Friday, April 25, 2014
Harley-Davidson 48 [Forty-Eight] 2014 bike review (Clip)
10:21 AM
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The Harley-Davidson 48 is a member of Harley's entry-level Sportster range and has been inspired by the Bobber movement of the late 1950s. Its balloon tyres, slammed aesthetic and wonderful air-cooled V-twin may celebrate a brilliant past, but as Jon Quirk discovers, the 48 works pretty well as a modern day town bike, too.
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Harley Davidson Forty-Eight 2014
10:16 AM
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As I sit here thinking of the best way to start this, what first comes to mind is very revealing about this brand. Don’t get strapped in for any incredible revelations or anything. What I thought I should begin with is a sort of disclaimer, which I can’t say I would normally feel the need to put at the beginning of a motorcycle review. But, this is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle -- and I am not a “Harley guy”. That’s it.
Harley-Davidson are without a doubt one of the most recognizable motorcycle brands ever. In the same way that I know the words to way too many Britney Spears songs despite owning none of them, H-D branding is everywhere, and it seeps into near everyone’s psyche. My Mom doesn’t know a thing about motorcycles (and to be honest I think she would like to forget the fact that I ride them), but she knows Harley-Davidson. And then, there are the legions of die-hards. In the motorcycle world there are “Harley guys” and then everyone else. This is a powerful brand and perhaps why I was leaning towards a disclaimer to start things off. The mystique of the Harley brand has always intrigued me, but until now, I had never ridden one.
Popping my Harley cherry would be the Sportster Forty-Eight. As I familiarize myself with the bike before picking it up theres a few things I immediately like. The fat front tire and spoked wheels are definitely what I prefer to see on a bike like this, as are the clean lines and peanut tank. The 1200cc air- cooled Evolution engine means there’ll be no issues in the power department and is apparently as efficient as ever. The week I would have the bike for was going to be busy, so it would mean no long trips and probably lots of errand running. I figured it was probably the best model in the Harley-Davidson range for this anyhow, so I picked her up.
The first thing I notice about the Forty-Eight as I climb onto it for the first time is how low it sits. It’s ground clearance is all of 100mm and seat height only 660mm. As I settle into the small but relatively comfortable solo seat and get rolling, it all feels very foreign to me. I haven’t ridden a motorcycle with forward controls in a while, but soon enough my feet regain coordination with my hands and brain and I’m able to get my first taste of the power this engine puts out. The throttle has a short throw to it, so with a small twist of the wrist the engine rumbles to life and I think to myself, hell yeah I’m riding a Harley! Moments later I’m on the highway and the stark reality of the bike I am riding hits me.
With absolutely no wind protection, the Sportster Forty-Eight is never going to be your go-to machine for long stretches of highway. Don’t kid yourself, it really isn’t. As I get up to speed the cold October air hits me with full force and I am no longer revelling in my new found Harley coolness, I’m figuring out the best way to ensure I don’t get unceremoniously ripped off the back of the bike. I could slow down I suppose, but that’s not really in my motorcycle vocabulary and eventually I accept and almost start to enjoy just how raw this bike is for such a task. Then I hit some bumps and am bounced far enough out of my seat that my heart rate instantly spikes. The minimal rear suspension will get you through the smaller stuff fine, but you are otherwise taking the brunt of it up your back and can expect to be leaving the comfort of the seat on occasion. I can’t find it in me to rationalize this aspect of the ride, it is what it is, so I start paying much more attention to the road surface ahead than I normally would need to.
By the time I get home I’m feeling totally at ease with riding my new Harley. There’s nothing that feels awkward about it anymore, I grin and begin circling it, taking a closer look at everything.
The 2014 Forty-Eight comes in 5 different colours. Mine is adorned with the Hard Candy Chrome Flake tank, a look that seems to divide most people. I happen to like the silver flaked look, so I dig it. I also like the fact that I’m not blinded by chrome everywhere, it’s mostly the pipes where you’ll spend your time polishing. I’ve always really liked the look of the peanut style tank and it’s this classic style tank, that first appeared on a Harley- Davidson back in 1948, that gives this bike it’s name. The slammed handlebars suit the bike well and the underbar mirrors, minimal dash and round front headlight all lead to a tidy and tasteful looking face for the Forty-Eight. Moving towards the back of the bike, I can’t say I’m a fan of the rear end, the tail light and mounted license plate really interrupt the otherwise great lines of this bike. Overall, while there’s room to add your own mark to the Forty-Eight, it comes with a pre-baked custom feel and a decent dose of that much revered Harley heritage.
Built around the Evolution engine, often referred to as the Blockhead, the Sportster Forty-Eight delivers 96 Nm torque at 3,500 rpm. While I wouldn’t call the available power exciting in it’s delivery, the belt final drive is tight and there’s no time where you feel as though it’s lacking in grunt. Each gear in the 5-speed gearbox feels pretty wide and together with an easy roll- on of power, the Forty-Eight is an easy bike to handle around town. Opening it up I did find myself hitting the rev limiter a number of times while overtaking on roads where I would be launching from second gear, but getting a feel for when to shift would surely come with more time with the bike. It’s fuel economy of 4.9l/100 km (about 48 mpg) is great, but that cool looking tank comes at a cost -- it only holds 7.9 litres of fuel. You’ll be getting very friendly with your local gas stations if you plan on riding much.
I have to admit, I kind of secretly want it to sound a bit louder. You know, like those bad-ass Harley’s that shake buildings as they pass by. Well, ok, not that loud. The closed loop exhaust system has been engineered to meet future worldwide emission standards, which Harley says is not just about being better for the environment but also making riding better too. This is all good if we’re thinking with our responsible hats on, but for me, this isn’t a responsible motorcycle so I’d be inclined to rectify that with an aftermarket exhaust. I don’t blame Harley-Davidson at all for this as every manufacturer is dealing with exactly the same set of rules and there’s always a trade-off when it comes to emissions standards.
The hand controls and great. The shape of the clutch and brake levers fit my hands perfectly and along with just the right hydraulic feel, provide solid engagement. I love the heavy mechanical feeling of changing gears - the forward foot shifter moves firmly into each gear without any second guessing. Both the front and rear brakes have ample stopping power and react to my inputs always as expected. My Forty-Eight was equipped with the ABS option, though I never noticed it interfering during normal operation. The clean, minimal dash is really nice with an analog speedometer and small digital display -- nothing would ruin the vibe of this machine more than some big ugly digital dash pushing all kinds of data in your face. The function of the small digital display can be changed by a switch nestled in with the other controls beside the left grip. I found myself leaving it displaying gear and rpm values most of the time (they are thoughtfully combined). The electronic fob based ignition is really nice, just leave your keys in your pocket and hit the starter button.
I wouldn’t label the Sportster Forty-Eight as a “practical motorcycle” and that’s just fine, in my opinion it’s not supposed to be. It’s about the looks and the lifestyle, and I think it delivers in this respect. With any motorcycle, stylistic choices often come at the expense of practicality. The lack of wind protection will limit your use of the bike, but who would want a big ugly windscreen or fairing on a bike like this anyhow? Other things, such as the under the bar mounted mirrors, again aren’t a practical choice and while you see more of your legs and body in the mirrors than the road behind you, they are serviceable and they do justice to the overall aesthetic of this motorcycle. It’s mostly in it’s element cruising around town and posing in parking lots, but there is some performance to be gleaned from it too. I had a blast running the gauntlet on twisty country roads where the Forty-Eight does a decent job of carving through the bends despite it’s chunky rubber. I did however find myself scraping the feelers of the foot pegs a bit too often. Perhaps this is just me asking for more lean angle from a bike like this than I should? At about 560 lbs the Sportster isn't a lightweight bike, but it's nicely balanced and I never found myself considering it heavy feeling.
Harley-Davidson are without a doubt one of the most recognizable motorcycle brands ever. In the same way that I know the words to way too many Britney Spears songs despite owning none of them, H-D branding is everywhere, and it seeps into near everyone’s psyche. My Mom doesn’t know a thing about motorcycles (and to be honest I think she would like to forget the fact that I ride them), but she knows Harley-Davidson. And then, there are the legions of die-hards. In the motorcycle world there are “Harley guys” and then everyone else. This is a powerful brand and perhaps why I was leaning towards a disclaimer to start things off. The mystique of the Harley brand has always intrigued me, but until now, I had never ridden one.
Popping my Harley cherry would be the Sportster Forty-Eight. As I familiarize myself with the bike before picking it up theres a few things I immediately like. The fat front tire and spoked wheels are definitely what I prefer to see on a bike like this, as are the clean lines and peanut tank. The 1200cc air- cooled Evolution engine means there’ll be no issues in the power department and is apparently as efficient as ever. The week I would have the bike for was going to be busy, so it would mean no long trips and probably lots of errand running. I figured it was probably the best model in the Harley-Davidson range for this anyhow, so I picked her up.
The first thing I notice about the Forty-Eight as I climb onto it for the first time is how low it sits. It’s ground clearance is all of 100mm and seat height only 660mm. As I settle into the small but relatively comfortable solo seat and get rolling, it all feels very foreign to me. I haven’t ridden a motorcycle with forward controls in a while, but soon enough my feet regain coordination with my hands and brain and I’m able to get my first taste of the power this engine puts out. The throttle has a short throw to it, so with a small twist of the wrist the engine rumbles to life and I think to myself, hell yeah I’m riding a Harley! Moments later I’m on the highway and the stark reality of the bike I am riding hits me.
With absolutely no wind protection, the Sportster Forty-Eight is never going to be your go-to machine for long stretches of highway. Don’t kid yourself, it really isn’t. As I get up to speed the cold October air hits me with full force and I am no longer revelling in my new found Harley coolness, I’m figuring out the best way to ensure I don’t get unceremoniously ripped off the back of the bike. I could slow down I suppose, but that’s not really in my motorcycle vocabulary and eventually I accept and almost start to enjoy just how raw this bike is for such a task. Then I hit some bumps and am bounced far enough out of my seat that my heart rate instantly spikes. The minimal rear suspension will get you through the smaller stuff fine, but you are otherwise taking the brunt of it up your back and can expect to be leaving the comfort of the seat on occasion. I can’t find it in me to rationalize this aspect of the ride, it is what it is, so I start paying much more attention to the road surface ahead than I normally would need to.
By the time I get home I’m feeling totally at ease with riding my new Harley. There’s nothing that feels awkward about it anymore, I grin and begin circling it, taking a closer look at everything.
The 2014 Forty-Eight comes in 5 different colours. Mine is adorned with the Hard Candy Chrome Flake tank, a look that seems to divide most people. I happen to like the silver flaked look, so I dig it. I also like the fact that I’m not blinded by chrome everywhere, it’s mostly the pipes where you’ll spend your time polishing. I’ve always really liked the look of the peanut style tank and it’s this classic style tank, that first appeared on a Harley- Davidson back in 1948, that gives this bike it’s name. The slammed handlebars suit the bike well and the underbar mirrors, minimal dash and round front headlight all lead to a tidy and tasteful looking face for the Forty-Eight. Moving towards the back of the bike, I can’t say I’m a fan of the rear end, the tail light and mounted license plate really interrupt the otherwise great lines of this bike. Overall, while there’s room to add your own mark to the Forty-Eight, it comes with a pre-baked custom feel and a decent dose of that much revered Harley heritage.
Built around the Evolution engine, often referred to as the Blockhead, the Sportster Forty-Eight delivers 96 Nm torque at 3,500 rpm. While I wouldn’t call the available power exciting in it’s delivery, the belt final drive is tight and there’s no time where you feel as though it’s lacking in grunt. Each gear in the 5-speed gearbox feels pretty wide and together with an easy roll- on of power, the Forty-Eight is an easy bike to handle around town. Opening it up I did find myself hitting the rev limiter a number of times while overtaking on roads where I would be launching from second gear, but getting a feel for when to shift would surely come with more time with the bike. It’s fuel economy of 4.9l/100 km (about 48 mpg) is great, but that cool looking tank comes at a cost -- it only holds 7.9 litres of fuel. You’ll be getting very friendly with your local gas stations if you plan on riding much.
I have to admit, I kind of secretly want it to sound a bit louder. You know, like those bad-ass Harley’s that shake buildings as they pass by. Well, ok, not that loud. The closed loop exhaust system has been engineered to meet future worldwide emission standards, which Harley says is not just about being better for the environment but also making riding better too. This is all good if we’re thinking with our responsible hats on, but for me, this isn’t a responsible motorcycle so I’d be inclined to rectify that with an aftermarket exhaust. I don’t blame Harley-Davidson at all for this as every manufacturer is dealing with exactly the same set of rules and there’s always a trade-off when it comes to emissions standards.
The hand controls and great. The shape of the clutch and brake levers fit my hands perfectly and along with just the right hydraulic feel, provide solid engagement. I love the heavy mechanical feeling of changing gears - the forward foot shifter moves firmly into each gear without any second guessing. Both the front and rear brakes have ample stopping power and react to my inputs always as expected. My Forty-Eight was equipped with the ABS option, though I never noticed it interfering during normal operation. The clean, minimal dash is really nice with an analog speedometer and small digital display -- nothing would ruin the vibe of this machine more than some big ugly digital dash pushing all kinds of data in your face. The function of the small digital display can be changed by a switch nestled in with the other controls beside the left grip. I found myself leaving it displaying gear and rpm values most of the time (they are thoughtfully combined). The electronic fob based ignition is really nice, just leave your keys in your pocket and hit the starter button.
I wouldn’t label the Sportster Forty-Eight as a “practical motorcycle” and that’s just fine, in my opinion it’s not supposed to be. It’s about the looks and the lifestyle, and I think it delivers in this respect. With any motorcycle, stylistic choices often come at the expense of practicality. The lack of wind protection will limit your use of the bike, but who would want a big ugly windscreen or fairing on a bike like this anyhow? Other things, such as the under the bar mounted mirrors, again aren’t a practical choice and while you see more of your legs and body in the mirrors than the road behind you, they are serviceable and they do justice to the overall aesthetic of this motorcycle. It’s mostly in it’s element cruising around town and posing in parking lots, but there is some performance to be gleaned from it too. I had a blast running the gauntlet on twisty country roads where the Forty-Eight does a decent job of carving through the bends despite it’s chunky rubber. I did however find myself scraping the feelers of the foot pegs a bit too often. Perhaps this is just me asking for more lean angle from a bike like this than I should? At about 560 lbs the Sportster isn't a lightweight bike, but it's nicely balanced and I never found myself considering it heavy feeling.
As my week with my Harley-Davidson wound down I was still just as eager to
ride it as I was when I first picked it up. During my time with the Forty-
Eight, I found myself considering just what is it “intended” for. In a way
it’s the limitations of the Sportster Forty-Eight that dictates it’s purpose
rather than what it’s capable of. This isn’t a criticism of the bike, but
merely a case of knowing just what you want out of a motorcycle. It’s limited
fuel range means you won’t be going far, but given the general lack of rider
comfort you’ll be happy to stop at every gas station for a break anyhow. You
are however getting a well refined motorcycle with modern touches that don’t
overwhelm it’s heritage. I can’t say I’ve been converted to a “Harley guy”,
but I did enjoy my time with the Forty-Eight.
Price: $13,719 (with options as tested)
Specs::
Dimensions:
Length - 2,255 mm
Seat Height, Laden - 660mm
Seat Height, Unladen - 710 mm
Ground Clearance - 100 mm
Rake (steering head) (deg) - 30
Trail - 107 mm
Wheelbase - 1,520 mm
Fuel Capacity - 7.9 l
Weight, As Shipped Weight - 245 kg
Weight, In Running Order - 255 kg
Engine:
Engine - Air-cooled, Evolution®
Bore - 88.9 mm
Stroke - 96.8 mm
Displacement - 1,202 cc
Compression Ratio - 10:01
Fuel System - Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Performance:
Engine Torque - 96 Nm
Engine Torque (rpm) - 3,500
Lean Angle, Right (deg.) - 27.8
Lean Angle, Left (deg.) - 26.1
Fuel Economy: Combined City/Hwy - 4.9 l/100km
referrent : https://eatsleepride.com/c/26735/2014_harleydavidson_sportster_fortyeight
Price: $13,719 (with options as tested)
Specs::
Dimensions:
Length - 2,255 mm
Seat Height, Laden - 660mm
Seat Height, Unladen - 710 mm
Ground Clearance - 100 mm
Rake (steering head) (deg) - 30
Trail - 107 mm
Wheelbase - 1,520 mm
Fuel Capacity - 7.9 l
Weight, As Shipped Weight - 245 kg
Weight, In Running Order - 255 kg
Engine:
Engine - Air-cooled, Evolution®
Bore - 88.9 mm
Stroke - 96.8 mm
Displacement - 1,202 cc
Compression Ratio - 10:01
Fuel System - Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Performance:
Engine Torque - 96 Nm
Engine Torque (rpm) - 3,500
Lean Angle, Right (deg.) - 27.8
Lean Angle, Left (deg.) - 26.1
Fuel Economy: Combined City/Hwy - 4.9 l/100km
referrent : https://eatsleepride.com/c/26735/2014_harleydavidson_sportster_fortyeight
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Harley-davidson Stellalpina By Roboto Rossi
9:40 AM
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Roberto Rossi presenta Stellalpina. Un video di Giorgio Oppici con la partecipazione del gentleman rider Alessandro ViganĂ².
www.robertorossimantova.eu
www.giorgiooppici.it
Friday, November 9, 2012
Harley Davidson Fouty Eight 48 2012 Test Run
6:13 AM
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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?
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
Friday, November 2, 2012
Harley Davidson Forty Eight 2013 XL1200X Review
10:06 PM
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1 comment
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