Model Year 2021 | Sportster | Forty-Eight®

In Brief

The Forty-Eight® features fat tires on a skinny bike with an iconic peanut tank that made its debut in 1948. Designed with signature bulldog stance and 1200cc of torque. In addition to the look, it features a large 49mm front forks, an adjustable rear suspension, cast aluminum wheels with floating rotors and powerful brakes for plenty of handling and comfort.

Specifications

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ModelXL 1200X Forty-Eight®Notes
Dimensions
Length85.2 in. (2,165 mm)
Overall Width32.9 in. (835 mm)
Overall Height43.3 in. (1,100 mm)
Seat Height, Laden26.2 in. (665 mm)2
Seat Height, Unladen28 in. (710 mm)
Ground Clearance4.3 in. (110 mm)
Rake (steering head) (deg)30.2
Fork Angle (deg)28.7
Trail5.3 in. (135 mm)
Wheelbase58.9 in. (1,495 mm)
Tires, TypeMichelin® Scorcher® "31" front and rear
Tires, Front ModelScorcher® "31"
Tires, Front Specification130/90B16 73H
Tires, Rear ModelScorcher® "31"
Tires, Rear Specification150/80B16 77H
Fuel Capacity2.1 gal. (7.9 l)
Reserve Fuel Capacity, Fuel Injection (warning light)0.65 gal. (2.5 l)
Oil Capacity (w/filter)2.8 qt. (2.6 l)
Transmission Capacity1 qt. (1 l)
Primary Chain Case CapacityN/A
Coolant CapacityN/A
Weight, As Shipped545 lb. (247 kg)
Weight, In Running Order556 lb. (252 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating1,000 lb. (454 kg)
Gross Axle Weight Rating, Front335 lb. (152 kg)
Gross Axle Weight Rating, Rear665 lb. (302 kg)
Luggage Capacity -VolumeN/A
Engine
EngineAir-cooled, Evolution®
ValvesPushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore3.5 in. (88.9 mm)
Stroke3.8 in. (96.8 mm)
Displacement73.4 cu in (1,202 cc)
Compression Ratio10:01
Fuel SystemElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)3
Air CleanerPaper cartridge type
ExhaustBlack, staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflers
Lubrication SystemDry-sump
Drivetrain
Primary DriveChain, 38/57 ratio
Final DriveBelt, 29/68 ratio
ClutchMulti-plate, wet
Transmission5-speed
Gear Ratios (overall) 1st9.315
Gear Ratios (overall) 2nd6.653
Gear Ratios (overall) 3rd4.948
Gear Ratios (overall) 4th4.102
Gear Ratios (overall) 5th3.517
Gear Ratios (overall) 6thN/A
Chassis
FrameMild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions
SwingarmMild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Front Fork49 mm fork set, free valve right hand and cartridge style left hand
Rear ShocksVariable rate spring over 36mm piston nitrogen gas-charged emulsion style shock with thread style preload adjustment
Wheels, Front TypeBlack, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights4
Wheels, Front Width3 in. (76 mm)
Wheels, Front Height16 in. (406 mm)
Wheels, Rear TypeBlack, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights4
Wheels, Rear Width3 in. (76 mm)
Wheels, Rear Height16 in. (406 mm)
Brakes, Caliper TypeDual-piston front, Dual-piston rear
Brakes, Rotor TypeFront floating, Rear uniform expansion rotor
Brakes, Front Diameter11.8 in. (300 mm)
Brakes, Front Thickness0.2 in. (5 mm)
Brakes, Front is dualNo
Brakes, Rear Diameter10.24 in. (260 mm)
Brakes, Rear Thickness0.28 in. (7.1 mm)
Brakes, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)Optional
Suspension Travel, Front3.6 in. (91 mm)
Suspension Travel, Rear1.6 in. (41 mm)
Performance
Engine Torque Testing MethodJ1349
Engine Torque73 ft-lb (99 Nm)5
Engine Torque (rpm)3,500
Lean Angle Testing MethodJ1168
Lean Angle, Right (deg.)27
Lean Angle, Left (deg.)27
Fuel Economy Testing MethodEstimated City/Hwy
Fuel Economy48 mpg (4.9 l/100 km)6
Electric
BatterySealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 12 amp/hour, 200 cca (per Battery Council International Rating)
ChargingSingle-phase, 30-amp system (357W @ 13.5V, 2000 rpm, 405W max power @ 13.5V)
Starting1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation), HeadlampQuartz Halogen, 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
Lights (as per country regulation), Tail/StopIncandescent
Lights (as per country regulation), Front Signal LightsIncandescent bullet turn signals
Lights (as per country regulation), Indicator LampsHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (if equipped), ABS (if equipped)7
Lights, Rear Turn SignalsIncandescent bullet turn signals
GaugesHandlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights
Auxiliary LampsN/A
Electric Power OutletN/A
GPS SystemN/A
Reverse GearN/A
Warranty And Service
Warranty24 months (unlimited mileage)8
Service IntervalFirst 1,000 miles (1,600 km), every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) thereafter9
Footnotes
1Vehicles depicted may differ from vehicles manufactured and delivered. Specifications and prices listed may differ from specifications and prices of vehicles manufactured and delivered. All product descriptions (including depictions, specifications, dimensions, measurements, ratings and competitive comparisons) are based on available information at the time of publication. Although such descriptions are believed correct, errors and changes can occur and complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Harley-Davidson may make changes at any time to prices and specifications, and may change or discontinue models, without notice and without incurring any obligation. Attention: Vehicles in the configurations shown and many of the accessories described in this catalog may not be available for sale or use in some locations. Please check with your dealer for complete product details and the latest information. All models feature 6-speed transmission (VRSC™ models and Sportster® models are 5-speed) and carbon fiber belt final drive; multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath; and 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.
2Measurement reflects 180 lb. (81.7 kg) operator weight.
3Recommended 91 octane or higher fuel (R+M)/2.
4Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region.
5Values shown are nominal. Performance may vary by country and region.
6The combined fuel economy numbers were derived using a combination of estimated city and highway values. Fuel economy estimates are derived from US EPA exhaust emission certification data on a sample motorcycle from the corresponding family under ideal laboratory conditions. Your actual fuel economy will vary depending on your personal riding habits, road and driving conditions, vehicle condition and maintenance, tire pressure, vehicle configuration (parts and accessories), and vehicle loading (cargo, rider and passenger weight). Break-in mileage may vary.
7North America security system includes immobilizer; outside North America the security system includes immobilizer and siren.
8See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details.
9Inspections of certain systems and components are required at 2,500 mile (4,000 km) intervals. See Owner’s Manual for full details.
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