To be honest, the Roadster will probably become my go to bike for everyday riding simply because it handles so well. The 883 has been an experiment from day one and is constantly in a state of flux, thus I needed another bike to ride while working on it. With the upcoming Turbo install on the 883 it becomes even more involved and complicated, but the 883 will always remain my inspiration to riding and bettering factory machines.

I wissh I could be there to hear the "whoosh" when that turbo kicks in!

As for being in flux, the 48 was just supposed to be a 'scooter' to help me in deliveries and go to the gym to save gas. The problem is that I'm a Sportster guy, and this Sportie is the best one I've ever had. I cannot stay off of the thing. One thing led to another, now it has custom parts on it...

I have discussed both divorce and a 'third Harley' with my loving wife--usually within the same argument. I think a 1200 Custom could be the bike I ride for the rest of my life. It does everything I like to do. The problem is that I always want icing on my cake. Betty is a hoot to drive, Spinner reminds me of the bikes of my youth. I want it all!

A tank like the one on your 883 might be a compromise, but I think it's the way to go. Oh, I am going to test ride both a 1200 Custom and a Fat Bob in spring.

Have you eyeballed the 2012 SuperLow yet? That is one great looking bike...I want a set of those wheels so bad I can't stand it. They would be perfect for the Roadster.

Yes, I have seen many of the wheels on the newer Sportsters. In fact, while I could understand the spoke wheel on the front of the 48, I still think a solid wheel in the rear would have been a better idea. In stock trim the ride was "harsh" to be kind. The shocks failed at about 6K. It was so noticeable and so violent over rough concrete that I asked my mechanic to check the spokes for breakage/bending when the shocks were changed out.

Now, I have not ridden a 1200 Custom. I 'surmise' that I could live with one as a singular bike. It has the same engine and transmission as the 48, a better front end than Sportsters of yore, and I now know how to fix the stuff MoCo didn't. Plus, I'd get a larger fuel tank.

I do find one thing odd. When I ride Sportsters it's my ego alone that is on the line, and I don't care one bit. However, the fact that I ride one everywhere brings out some strange comments. We all know about cat-calls like "Is that your wife's bike" or "Where'd you get the 450 Honda," but another thing takes place.

In over 75% of the cases, the guy suggests I replace it with a bigger bike--like his. In other words, I seem to be a chink in the armor of guys who drive Electra-Glides. I don't get it. It's my reputation, my money, my enjoyment and I don't try to sell them a Sportster, beyond pointing out the features.

In fact, Louie, a salesman at Capital City, used to point me out as an example of newer Sportsters and mileage when a guy really wanted a 48, but was on the fence.

Swapped over to forwards on the Roadster...feels so much better now.

Wow! Buzz Kantor of American Iron Magazine just requested some high res photo's of the Roadster for future publication...how cool is that?

Congrats. Make sure you let the guys here know about publishing dates. BTW, it's very cool.

Pretty f'n cool bud!!
Post those pics so we can check 'em out

Photo's submitted...we'll see what happens. https://www.mediafire.com/?mh1bm3u8op6yvyf

took a while to download but totally worth it!! Great pics - love the bike - great color nice and clean