
Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight
Key specifications
Overview
Introducing the 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight, a motorcycle that embodies the essence of American cruiser culture while infusing a modern twist. Positioned within the custom-cruiser category, the Forty-Eight stands out with its iconic design, featuring a muscular stance, fat front tire, and a minimalist aesthetic that appeals to both seasoned riders and newcomers alike. With a starting price of $11,299 in the U.S. (or €12,365 in Europe, subject to local taxes and accessories), this bike offers a compelling blend of style, performance, and heritage that continues to resonate with enthusiasts around the globe. At the heart of the Forty-Eight lies a robust 1202cc V2 engine, delivering an exhilarating 67 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and a commanding 96 Nm of torque at 3,500 RPM. This four-stroke powerhouse, coupled with a six-speed gearbox, ensures that riders experience a thrilling combination of acceleration and smooth cruising capabilities. The bike's air-cooled design and electronic sequential port fuel injection contribute to its impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 48 miles per gallon, making it an ideal companion for both urban commutes and long-distance rides. With a low seat height of just 28 inches, the Sportster Forty-Eight offers an accessible riding experience that invites riders of all sizes to enjoy its thrilling performance. The Forty-Eight is not just about raw power; it also boasts a host of features that enhance both comfort and safety. A telescopic front fork and twin shocks at the rear provide a responsive suspension setup, absorbing bumps and ensuring a smooth ride. The optional anti-lock braking system (ABS) on both the front and rear brakes enhances stopping power, giving riders confidence in various conditions. With a variety of color options, including the striking Hard Candy HotRod Red Flake and classic Vivid Black, the Forty-Eight allows for personalization that reflects the rider's style. Coupled with a lightweight frame that comes in at just 544.5 pounds, this bike is designed for nimble handling, making it perfect for navigating urban landscapes or winding back roads. **
Pros
- Iconic Design: The classic styling and fat tire setup make it a head-turner on the road.
- Strong Performance: The potent engine delivers robust torque for impressive acceleration and cruising power.
- Comfortable Ride: Low seat height and well-balanced chassis make it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of riders.
Cons
- Limited Storage: The minimalist design offers little in the way of storage options for longer trips.
- Vibration: Riders may experience noticeable vibrations at higher RPMs, which could be a concern for some.
- Price Point: While competitive for its category, some may find it a bit steep compared to other cruisers with similar specs.
Technical details
Source specification data
- Make
- Harley-Davidson
- Model
- Sportster Forty-Eight
- Price
- S
- $ 11299.
- Euro
- 12365.
- Prices
- depend on country, taxes, accessories, etc.
- Category
- Custom-cruiser
- Light
- High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
- Starter
- Electric
- Instruments
- Speedometer
- mounted low and integrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter,
- D
- indicator lights
- Color Options
- Corona Yellow Pearl
- ,
- Crushed Ice Denim
- ,
- Rod Red Flake
- ,
- Hard Candy Black Gold Flake
- ,
- Vivid Black
- ,
- Power
- 67.00 HP (48.9 kW)) @ 6000 RPM
- Clutch
- Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
- Torque
- 96.00 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Driveline
- 57/38 ratio
- Engine Type
- Evolution® engine
- Fuel System
- Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
- Bore X Stroke
- 88.9 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches)
- Compression
- 9.7:1
- Displacement
- 1202.00 ccm (73.35 cubic inches)
- Cooling System
- Air
- Engine Details
- V2, four-stroke
- Exhaust System
- Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual slash-cut mufflers
- Fuel Consumption
- 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
- Greenhouse Gases
- O2
- g/km. (
- O2
- -
- Carbon
- dioxide emission)
- Lubrication System
- Dry sump
- Transmission Type Final Drive
- Belt
- Dry Weight
- 247.0 kg (544.5 pounds)
- Seat Height
- 710 mm (28.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
- Oil Capacity
- 2.60 litres (0.17 quarts)
- Fuel Capacity
- 7.90 litres (2.09 gallons)
- Overall Length
- 2,210 mm (87.0 inches)
- Ground Clearance
- 110 mm (4.3 inches)
- Power Weight Ratio
- 0.2713 HP/kg
- Weight Incl Oil Gas Etc
- 252.0 kg (555.6 pounds)
- Rake
- 29.6°
- Trail
- 132 mm (5.2 inches)
- Wheels
- Black, Laced Steel
- Rear Tyre
- 150/80-B16
- Front Tyre
- 130/90-B16
- Rear Brakes
- Single
- disc.
- Single
- -piston.
- S
- .
- Front Brakes
- Single disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.
- Rear Suspension
- Twin shocks
- Front Suspension
- Telescopic fork
Available colors
Compare the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight with rivals
- Head-to-headHarley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight
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- Head-to-headHarley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom
- Head-to-headHarley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special