Engineered by Harley-Davidson for the custom - cruiser motorcycle segment, the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight utilizes a 1201.3 cc (73.3 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 67.1 HP (48.9 kW) at 3,750 rpm while maximum torque reaches 96 Nm (70.8 lb-ft) at 5,750 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and belt final drive. With a specific output of 55.9 HP per liter, the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.
On the scales, the Sportster Forty-Eight measures 259.9 kg (573 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.26 HP/kg (3.87 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 660 mm (26 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,519 mm (59.8 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 7.9-liter (2.1 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.9 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 161 km (100 miles) between fill-ups.
Within MotoLibrary's Harley-Davidson archive, this model family spans 8 indexed model years from 2013 to 2020, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
55.9 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.26 HP/kg (3.87 kg/HP)
Theoretical Range
~161 km (100 mi)
Engine
Displacement1201.3 ccm (73.30 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsAir-cooled, Evolution®
Power67.1 HP (48.9 kW)) @ 3750 RPM
Torque96.0 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 5750 RPM
Compression9.7:1
Bore x Stroke88.9 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches)
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
LubricationDry sump
CoolingAir
Transmission
Gearbox6-speed
Final DriveBelt (final drive)
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Driveline57/38 ratio
Performance
Fuel Consumption4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
ExhaustChrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual slash-cut mufflers
Chassis
Trail107 mm (4.2 inches)
Wheelbase1519 mm (59.8 inches)
Ground Clearance99 mm (3.9 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre150/80-16
Rear Tyre150/80-B16
Front BrakesSingle disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.
Seat Height660 mm (26.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Length2250 mm (88.6 inches)
Fuel Capacity7.90 litres (2.09 US gallons)
Oil Capacity2.60 litres (2.75 US quarts)
Other
StarterElectric
Color OptionsHard Candy Big Red Flake, Hard Candy Cancun Blue Flake, Vivid Black, Amber Whiskey, Charcoal Pearl
Instruments4-inch Speedometer mounted low and integrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, LED indicator lights
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
