Harley Davidson Fouty Eight 48 2012 Test Run

 

Earlier in the week, we announced this head-to-head shootout between the new 2012 Harley 48 and Triumph T100. We've already been over the Bonne here, and now it's time to look at the Factory's lowest, leanest and meanest Sportster. The Sportster lineup is a favorite among ChopCult members, with nearly 33 percent (ironically) claiming ownership of H-D’s polarizing twin. Often denigrated elsewhere as a “woman’s” bike or entry-level machine, the Sporty is well respected in these parts, and for good reason. You might even say it has a cult following on the old "33". With this in mind, we took a brand-new 2012 Forty-Eight out for a solid thrashing to experience its charms and foibles personally.

The Harley-Davidson 48 is one good-looking motorcycle. It's got the stance nailed, the chunky front tire, the blackness, with plenty of what the factory would call "attitude". The specs all stand up: 1200cc, the best-looking gas tank in the H-D lineup and lots of small quasi-custom details all wrapped up in a tidy package that comes with factory financing and a two-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Every person who saw this bike during the two weeks it was in our possession said basically the same thing—"Whoa, that thing looks pretty damn cool."

I personally don't believe in “bar hoppers.” I think motorcycles are meant to be ridden long distances to fun places where you do cool shit when you get there. The Harley 48 makes me a believer in the bar hopper philosophy; one hour into my first ride and I needed a drink. For the record, my current daily riders are a rigid shovel and an FXR with a spring rate so high Rosanne Barr couldn't sag it. All kidding aside, this is the most uncomfortable new motorcycle I've ever ridden. The only thing worse was my old Sportster with solid struts on it, but at least it had mids so I could lift my ass out of the seat over rough spots. If you’re hell-bent to buy a 48, I recommend managing your expectations. Sometimes doing things the hard way is more enjoyable, so if looks are important to you (I can't be a chopper hypocrite here—of course they are more important), go for it. If it were all about comfort and practicality we'd all be riding Bimmers and Super Glides, right?

 

When I first heard about this bike two years ago, I thought it would have a springer on it since 1948 was the first year of the panhead and the only tin-top to come with a springer front end from the factory. Shows what I know. Come to find out, it's named after a 1948 125cc single-cylinder Model 125 that precluded the Hummer. A German motorcycle company in fact created H-D’s now famous peanut tank prior to WWII for their DKW RT125 and the design was handed over to the allies at the end of the war. Thanks Nazis, I love everything about the tank with the exception of its capacity. If H-D was trying to capture the essence of custom choppers ridden by people like the typical garage builder, they nailed it. 60 miles into a ride and the low fuel idiot light blinks to life. At 2.1 gallons and 48 miles (average) to the gallon, you'll be filling up at least every hundred miles just like your bros with Wassell tanks. One ticket to chopper cool guy land, please!

One reason Sporties get a little grief from certain crowds is because the practical size fits a wide variety of humans, most notably short ones, and short ones with vaginas. I've helped a few old dudes on Road Glides pick up their bikes when they tip over in gravel—not once have I had to help a chick, beginner or short dude pick up their Sporty. That practical size is even more inviting on the 48 compared with other models in the Sportster lineup. With a stand-over height of 26 inches, practically any adult can get both feet flat on the ground. My 6-foot-3 friend Black Rob felt like a monkey doing bad things to a football aboard the 48, but there are plenty of other motorcycles to choose from for basketball players. The 48’s low seat, low bar and forward controls give the bike a purposeful, compact look. Unfortunately, that purpose might be to compact your ass into your shoulders. Hey—you didn't expect a bike this low and good-looking to be comfortable, did you?

Performance on the 48 is about as good as one could expect from a choked-down, leaned-out emissions mobile. It'll be up to the owner to do the required mods to make it faster and more fun to ride, but at least it is a 1200. It's not that the 48 is slow per se, it just lacks the low-end grunt that makes Harleys so fun to ride. It does seem to rev higher with more ease than previous models, but it’s nowhere near as laid back over 80 mph as a new Dyna. Again, a great bar hopper. The brakes worked solidly, and were very forgiving, tuned for ease of use rather than all-out performance. Clearance during cornering was less than ideal, but par for the course on a bike this low. Scraping the pegs in turns isn't hard to do—it's damn near impossible to avoid if you like to push hard in the twisties—and this always spooks me a little with forward controls. Probably best to just slow down and hop to another bar at a moderate pace.

Shifting is typical H-D fare, clunking into gear is loud enough to startle other motorists from texting (actually happened), which might be a good thing. If you are new to Harleys, don't sweat it. If you are an old salt, you'll feel right at home. Clutch action on the 48 was as smooth and light as any machine I've ever ridden born in Milwaukee. In fact, the whole experience of shifting, taking off and braking is so well-tuned and forgiving that I used it to teach a friend to ride in our parking lot. He took off in second, cruised around a while and came back with a "That's all?" expression on his face. This Sportster is certainly not only for new riders but with the low seat and predictable mannerisms, a first-timer couldn't do much better than the 48.

Attention to detail isn't something that is immediately obvious to all riders, but it adds up to an overall impression of build quality. The 48 has this matter sussed. It feels solid. Of course the engine shakes around at idle, that's what rubber mounts do. From the cast aluminum foot controls (way better than the stamped steel pieces most big twins get) to the lack of vertical play in the levers, it's almost like H-D looked at Audi interiors for inspiration. The 48 doesn’t feel like a parts-bin bike, thrown together with only an eye for aesthetics. It’s tight. The only rattle that was audible was the annoying clacking of the valve train between your legs during comfortable mid-range cruising. If you've ever switched from a large tank to a small tank on the same bike, you may be familiar with this noise. With the rocker covers out in the breeze, the internals are a bit loud, but nothing a good aftermarket exhaust couldn't drown out. One weird detail: the folding rear license plate. If you fold it in, it hits the rear shocks. WTF? The only thing I could think of is that it might make loading it in a trailer easier, but that seems like an odd feature.

At $10,499 MSRP the price seems steep, but this is sure to be a model that holds its value well compared to other Sportsters. I put a 16-inch front wheel and a set of Midglide trees on a Sporty a few years ago, and it wasn’t a cheap operation—rims, axle spacers, trees, tires, tubes, caliper spacers and other tweaks add up. Throw in the bitchin' tank, murdered-out motor finish and you've got yourself a winner complete with factory financing and warranty. Just manage your expectations for comfort on long rides and you’ll be fine.

Referent http://www.chopcult.com/news/articles/road-test-shootout-harley-davidson-48-vs-2012-triumph-bonneville-t100.html

Read more »

Harley Davidson Fouty Eight 48

Harley Davidson Fouty Eight 48

 Harley Davidson Fouty Eight 48

Harley Davidson Fouty Eight 48

Read more »

Harley Davidson Forty Eight 2013 XL1200X Review

Harley Davidson Forty Eight 2013 XL1200X 

Harley Davidson Forty Eight 2013 XL1200X 

Harley Davidson Forty Eight 2013 XL1200X

Harley Davidson Forty Eight 2013 XL1200X Review

The all-new Forty-Eight™ is an urban brawler that drips attitude from every element; from the fat, balloon tires to the all-steel peanut tank to the solo seat. Custom touches define this bulldog of a bike. A slammed speedometer, under bar mounted mirrors and 26-inch seat height offer a low profile, while the peanut tank and big 16-inch wheels combine for a menacing look that could only come from Harley-Davidson.

Harley Davidson Forty Eight Key Features

• Classic Peanut Fuel Tank
• Hard Candy Custom Color (Optional)
• Slammed Handlebar, Speedo and Under Mount Mirrors
• Fat Front Wheel
• Clean Rear End Styling
• Premium Paint
• Evolution® Engine 
• Pure Harley- Davidson Styling
• H-D® Smart Security System (Optional)
• Artfully Hidden Technology
• Intuitive Controls
• Low Seat & Slammed Suspension
• Michelin® Scorcher™ Tires
• forward-mounted controls

All new 2013 Harley Davidson Forty Eight is powered by a 1200cc Air-cooled, Evolution® engine mated with a 5-speed transmission fitted with a 2.1 gal fuel tank promising you improved fuel economy of 48mpg.

It also combines classic peanut fuel tank and The factory installed next-generation security system features a hands-free fob that automatically arms and disarms the vehicle electronic security functions as you approach and walk away from the bike. It also offers you Intuitive Controls and The combination of a lowered front and rear suspension together with a low solo seat—just 26 inches high—provides confidence for riders of all sizes and experience and with With the custom forward-mounted controls you can kick back a little and stretch your legs for the ultimate cruise through town or across the state line.

It also equipped with the instruments like Lights (as per country regulation), Indicator Lamps High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional) and Gauges 4-inch Speedometer mounted low and inteagrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, LED indicator lights.

Harley Davidson Forty Eight Benefits

The Forty-Eight™ is an urban brawler that drips attitude from every element; from the fat, balloon tires to the all-steel peanut tank to the solo seat. Custom touches define this bulldog of a bike. A slammed speedometer, under bar mounted mirrors and 26-inch seat height offer a low profile, while the peanut tank and big 16-inch wheels combine for a menacing look that could only come from Harley-Davidson.

• Evolution V-Twin powertrain with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

• Rubber-mounted powertrain to reduce vibration

• 5-speed Transmission

• Chrome, shorty dual exhaust with slash-cut mufflers

• Forward foot controls

• Optional Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free security fob

Classic Peanut Fuel Tank

First appearing on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle back in 1948—and providing the inspiration for the Forty-Eight® model name—the small 2.1 gallon tapered peanut fuel tank holds strong today with its traditional styling and modern attitude. A low, powerful bulldog look that gives way for showcasing more engine, the peanut fuel tank is attitude and looks all balled up into one.

Hard Candy Custom Color (Optional)

New for 2013, Hard Candy Custom™ paint is a large metal flake finish that’s more than just paint job, it’s a shining declaration of independence—bright, bold and unique. The Sportster Forty-Eight® is available in Hard Candy Coloma Gold. Recalling the iconic rebel styling of ‘70s custom bikes, Hard Candy Custom™ paint marks another milestone in The Motor Company’s legacy of innovation. We start with several passes of 200 micron flake over a black base, then clear coat it, hand-lay the graphics, and apply the many layers of clear coat to allow the flake to shine through. It’s a painstaking process that delivers a premium custom look straight from the factory, so you can start flying your colors with no waiting or extra effort.

Slammed Handlebar, Speedo and Under Mount Mirrors

The slammed black drag-style handlebar with speedo and under mount mirrors adds to the stripped down, minimal look of the Forty-Eight® motorcycle. Inspired by the way hot rod pioneers used to slam their rides, the drag style handlebar is an old school garage feature that demands a forward, aggressive riding position.

Fat Front Wheel

A beefy front end with a tall, fat MT90 tire gives the Forty-Eight® model a grounding visual equal to that of a 1950 Mercury. Custom rubber reminiscent of the lead-sled culture. A dominating presence up front that provides a smooth ride and solid handling.

Clean Rear End Styling

When the look is fast and smooth, details count and clutter doesn’t make the cut. We carefully crafted the rear end with retro-styled Stop-Turn-Tail lights and a side-mounted license plate to leave the fender surface clean and uncluttered for an authentically raw, custom look. And while the lamps may look old-school, it's their new-school engineering that keeps things clean, packing stop, turn and running beams into each bullet.

Premium Paint

Up to two times thicker than the competition, custom quality paint comes standard on all Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Clearcoat layering up to five mils deep. Bigger metal flakes. Unique effects in the pearl colors. Skimping simply is not in our vocabulary.

Evolution® Engine Heritage

The Evolution® engine—known in certain crowds as the Blockhead—was first bolted to the frame of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle back in 1984. Born from legendary Shovelhead and Ironhead engines, the Evolution® engine broke new ground in displacement innovation while maintaining the hunger for power, durability and proven reliability that The Motor Company was built on.

Evolution® Engine Innovation

Air-cooled and durable as hell, the 1200cc Evolution® engine is yet another nod to the unwavering work ethic that drives advancements in motor technology at Harley-Davidson. Aluminum heads and cylinders lighten the load of the bike and improve air-cooling efficiency. Electronic fuel injection says goodbye to carburetors and boasts increased reliability and less routine maintenance. Bottom line: the rubber-mounted Evolution® engine runs hard and rides smooth for thousands of miles so you can just worry about taking in the freedom of the open road.

Pure Harley-Davidson Styling

Feast your eyes on the 1200cc Evolution® engine and there's no mistaking its roots. This is authentic Harley-Davidson style through and through with an attention to detail you won't find from any other motorcycle company. Black powder-coated cylinders and cylinder heads are topped off with chrome rocker covers, while chrome pushrods highlight the iconic V-Twin. It's a jewel machined out of metal. Pure. Dripping with power. From the classic edge of the cooling fins to the clean lines of cases and covers—the 1200c Evolution® engine makes an ironclad statement to holding on to what's right and staying true to what satisfies the rider.

H-D® Smart Security System (Optional)

The factory installed next-generation security system features a hands-free fob that automatically arms and disarms the vehicle electronic security functions as you approach and walk away from the bike. Stick the fob on your ignition key ring and let it do all the work. It's this attention to details and security that make Harley-Davidson® motorcycles unique.

Artfully Hidden Technology

Harley-Davidson leverages the latest in technology without compromising style and function. That means we hide electronics. The whole wiring harness is skillfully routed behind the jewels of the bike—the tank, engine and all the other eye-popping features you want to see. It's just another way The Motor Company goes the extra mile to give its bikes that premium, top-of-the-line fit and finish.

Intuitive Controls

Hand controls on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle are incredibly intuitive. The turn signals are self-canceling and, based on the speed and angle of the motorcycle, they know how long to stay on. Engaging the controls quickly becomes second nature so you can focus less on turning off your signal and more on basking in the freedom of the ride.

Low Seat & Slammed Suspension

The combination of a lowered front and rear suspension together with a low solo seat—just 26 inches high—provides confidence for riders of all sizes and experience. A responsive ride for whipping through town or busting out onto the interstate.

Michelin® Scorcher™ Tires

New Michelin® Scorcher™ Tires provide the superior performance, sensational grip, impressive durability and excellent handling expected on a race-bred bike. The exclusive deep-cut tread design improves grip and water evacuation capability. Grip performance and durability is also enhanced by the tire's rubber compounds, which use the latest generation of Michelin synthetic polymers. Under the rear rubber, aramid belts are used to stabilize your ride, which helps inspire confidence in handling.

Tuned to Be Ridden

Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are different from any other bike out on the road. There's a balance to them. The steering, the maneuverability—it's all in concert. And each Harley-Davidson® model is tuned differently to create a unique riding experience for each individual no matter which bike they swing their leg over. Let's face it, we didn't get to where we are by being like everyone else.

Forward-Mounted Controls

With the custom forward-mounted controls on the Forty-Eight® model, you can kick back a little and stretch your legs for the ultimate cruise through town or across the state line. It's time to take in the open road the way you were meant to—on a two-wheeled machine that's built to outdo the rest.

Harley Davidson Forty Eight  Specifications

• Engine  Air-cooled, Evolution®
• Bore & Stroke 3.5 in.x 3.812 in. (88.9 mm x 96.8 mm)
• Displacement  73.3 cu in(1200cc)
• Compression Ratio  9.7:1
• Fuel System  Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• Transmission 5 speed
• Ignition Electronic
• Starting System Electric
• Exhaust Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual slash-cut mufflers
• Brakes, Caliper Type Dual-piston front, single-piston rear
• Engine Torque 79 ft-lb
• Engine Torque (rpm)4,000
• Fuel Economy: Combined City/Hwy 48 mpg
• Length  88.6 in.
• Ground Clearance  3.9 in.
• Trail  4.2 in.
• Wheelbase  59.8 in.
• Fuel Capacity  2.1 gal.
• Weight 573 lb.
• Price $10,599

 At last I would like to say tat new 2013 Harley Davidson Forty Eight is the perfect combination of  style, power and technology ready to give you world class performance on road. What you think? Please be oepn to give your view.

Harley Davidson Forty Eight Price & Option 

• Vivid Black  $10,599
• Color Option  $10,904
• Hard Candy Custom  $11,024
• Security Option  $370
• California Emissions  $100
• Freight  $305

Reference

• http://www.harley-davidson.com
• http://www.totalmotorcycle.com

 

Read more »