2020 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight

Still bringing bobber flair to the Sportster line.

2020 Harley-Davidson Forty-EightHarley-Davidson

The Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight lives among the Sportster models of Harley’s cruiser line, offering riders a compact, aggressive, custom-looking V-twin experience. It hit the market for the first time in 2010 as part of Harley’s appeal to younger riders seeking a more commanding look and feel from a Bar & Shield-produced motorcycle.

2020 Harley-Davidson Forty-EightHarley-Davidson

2020 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Reviews, Comparison, And Competition

Harley-Davidson left the air-cooled, 1,202cc Forty-Eight untouched for the 2020 model year. Apart from its short suspension travel and the resulting rough ride, the Forty-Eight did the Sportster family proud with its smooth power delivery, intoxicating sound, and commendable around-town performance when we first sampled it in 2010. The Forty-Eight maintained its prestige a few years later in 2016, besting both the Yamaha Bolt C-Spec and Kawasaki Vulcan S Café. And in 2018, Harley chose to give the platform a custom makeover with the release of the Forty-Eight Special.

2020 Harley-Davidson Forty-EightHarley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Updates For 2020

Even though it was overlooked for 2020, the Forty-Eight remains a commendable motorcycle for riders wanting big cruiser performance in a middleweight package.

2020 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Claimed Specifications

Price $11,299
Engine Air-cooled Evolution V-twin
Displacement 1,202cc
Bore x Stroke 88.9 x 96.8mm
Horsepower N/A
Torque 73.0 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission 5-speed
Final Drive Belt
Seat Height 28.0 in.
Rake 30.2°
Trail 5.3 in.
Front Suspension 49mm fork, 3.6-in. travel
Rear Suspension Variable rate spring over 36mm piston, preload adjustment, 1.6-in. travel
Front Tire 130/90-16
Rear Tire 150/80-16
Wheelbase 58.9 in.
Fuel Capacity 2.1 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight 556 lb.