Harley Davidson Forty-Eight Special (2018 – 2019)

Harley Davidson Forty-Eight Special (2018 - 2019)

The Harley-Davidson Sportster line has been reborn with the introduction of two new models: the Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special.

These high-bar Sportsters combine throw-back styling trends from the custom-bike scene with the solid foundation of the Sportster platform and the punchy performance of the Evolution 1200 V-Twin engine. The result is a motorcycle that embodies the perfect combination of size, power, and character that has made Sportsters appealing to riders for generations.

The Iron 1200 boasts bold color stripes on its fuel tank, echoing contemporary trends in custom bike design. In contrast, the Forty-Eight Special takes inspiration from the 1970s with its high-barred, 70s-inspired design and smaller 2.2 gallon tank.

With their Evolution 1200 V-Twin engines providing a raw, unbridled power delivery, these new Sportsters are poised to shake up the motorcycle landscape. Whether you’re carving through twisties or cruising down the highway, the Forty-Eight Special is ready to unleash its full fury – and leave an indelible mark on your riding experience.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster line has been reborn with a vengeance, and these two new models are sure to ignite a passion for motorcycling in riders of all levels.

Key Specifications

Engine TypeEvolution, four stroke, 45 V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Engine Capacity1202 cc / 73.4 cu in
Max Torque99 Nm / 73 ft/lbs @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity2.1 US gallons / 7.9 L
Weight (Wet/Kerb)564 lbs / 256 kg
Seat Height27.7 inches / 705 mm
Harley Davidson Forty-Eight Special (2018 - 2019)

All Specifications

Make & Model

ModelHarley Davidson Forty-Eight Special
Year2018 – 2019

Engine

Engine TypeEvolution, four stroke, 45 V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement1202 cc / 73.4 cu in
Bore x Stroke88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio10.01:1
Max Torque99 Nm / 73 ft/lbs @ 3500 rpm
Engine Management SystemElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Cooling SystemAir cooled
ExhaustExhaustBlack, staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflers

Performance

Top Speedn/a

Transmission

Gearbox5 Speed
Gear Ratios1st 9.315 / 2nd 6.653 / 3rd 4.948 / 4th 4.102 / 5th 3.517
Final DriveBelt

Electrical & Electronics System

StarterElectric

Chassis & Suspension

Frame TypeMild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctionsSwingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Front SuspensionFront forks with cartridge dampening technology
Rear SuspensionEmulsion technology rear shocks with 50 mm range of pre-load adjustability and an under-seat, rear shock suspension adjustment wrench
Rake30.2
Trail135 mm / 5.3 in

Wheels & Brakes

Front Wheel/Rim SizeBlack, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum
Front Tire Size130/90 B16 73H
Rear Wheel/Rim SizeBlack, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum
Rear Tire Size150/80 B16 77H
Front BrakesSingle 300mm disc, 2 x 38mm piston calipers
Rear BrakesSingle 300mm disc, 2 x 38mm piston calipers

Dimension & Weights

Seat Height27.7 inches / 705 mm
Wheelbase58.9 inches / 1495 mm
Ground Clearance110 mm / 4.3 in
Fuel Tank Capacity2.1 US gallons / 7.9 L
Wet (kerb/curb) Weight564 lbs / 256 kg
Dry Weight248 kg / 540 lbs

Features

  • Evolution 1200 V-Twin engine
  • Black top end on a brilliant chrome covered engine
  • Chrome muffler and exhaust shields
  • Chrome lower rocker boxes, pushrod tubes, and tappet covers
  • Black cylinders contrasting with chrome components
  • High-bar Sportster platform
  • Solid foundation of the Sportster platform
  • Punchy performance of the Evolution 1200 V-Twin engine
  • Three color options for the fuel tank: Vivid Black, Wicked Red, Billiard White
  • Fuel tank graphics combine bold color stripes and a formal typeface
  • New fuel tank design with horizontal stripes framing a simple Harley-Davidson logo
  • Ape hangers are a different design on the Forty-Eight Special model
  • Tallboy bar selected for its shape on the Forty-Eight Special model
  • Smaller 2.2-gallon peanut Sportster fuel tank on the Forty-Eight Special model
  • High-barred, 70s-inspired design of the Forty-Eight Special
Harley Davidson Forty-Eight Special (2018 - 2019)
Harley Davidson Forty-Eight Special (2018 - 2019)
Harley Davidson Forty-Eight Special (2018 - 2019)
Harley Davidson Forty-Eight Special (2018 - 2019)
Harley Davidson Forty-Eight Special (2018 - 2019)
Harley Davidson Forty-Eight Special (2018 - 2019)

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