Cruisers

2013Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom

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The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom is a minimalist cruiser designed for riders seeking aggressive styling with manageable performance. Its 1201cc air-cooled V-twin engine delivers solid low-end torque ideal for urban riding and cruising, while the blacked-out aesthetic and stripped-down design define its dark custom character. Best known for combining classic Sportster heritage with contemporary custom styling, it appeals to riders valuing style and accessibility.

Capacity: 1201.3 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 250.8 kg
Seat height: 660 mm
Power: 74.1 HP (54.5 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding65%

Daily riding55%

Touring30%

Two-up25%

Track10%

Best for: Built primarily as a stylish, stripped-down urban cruiser for short rides and boulevard cruising rather than outright speed or distance touring.
Built for: A gritty, blacked-out custom cruiser with big torque off the line, a thumping air-cooled V-twin soundtrack, and classic Harley drag-style attitude.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, off-road capability, or long-distance touring comfort with a passenger.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 660mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1201.3 ccm
Power: 74.1 HP (54.5 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 114 CO2 g/km
Torque: 107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m) @ 4000 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2955 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 9.7:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Lubrication system: Dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1519 mm
Overall length: 2250 mm
Seat height: 660 mm
Dry weight: 250.8 kg
Wet weight: 259.9 kg
Fuel capacity: 8.00 litres
Ground clearance: 100 mm
Oil capacity: 2.60 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Twin shocks
Rake (fork angle): 30.0°
Trail: 107 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Dual-piston
Rear brakes: Single disc. Single-piston
Front tyre: 130/90-B16
Rear tyre: 150/80-B16

Other

Color options: Black

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2013	2014	2016	2017	2018
Capacity	1201 cc	1201 cc	1201 cc	1201 cc	1201 cc
Dry weight	251 kg	251 kg	251 kg	251 kg	244 kg
Seat height	660 mm	660 mm	710 mm	710 mm	693 mm
Fuel capacity	8 L	8 L	8 L	8 L	7.9 L