Road test of Harley-DavidsonXL 1200 SPORTSTER Forty Eight 2011 4 tests to choose a ''STYLE'' - Part 1 - H-D Sportster 48

at the start of the new season, the urge to buy a new bike is making itself felt.
Here I am, faced with the question every biker asks himself one day: "I need a new wheel, but what should I get?"

so, after 1 SuperT, 3 TDMs (and a little SM mono, too!) I want to change lines, yes, but which one to go for?
A custom (Harley-Davidson Forty Height), an SM road bike (KTM 990 SM/T), an adventure bike (Yamaha 1200 SuperTénéré) or a big roadster (Yamaha FZ8)?
Come on, I'll fit all these tests into my season and make up my mind at the end of the year.

i'm going to give you these tests in 4 episodes; that way, they won't be so heavy to read, and above all, they'll be more exciting... Plus, it'll keep you busy during those long winter evenings without a motorcycle.

4 tests to choose a "STYLE

by Olivier Quinten
Model: Charlotte Quinten

a custom?

After a quick tour of the products available, buying a custom bike obviously means buying a Harley!
Yes, but which one?
The range is packed with products from the wildest to the most conventional.
After a careful selection process, 2 models remain in the running: the XR1200 I tried out last year, and the Forty-Eight.
My choice is the original Harley style: the new 1200 Forty-Eight.

The bike is very stripped down, in fact, one frame, one engine, 2 wheels and basta.
It's simple, clean and incredibly pretty.
A few details struck me right from the start.
The ingenious concept of the headlights in the rear turn signals, the mirrors mounted below the handlebars and the big front wheel inherited from the Cross-Bones.
The overall sleek styling doesn't detract from the obvious recognition of being in front of a Harley, eyes are immediately drawn to this bike, and I'm amazed at the number of people who naturally come up to me to tell me that my bike is beautiful.
Score one for the Harley.

The 710 mm seat height is an invitation to curl up in the bike.
Legs forward, torso upright and head held high, images of Route 66 begin to flash before the engine is even started.
For Route 66, I quickly realize that one of the aesthetic highlights (the superb fuel tank) only holds 7.5 litres and only allows a range of +- 90 km!
Note: if I'm going to do Route 66, I'll need to bring along an assistance tanker...

motor, then!

The 1202 cm3 snorts with its characteristic HD sound.
The dashboard, or rather the speedometer before my eyes, is unlikely to distract me from the road. The speedometer includes a small digital display offering a choice of time, trip or total mileage.
Another amusing detail is the famous manual cruise control - yes, you read that right, manual! It's a little knob that locks the throttle in its travel. it seems to work, but I've never had the courage to test it.

The bike vibrates nicely (Harley must be the only brand that can make you want to write that) and revs up are quite willing.
Characteristic of the 1200 equipped with the original castor exhausts, the engine is pretty sharp.
Well, sharp for an American engine, meaning that maximum torque is available at 3,200 rpm. A speed that makes you smile when you think of the power curve of an in-line four.
As the big front wheel (MT 90 B 16) would have led me to believe, the bike is very well-balanced, doesn't engage in bends and remains healthy on the corner.
The angle remains very small, however, given the height of the footrests.
At the end of the test, after conscientiously filing down the lugs and starting to attack the rubbers, it felt a little better.
It's Harley's fault too, as the engine is really willing, and the dry but lively handling makes for what I'd call "alert" riding.

However, given the state of the Belgian road network, the short travel of the suspension made me think on several occasions that I'd lost a vertebra or two. The rear suspension is hard on the heels, and the forward foot position doesn't help cushion this lack of suspension.

so, what are the pluses for custom?

The lines, obviously, the mirrors for perfect rear-view vision, a sturdy engine with a proven track record, enormous resale value thanks to a contained starting price (1,095 euros - yes, there are Harleys under 20,000!) and the certainty of joining the Harley club.

and the minuses?

The rear suspension, the range and the lack of desire to damage such a beautiful machine by riding it in all weathers (the last point being entirely subjective!)

to be continued...