Compare 2022 Harley-Davidson® Iron 883™ vs Forty-Eight®

Compare 2022 Harley-Davidson® Iron 883™ vs Forty-Eight®

Compare 2022 Harley-Davidson® Iron 883™ vs Forty-Eight®
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2022 Harley-Davidson® Iron 883™ Overview

The Iron 883™ and the Forty-Eight® continue to be among the most popular cruisers in the Harley-Davidson® lineup, and the team at Seacoast Harley-Davidson® is thrilled to announce that we now have the 2023 editions available to test-ride and purchase. If you would like to schedule a test-ride, you can do so online through our site or by phone. Our team is also available to assist you with trade-ins, financing, insurance, extended coverage, accessories and much more. Without further ado, let’s compare the 2022 Harley-Davidson® Iron 883™ vs 2022 Harley-Davidson® Forty-Eight® and see what sets them apart.

Harley-Davidson® Cruisers

In the motorcycle world, the term cruiser refers to a broad class of bikes that first became popular in America in the 1930s. They were integral to the West Coast motorcycle scene in the 1960s and have continued to evolve with the times in order to reflect the modern motorcycle enthusiast. What defines a cruiser? Generally, a cruiser will have a relaxed riding position and emphasize comfort and convenience over max performance. These bikes tend to be minimalistic and are often very affordable because of it.

Harley-Davidson® Iron 883™

The 2022 Harley-Davidson® Iron 883™ is one of the most affordable motorcycles in the Harley-Davidson® lineup. It’s a quintessential modern cruiser that draws its inspiration from its old-school counterparts. The Iron 883™ is stripped down and blacked out, and you have the choice of three color schemes: Black Denim, Gunship Gray and White Sand Pearl. The bike has a low profile, puts the rider in a forward riding position and has mid-mounted foot controls. It’s powered by the 883c Evolution® engine, and the brand markets it as a bike with middleweight power and precise handling that is perfect for the urban rider.

Harley-Davidson® Forty-Eight®

The 2022 Harley-Davidson® Forty-Eight® shares much in common with the Iron 883™, but there are some key differences. Perhaps the most notable is that the Forty-Eight® has the 1,200cc Evolution® engine, which is more powerful. It also features wider tires and a beefier front end. That not only provides the Forty-Eight® more of a bulldog stance but changes how the bike feels when controlling it. It is often described as having a more hot rod feel than the Iron 883™. This is due in part to the forward foot controls, differences in the handlebars, a lower rider height and a higher seat height by a bit.

Iron 883™ vs Forty-Eight®

The differences when comparing the 2022 Harley-Davidson® Iron 883™ vs 2022 Harley-Davidson® Forty-Eight® are subtle enough that you may just want to go with the aesthetic that chooses you. The engine is really a non-factor—more on that in a bit. Many riders prefer the peanut tank of the Forty-Eight®, but keep in mind that it results in about 40 miles less per tank. That could either be a non-issue or a big deal depending on how you intend to ride your bike. As for the differences in front end, the Iron 883™ is generally considered a more universal choice, but those who love the heavier front end, really love it.

What About the Iron 1200™

How much power do you need? The XL Evolution® 883 provides 53 horsepower and 51 pound-feet of torque. The XL Evolution® 1200 provides 70 hp and 79 lb.-ft. For the average rider who wants a cruiser, you may not even notice the difference as they don’t really manifest until between 80-90 mph. If that does matter to you but you prefer the Iron, then look at the Iron 1200™. It is essentially the same motorcycle as the Iron 883™ except that is had the XL Evolution® 1200 engine.

Request more Compare 2022 Harley-Davidson® Iron 883™ vs Forty-Eight® information

The best way to know for sure is to test-ride both the 2022 Harley-Davidson® Iron 883™ and the 2022 Harley-Davidson® Forty-Eight®. You can also test-ride the Iron 1200™. That way, you can experience the difference between the two engines and the difference between the front ends. Seacoast Harley-Davidson® would love to help with that, and you can schedule online or by phone. You can also call or email us, and our team is happy to discuss pricing, financing, trade-ins and much more.