters are all excellent riding bikes for beginners, however the latest 1200 models are loaded with plenty of torque that you should be aware of when you're a novice rider. The 883 is likely to be the best option initially, but for those who are confident and confident, I think you'll have fun as a Harley Davidson owner.