Built around Harley-Davidson's custom - cruiser motorcycle platform, the 2018 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight utilizes a 1202 cc (73.4 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 65 HP (47.4 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 6-speed gearbox and belt final drive. With a specific output of 54.1 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 252 kg (556 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.26 HP/kg (3.88 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 5.2 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 152 km (94 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
54.1 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.26 HP/kg (3.88 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
3,500–6,000 rpm
Theoretical Range
~152 km (94 mi)
Engine
Displacement1202.0 ccm (73.35 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsEvolution® engine
Power65.0 HP (47.4 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
Gearbox6-speed
Final DriveBelt (final drive)
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Driveline57/38 ratio
Performance
Fuel Consumption5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l or 45.23 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases120.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
ExhaustChrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual slash-cut mufflers
Chassis
Rake30.2°
Trail135 mm (5.3 inches)
Front SuspensionTelescopic fork
Rear SuspensionTwin shocks
Wheelbase1495 mm (58.9 inches)
Ground Clearance110 mm (4.3 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre130/90-B16
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 OptionsVivid Black, Red Iron Denim, Hard Candy Shattered Flake, Legend Blue Denim
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.
