Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight: Detailed Specs, Background, Performance, and More

Table of Contents

1. A Brief History of Harley Sportster Forty-Eight
2. Harley Sportster Forty-Eight at First Glance
3. Harley Sportster Forty-Eight: A Beginner’s Guide

3.1 Is the Harley Sportster a Good Beginner Bike?
3.2 Why is the Harley Sportster Forty-Eight called 48?
3.3 How much does a Harley Sportster 48 cost?
3.4 How Fast is a Harley Sportster 48?

4. Detailed Specifications

4.1 Dimensions
4.2 Engine
4.3 Performance
4.4 Drive Train
4.5 Chassis
4.6 Electric
4.7 Pricing

5. Aftermarket Luggage and Modification Options for Harley Sportster Forty-Eight

Are you the one who loves to ride on scenic highways and beautiful motorcycle roads, or are you the one who cruises around the street? Do you want to look super cool while enjoying your urban rides?

Well, if you are the second type, the Harley Sportster Forty-Eight is the perfect motorcycle for you. Harley-Davidson never fails to meet the demands of its customers and makes machines for all types of riders out there.

Also Read: A Motorcyclist’s Guide to Use Harley-Davidson Ride Planner App

The Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is a super cool motorcycle with ample engine power and amazing looks. Interested? Read on to find out more about this fancy machine.

In this article, you will get to know the detailed specs, background, performance, and other features of Harley Sportster Forty-Eight. So, stay with Viking Bags to learn all about this motorcycle.

1. A Brief History of Harley Sportster Forty-Eight

Intending to provide the riders a choice of more than 100 motorcycles by 2027, the motorcycle company that made Milwaukee Engine famous continues its rollout today. After unveiling two high-bar Sportsters powered by the Evolution 1200 V-Twin engine: the Forty-Eight Special and the Iron 1200, the leading company has provided enthusiasts a reason to praise Harley-Davidson even more than ever before.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster was first released in 1957 with an Ironhead overhead-valve engine. Over the years, it has drifted through 30 production changes with nearly 33 production variants.

"Since its inception, the Sportster has offered the perfect combination of style, size, power, and character that makes it appealing to so many different riders," said Brad Richards (Vice President of Styling and Design at H-D motor company).

“A Sportster is a relatively easy task to strip down and reinvent. What we’ve done to create the new Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special is what Sportster owners have been doing with their own bikes for generations.”

Also Read: Should You Buy the Harley Sportster 1200 Low? Find Out Here

In 2010, the Harley-Davidson production line introduced a machine that stopped rivals from making fun of Harley Sportster riders. No one had seen a better-looking Sportster before.

However, the Harley-Davidson XL1200X Forty-Eight came up with an exceptionally beautiful and unique design. The color scheme further added to the look and demand of the bike. Eight years later, the once newly released model exudes nostalgic appeal with its small 2.1-gallon peanut tank. gains a crossfit-esque front end with forged aluminum triple clamps and a 49mm fork, topped off with 7.25-inch tall Tallboy bars.

If we make a comparison of the latest model of the Sportster Forty-Eight Special with its little brother, the Sportster Forty-Eight 2018, the latest model gets more chrome - the primary, derby cover - solid chrome mufflers, inspection, and exhaust shields. Moreover, the chrome lower rocker boxes, tappet covers, and push tubes contrast with the black cylinders that profoundly define the H-D company’s signature V-Twin engine shape.

2. Harley Sportster Forty-Eight at First Glance

Although Cruising on this bike comfortably for more than 300 miles is still a dream, riders love it mainly because it feels awesome and looks stylish.

Also Read: Harley Davidson Touring Road King: Is It Really Worth Its Name?

At first glance, the Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight has a stylish and slim look. The first thing that draws attention to it is its large, fat sixteen-inch front tire and the shortened fairings.

Well, the front look of the bike is spectacular. However, the Sportster Forty-Eight models are significantly different from other Sportsters. The distinguishing feature that makes all the difference is the "peanut" 2.1-gallon tank has a beautiful cut-down shape. The space between the seat and the tank gives the bike a longer look without sacrificing the riding posture and comfort of the rider.

Under this glossy fuel tank, there is a big 1200 CC air-cooled evolution engine. With its massive low-end torque, the efficient engine generates immense power and a soul-satisfying rumble. Furthermore, the lightweight aluminum heads and cylinders improve the engine’s air-cooling efficiency.

The ergonomics of this bike are extraordinary. The rider doesn’t feel any discomfort in reaching the handlebars, and the comfortable foot position keeps his/her legs relaxed during the ride.

For added comfort, the emulsion rear shocks are given with screw adjusters for the adjustment of seat height. Riders can adjust the seat height according to their reach and enjoy the ride of this glamorous Sportster Forty-Eight motorcycle.

3. Harley Sportster Forty-Eight: A Beginner’s Guide

3.1 Is the Harley-Davidson Sportster a Good Beginner Bike?

You should be alright if you take it easy and ride within your limits. It doesn't matter what kind of motorcycle you get for your first ride. I'm not sure whether you've ever ridden a huge bore street bike. However, if you're comfortable with the Sportster, feel free to put your knees in the breeze.

3.2 Why is the Harley Sportster Forty-Eight called 48?

Everything gets its name from one of its most significant features. The same goes for bikes. The Harley Sportster Forty Eight owes its name to its 2.1-gallon tank that allows it to run 48 miles on a single tank of gas. Down to the fact it only holds about as much as most modern-day gas cans.

3.3 How much does a Harley Sportster 48 cost?

The Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is priced at $12,299, and if you choose a color other than vivid black, the price rises to $12,699.

Although the price of the motorcycle may vary depending on the dealership location, some additional charges may apply, For example, for California Emissions, you will need to pay an additional $100, and there may be freight charges as well.

3.4 How Fast is a Harley Sportster 48?

The estimated top speed of the Sportster Forty-Eight is 110 mph. It also depends on the riding style and external factors like road conditions and wind direction.

Also Read: The 10 Best Motorcycle Weather Apps of 2022 for Conventional Riders

4. Detailed Specifications

4.1 Dimensions

Length	85.2 in.
Seat Height, Laden	26.2 in.
Rake	30.2
Ground Clearance	4.3 in.
Trail	5.3 in.
Wheelbase	58.9 in.
Front Tire Specification	130/90B16 73H
Rear Tire Specification	150/80B16 77H
Tire, Type	Michelin® Scorcher® ”31” front and rear
Oil Capacity (W/Filter)	2.8 qt.
Fuel Capacity	2.1 gal.
Weight, As Shipped	545 lb.
Weight, in Running Order	556 lb.

4.2 Engine

Engine	Air Cooled, Evolution®
Stroke	3.8 in.
Bore	3.5 in.
Displacement	73.2 cu in.
Compression Ratio	10:1
Fuel System	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Exhaust	Black, staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflers

4.3 Performance

Engine Torque Testing Method	J1349
Engine Torque	73 ft-lb
Engine Torque (rpm)	3500
Lean Angle, Right (DEG.)	27
Lean Angle, Left (DEG.)	27
Fuel Economy	48 mpg
Fuel Economy Testing Method	Estimated City/Hwy

4.4 Drive Train

Primary Drive	Chain, 38/57 ratio
Gear Ratios (Overall) 1st	9.315
Gear Ratios (Overall) 2nd	6.653
Gear Ratios (Overall) 3rd	4.984
Gear Ratios (Overall) 4th	4.102
Gear Ratios (Overall) 5th	3.517

4.5 Chassis

Wheels, Front Type	Black, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminium w/ Machined Highlights
Wheels, Rear Type	Black, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminium w/ Machined Highlights
Brakes, Calliper Type	Dual-Piston Front, Dual-Piston Rear
Brakes, Type	Front Floating, Rear Uniform Expansion Rotor
Front Fork	49 mm fork set, free valve right hand and cartridge style left hand
Rear Shocks	Variable Rate Spring Over 36mm Piston Nitrogen Gas-Charged Emulsion Style Shock with Thread Style Preload Adjustment

4.6 Electric

Gauges	Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure, time-of-day clock, LED indicator light, engine diagnostic readout
Lights (As Per Country Regulation), Tail, Stop, Headlamp, Front Signal Lights	Quartz Halogen, 55-watt Low beam, 60-watt beam Headlamp, Incandescent bullet turn signals, Incandescent Tail/Stop

4.7 Pricing

Colour	$12,699
Vivid Black	$12,299
ABS Option	$819
Security Option	$415
California Emissions	$100
Surcharge	$600
Freight	$525

5. Aftermarket Luggage and Modification Options for Harley Sportster Forty-Eight

It is obvious that you cannot take your Harley Sportster Forty-Eight on motorcycle camping trips or longer rides. It is not good to take a 100-mile tour because of its 2.1-gallon peanut tank. But if this bike exists, surely it has a purpose. The Harley Forty-Eight is a perfect and stylish cruising bike that can also be used as a daily commuter.

For that purpose, you have to install a pair of quality saddlebags on your Sportster Forty-Eight, and if you like some other type of luggage bag that can also be installed on this easily.

Moreover, the bike comes with the ability to add-ons. Aftermarket gear like sissy bars can be installed as well.

As far as mileage is concerned, the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is friendly and an ultimate bike for all motorcycle enthusiasts. The design and ergonomics of this bike enhance its performance and add to its charm manifolds. If you are thinking of buying a Sportster Forty-Eight, renting it from your nearest rental company will be a good first step.

Also Read: A Brief Guide to Motorcycle Rental: How to Rent a Motorcycle in California

Renting a motorcycle is an easy way to determine whether you want this bike or not. Renting this bike will allow you to have a fun-packed, thrilling, riding experience without the burden of a regretful investment.