At the heart of the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight custom - cruiser motorcycle, Harley-Davidson 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 6,000 rpm while maximum torque reaches 96 Nm (70.8 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and belt final drive. With a specific output of 55.9 HP per liter and a 2,500 rpm working window between peak torque (3,500 rpm) and peak power (6,000 rpm), 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 257 kg (567 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.26 HP/kg (3.83 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 710 mm (28 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,495 mm (58.9 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 (3.83 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
3,500–6,000 rpm
Theoretical Range
~161 km (100 mi)
Engine
Displacement1201.3 ccm (73.30 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsEvolution® engine
Power67.1 HP (48.9 kW)) @ 6000 RPM
Torque96.0 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 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
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
LubricationDry sump
CoolingAir
Transmission
Gearbox5-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
Rake29.6°
Trail132 mm (5.2 inches)
Front SuspensionTelescopic fork
Rear SuspensionTwin shocks
Wheelbase1495 mm (58.9 inches)
Ground Clearance110 mm (4.3 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre150/80-16
Rear Tyre150/80-B16
Front BrakesSingle disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.
Seat Height710 mm (28.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Length2210 mm (87.0 inches)
Fuel Capacity7.90 litres (2.09 US gallons)
Oil Capacity2.60 litres (2.75 US quarts)
Other
StarterElectric
Color OptionsOlive Gold, Velocity Red Sunglo, Hard Candy Cancun Blue Flake, Hard Candy Gold Flake, Vivid Black, Billet Silver
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.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
