I didn't buy my sportster for comfort I bought it for it's wicked looks if I'm goin long distance I'll take the car

I ride a 48, i don't have any experience on any other Harleys though. the highway is very doable for me, the engine runs at about 3500 rpms at around 70 mph in 5th gear and can still gear down to pass someone, your getting close to the red line at that point but it'll do it easily. it will reach 120 mph, it takes a hot minuet though but it was still pulling a little when i did it (if the wind bothers you at 70mph don't try it). I love this bike, it does everything i need it to except break the sound barrier but i can do without that for now. Love the videos block. : )

I live in the Chicago area and last year me and a group of friends rode to the tail of the dragon and back in 2 days. One of my buddies rode his sportster 1200 with no issues. Hi did switch the tank out to the larger 883 tank so that helped. He also had a clip on windshield. The only issue was..... we all had to carry his bags! 🤣

I drive mine (Iron 883) to work 33 mile commute one way on the expressway here in ATL, no issues here. Also if you dont like the wind hitting you on the highway, you need a full fairing bike or you know just accept the wind on your chest, its the feeling of freedom.

Shorter wheelbase makes for a rougher ride, but she will still out accelerate a car, and there is nothing inherently wrong with spinning the engine a little faster. People are just trained anymore that for the engine to "feel" right at around 2k rpm. Before the 70's and the gas crunch, engines were geared so the were in their powerband at speed. The sportster is still running a transmission based off a 1957 design. Nothing unsafe about the bike running the way it is designed to, just changing tastes. Now I realize I sound very old and crotchety, so get off my lawn ya damn kids!

Loved the clip from Mexico, thx 4 ur visit

I own a 2016 forty-eight and it has more than enough power for the highway. 90mph at ~4,200RPM is the fastest I've gone because at that speed I usually start feeling unsafe with air wobbles, but I've never felt like I needed more power

Had a 1976 iron head 4 speed.....70 mph 4 to 5 grand...went and bought a 2016 dyna wide glide...103 6 speed.....what a difference !!!

Definitely wish I would've found your vids sooner. Bought the Iron 883 two years ago and at the time my short commute consisted of all back roads. Moved to NJ and my longer, highway commute combined with the awful Jersey road quality made riding my Iron a chore. Three more years of payments and I'll upgrade to something bigger.

Definitely have to agree here. I watched all of your Iron videos as well as the highway one and your review here is pretty spot on. My 883 can do 70-75 all day long but the wind wears you down. I'm considering getting a Memphis shade Del Rey wind screen to see if that helps with the wind, otherwise the bike is great. Helmet is a Deadpool HJC IS-17 and it doesn't move around too bad with the wind.

It’s amazing how you rode from Florida to Mexico in a matter of a lunch break. 😮

I'm planning a trip on my Iron 883 from Wisconsin to San Diego mostly riding Route 66 this July. I've modded it out to do make it work. I think the 883 can handle it. We'll if I can!

Really like your video! Thanks a lot for the previous videos about Iron 833 that bike was really badass!

I have a 2010 883 and love it. Highway riding is fun but boring at the same time. You miss so much of our beautiful country doing 90-100 mph on a highway. 60-65 is fast enough for me. Also I commute on my 883, 70miles one way no issue. Oh yeah, the BlockHead hoodie is awesome, fits just right. Showing support for BlockHead from Dirty Jersey.

I got my 48 couple weeks back. Its uncomfortable, vibrates and shakes. I'm bent over riding it with the draggers. The leather bobber seat hurts my ass. The wind at highway speeds is the worst yet of the dozen bikes I've owned. But it's my favorite, by far. I love it so much, I'm thinking of getting an older one to chop up this winter. If you love it get it.

I am a proud owner of a 48 and i have ridden my buddies 883... i can agree with alot of your comments but when comparing 883 to 48 on the highway I choose my 48 everyday... as for side wind... you should ride a sports bike like a ninja! The trucks really push you around on those... i ride my 48 in the hi ways with zero issues... dyna more confortable? Hell yes! But i like a sportster hehehe

Last year I rode from on the cost of Maine to the far side of Vermont and back in a weekend. 16 hours of riding on my 02 883 sportster and it wasn't that bad. I do have a larger seat and put a windscreen on for the ride. Gas wise I put a 1.5 gallon gas can in one of my saddle bags for the open highway with no gas stations, I get 74 miles on one tank so I used the gas can a lot. All and all was a nice ride. I agree about felling like your toping out the engine for a long time but just taking you time and enjoy the ride and it will take it really well.

I rode 8,500km on a 3 weeks road trip on a 1200. What you want is a comfortable seat (aka HD Sundowner seat) and fit a screen (Memphis Shades detachable or HD do well) and can be removed when you arrive at your destination. With these and a rack, Sportsters will tour.

I just bought a 97 883 Hugger and it does excellent on the highway. 80mph is fast enough for anyone and it feels like it has plenty of power. It’s not a GSXR or anything but I am confident and happy with its low gear power. You can achieve highway speed quickly and without a lot of work. I love my 883. If you’re happy with your bike that’s all that matters! Keep the rubber side down!

I ride my SuperLow 883 2016 on highways and the wind can get tiring. I agree with most of the comments about the windshield and/or fairing. Thanks for the video. I do however lean forward sometimes on the highway at 75mph+ just to get the wind off my chest, it works but then the air flow is on my helmet so I can't keep it up for long.

I ride a 1200 custom; and I agree 100% with your assessment. The 1200 will do highway speed all day, but it just feels kinda “sketchy”. It definitely needs a 6th gear too.

Blocky, you should know that if you are in fifth at fairly low Rpm-that sporty 1200 should do 75 mph somewhere around 3000, so you still got another 3000, so drop it into fourth crank it and slowly release the clutch (if you don’t want to wheelie) and you can pass anything on the road in a heartbeat.

Future rider from Texas ! Love your channel man be safe

I have a SuperLow 883 with the 4.5 gallon tank and one of those MRA universal windshields, it's reasonably comfortable. I eventually got tired of the vibes at almost 4K RPM so I swapped the gearing out for 1200 gearing and now it's perfect. I can easily ride it for a couple hundred miles at a time no problem. And if you really need to pass in a hurry, just drop a gear.

Morning Mr Blockhead. Thoroughly enjoy your vids and seeing the US from the seat of a Harley. Please keep this up, ride safe bro

Hey Blocki, i am a german Harley (iron883) Rider and I don’t like it to ride on the german „Autobahn“. Usually it’s so windy and I am used to ride not faster than 80 - 100 mph. A Harley is not a Autobahn bike or to accelerate when you want to pass others when you are currently at 80-100mph. In my opinion... you will have the most fun on a Harley if you go on a road with many curves like the Schwarzwald what is next to me. So ride safe and stay vigilant ✌🏼 Greets Dans Moto

“Doable” best description. Agree 100%

I bought my first bike a bobber 48 with spring seat no fenders and took it down to the keys from miami and it was raining non stop the wind was horrible and it was my 2nd day of riding a motorcycle ever. What a TRIP!!! Could barely walk the next day 😂. I’m two months in with the 48 and I’m ready for something bigger and heavier.

4:21 my exit 4 years ago.. damn, it was wide open fields. thanks for the content

just took my 2019 48 from socal to laughlin NV (300+ miles). i think doable is a great way of putting it. to me it wasnt terrible except for the fact that the ride home took 8 hours cuz the worst storm in years hit the last 140 miles of the trip, but even in the downpour, the sandstorms, the hail and the crazy wind, she held up good. i got a stage one and i was getting over 90 miles out of my stock peanut tank too averaging 75-80 mph. if you like the rumble, the raw, the soul of a harley, the 48 is right for you.

I loved going on long rides on my Nightster. I honestly had zero issue speeding up or passing. Rode my friend's 883 custom and had a very hard time in highway. Overall yes, there are better options but wouldn't mode going back on my Nightster for those 5hrs+ trips. You did hit it oh the head with the mini apes. Especially on forward control but the upside was greater comfort.

lol, very funny running over that square box, i thought the rear tire blowed out. then BATMAN appeared. lol what is with the sound? sounds like a medium high pitch echo hallway. . . but without the echo . . .>.> the mexican flag deal, humorous. and yes the thn blk lines in the road are called snakes... trouble if you ask me, but thats my opinion . engine sounded like it needed some help from nitro.... lol , watching the odometer climb slowly ... very funny. i think that the Harley Sportster 48 is more for the cruising than going for the drawn out high speed....takes to long to get there, but the ride for the enjoyment will always be there. especially the appearance of it. very good vlog !!

Great video, i have to say though even though i like bigger bikes i was given a 1200 sportster to ride in san francisco, heading out to the hills going south i found that the size made a heck of a difference in the tight curves in the mountains, The response and acceleration was not bad being only a sportster. Shopping for another bike very soon and im leaning to a 48 due to cost and affordability .

Super fast shipping on the 93 dinosaurs shirt. thanks bro.

“What I won’t do is pull over and get squirted with that automatic windshield washer thing” lmaooo I remember when that happened. You were just minding your business and went to ride by it and it gotchu 🤣

Really don't mind taking my 1200 Custom on the highway. Wind beats you up, esp if it's really windy out. Just got my bike back and road 2 hours on the highway to get back home. Very windy, but wasn't too bad. Looking into a windshield or quarter fairing though to help break up the wind like you said. Cause that would help out a lot!!! I have no problem keeping up with the bigger bikes at high speeds (80-90-100), just on the take off is where they get me.

I wouldn't mind one for running around town. I love my Ultra Limited for long runs. Great video.

Missed this video I think but it reminded me to ask if you are still in touch with the iron lillies

Hello mate. From Thailand, well London. Keep up the good stuff sunshine....👍👍👍🇬🇧

Got a 48; added the detachable windshield. Perfect! 🏍

I just rode from Newcastle to Sydney on my 2016 Superlow 883. Handled the trip just fine except I need to change the back suspension to a 412 dampener set

Rode my 2013 Sportster 1200 Custom in the Italian Autostrada (highway) first time past March in a ride for three days. My has the bigger tank (4.5 gallon) and felt okay in rain and shine. At around 120 kph (75 mph) it pretty okay with engine really running at the low end rpm and plenty more available to overtake. 140 kph you have to get used to it but even that was not so bad. I think over 150 kph (93 mph) the wind starts to get annoying. I had no windshield. I noticed over the trip that some details as being sure all your jacket pockets are close help to reduce the wind playing with you. If you want to make your Sportster as a comfortable touring bike you can do the following stuff; fairing (I might put some club orientated) and second put jackets around the crash bars. As for bags I put the one by Harley which straps itself on the seat and found it really convenient and easy to load and unload, and also giving you back support. Mine is not stage one yet so I think we did it gets even better at high speeds. An Italian Custom CB owner told me he did 200 kmh (124m) plus in the highway no Staging but had put Screamin Eagle exhausts in it. www.harley-davidson.com/store/tail-bag

I hated riding on the highway on my iron 883 it feels so loose and just not safe to me😅 so I stray away from them and especially them road snakes! Now riding my dad's Softail custom its like a Cadillac 🤣

I’m from Chicago and I ride my bike on the hwy all the time I have a 4.5 tank so it’s not terrible but if it’s really windy it sucks!!! But it does hwy speeds just fine.

It definitely wasn't made for long rides. When I had my '48 I took it from orlando to the panhandle a few times. After that I made the switch to a street glide. Mpg also had me stopping every hour. But yes, a city bike it's a beautifully made machine.

I have a '13 48 and I love it! But after 2 hrs at speeds above 65 you need to stop more often. I've done a 1500mi ride with my bike (14" apes, windshield, aftermarket seat and iron 1200 tank) and I will definitely take a lot longer to do it next time and not on the highway at all. That being said if you're normally in the 50-60mph range this bike is pretty comfortable.

I have found most ppl don’t ride sportsters properly. They change gears far to early. Sportsters love to rev out a lot more than BT. I ride with BT all the time and never have an issue with power. Most of the time they have to keep up to me. So power isn’t an issue at all on a 1200. I do agree with you comments on wind.

Lmao the squirt thing is funny as hell!

I never liked the Sportster, but now I would like to have one as a 2nd bike, u can do so much to them, as you've shown. Just come out of hospital after a 6hr op for spinal fusion, painful doesn't even describe it Argh! !!!!👍😎

“In the face!” 😂🤣😂

I like the simpleness of a sportster. I rode to Sturgis 80 mph the whole way no problem. My 2008 Nightster tends to get a little bit of a wobble around 92 or 93 lol but it was great. Seddlemens seat, and some legend shocks are a must you won’t regret it. Rides like an old Buick towards the back. Sorta😂 I also have a Memphis shades batwing fairing it’s great. I love it

I live in okc and it's windy as hell. As long as it's above 45 degrees I commute in my 13 iron about 40 miles a day. 36 miles of it are at 65+. It's not too bad.

Cool video!

Me as a European guy I totally have a wrong idea how it looks getting over to Mexico. I always think about the movie from dusk till dawn when I think about the border between Mexico and United States 😂

The Sporty just needs a sixth gear and she would be happy.

Great Video ...

Do you really see a difference with the mini fairing? I ride a street bob and am looking to get some sort of wind deflection but not a grandpa wind screen. Thanks again

I’ve a fairing . Love it Give GHR a shout for it 👍🏼👌🏼👌🏼

Love the video and trip to Mexico lol. But I bought a 48, but leaned towards xl1200 cause I knew I was gonna be on the highway alot although the peanut tank barley helps.

It sure performs better than my Virago 250 Love the in Mexico joke :D that's from Do it with Dan right?

I'm taking my 48 next year from Chicago to Tonopah, NV lol. I love my 48 but i'm sure it's not gonna be the most comfortable although i'll take the challenge.

Hey Blockhead I’ve got a 2016 Sportster 1200 custom. With a 4.5 gallon tank and is great for longer rides.

There is nice clip-on (no screws) wind shield available for long distances/high speeds (I assume, if for Roadster, then for 48 should work also). Tank capacity is small, true - even on Roadster (250km or ~150 miles) with efficient riding. p.s. Mexico. :D

I have a for 1300 tones of power but I have had 550 and 900 bikes. As long as you are like the bike who cares. And the sportser is a good looking bike

Went from a forty eight to a softail Slim this year. The difference on the highway is incredible and she still handles wonderfully in town. I put 3000 miles on the forty eight last year and never once hit the interstate (I’m in western Montana so we only have one lol). I had a windshield on my forty eight which helped with the wind issue but it still didn’t feel stable enough to run a highway speeds for long periods of time. Just my 2 cents.

I had a windshield on mine it was good but had to get used to buffeting then I got a dart pirahnna fly screen and that seems to be the goldie locks for me... without it yeah wind is an issue and at over 70 you hang on for dear life but there are fixes and I ride my 48 on all distances ... I put on some 13 inch 412's in back and the progressive mono cartridge in the front so if you wanna make your sporty a mile crunching highway beast it is totally up to the task and plus it has the true Harley looks...the 48 is a unique bike that can do it all without a radiator...

I commute from Vallejo ca to Hercules everyday with a 48 sportster and one bridge. It’s perfect for that. I’ve taken it on 2 to 4 hr trips in mountains but long on freeway more than 50 miles better off with a bigger bike for sure. Shit 3$ al day is my gas price daily when going to work and back 35 miles

Call me crazy but I do long rides on my 48 with rigid struts, thin spring seat, and a lifted tank. To me it's comfortable and I have no issues getting from point A to B. But that's just me

I have a detachable windshield on my 2016 48, so I don't feel the wind on my chest at all. I do, however get "buffeted" around a little, feels a bit squirrelly sometimes. Here in AZ our freeway speed is 75. I don't really feel comfortable at 80.

Love the look of those 'Z' bars. Are they comfortable around town and on the highway?

Sportster riders are not soft and pampered like most people today. They don't mind a little discomfort.

Great vid. Block! ✌

Well, I'm strongly thinking of getting a Sportster. I want a 1200, but I'd settle for a 883. Thing is, I want to do cross country riding & I'm told a sport is not the way to go. However, if anything, it'll season me up. I'm open to thoughts/opinions.

I read through a bunch of the comments and it looks like some sort of fairing is in order for highway riding. Another mod video coming up! ✌️

If haven't already done so, I would appreciate a review of the Night Train. If you already have so, what day/date was that posted?

When I was in the Marine Corps I had a 2010 Iron 883 and I'd freeway ride it from NC to VA periodically. It was definitely not fun when you: are catching wind in your face and chest, don't have enough juice to pass other vehicles, and need to make more stops because of the small tank. You can do, if necessary, but I'd rather not. Stay Vigilant!

got love crazy driver

I have a 2021 Harley 48... I drive about 54 miles to my job.... I don't ride it everyday, and I only work 4 days a week. (MAYBE 2 DAYS I RIDE) I gave had it about 11 months... haven't really noticed a problem yet.

I ride my XL883 on the highway, no problem. It would be better if there was a 6th gear and more power to pass

I’m seriously looking at a Sportster. I drive from Winter Garden to Waterford Lakes which is about 80 miles round trip. I normally take I-4 to save on tolls and won’t be going over 65 most of the time. Do you think the 883 or 1200 will be good? The guys at the downtown dealership are trying to talk me into the 48. It has the six-speed so that’s a plus.

my 48 is no problem on our motorways in Britain especially since I put a sundowner seat and 4.5 gallon tank. also have an ultra limited for 2up touring

I had a bikini fairing on my '15 Iron. It really didn't do much for wind or wind noise when I was haulin 6 hours. Thats the price you pay for having the clean look.

I was debating an SV650 versus a 48 and glad I went with SV I have no issues in passing or throttle response or getting up to speed lol. But different type of bike and out of the cruiser category, still think nakeds are comfortable though

Bro I just picked up a 72, since gas prices are high and I work 45 miles from work, I was like yay better gas mileage than my ram. So far with the mini apes that come on it you kinda gotta hold on for dear life so your butt doesn't slide off. I have the hard candy red, I wish they would have at least made them with the 3.3 tank.

Mr. Blockhead...Thank you for the time you put into these videos. They make my day. I'm sure you have mentioned what handlebars are on the 48 in this video in another video, but was having trouble sifting through the awesomeness that is on this channel. So much content. I get lost in bliss with all these Iron videos. Love em. Also would those handlebars fit my 2017 Iron 883?

The “Disney bleep” definitely made me laugh. What if mickey’s laugh was really just Disney’s was of bleeping out his curse words. New game idea, when ever you see Mickey Mouse laugh, try and guess what curse word he said.

How are those chisled bars vs the harley mini apes?

Aahh Blockhead tuffin up buddy lmao,, we live in PA and went to Myrtle Beach Bike week a cpl years ago and my wife has a 1200 custom and we did it in one day 640 miles ,,about 7 of us and she hung with all of us right in the middle of the pack 75 ,80 mph and she was 40 cpl years old ,, need to eat your weaties lmao ,,, she said she felt fine whole time,,, what sucks is the smaller gas tank than a big twin ,, so stopping for gas alot more can be a pain,,

My yam xvs 1300 with a screen on will cruise at 90mph all day and there’s load of power left

They really should put a six speed in those would a great bike plus being so light and of course a bigger tank lol deuces

Sportsters aren't immune to revving a little bit. My 1986 4 speed does 80-85 mph for hours on end with no issues. 3800RPM ave.

The real question is (since you showed the old Iron vid) is does it still feel like you're riding with no pants when you ride on the highway? LOL If I'm not mistaken, that's what you were talking about right before you got douched with the water canon. ;)

I have a 2022 48 sportster where can I find a passenger seat that won't break the bank

Just depends on who drives it. Some people can handle it and some can't it's just your preference.

Gotta change the pulleys on sportsters. Harley gears them that way so you feel like you have to buy a bigger cruiser for road trips. Asking if a 1200 can do the highway should be a joke. It could do the highway with one gear if you chose that route.

9:24 Ocala my home town

I will say highway speeds do not bother me on the 48. The only negative is that small tank. Replace it with an 883 tank and you will love this bike. 120 miles to the tank, you will pretty much be stopping with everyone else. It's comfortable, eye catching and fast. This isn't a sports bike, but doing 75 mph in 5th gear i don't even have to downshift to pass a car. Definitely a great bike.

Have a ‘95 883 and if I ride on highways at any speed over 65mph it is aweful 😂 no rubber mounted motor. Vibration is a killer. When I get off after a long ride i feel like i just got back from war. If you’re going on long rides at higher speeds just get a big twin.

What camera do you use?

Ha I rode a Kawasaki klr 650 dual sport from Atlanta Georgia to Lansing Michigan detouring up through Virginia on the way. I think it's really do you like to ride? or nit pick about how you could do better on on a different bike. Drive your car if you're worried about it. Or get a gold wing