Cruisers

2014Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom

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The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom is a blacked-out cruiser built for riders seeking authentic custom styling with modern reliability. Its 1201cc Evolution engine delivers responsive torque ideal for urban riding and weekend cruises. Known for its minimalist dark aesthetic and nimble handling, this Sportster appeals to customization enthusiasts and riders prioritizing style and maneuverability.

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

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom

vs the 2013

Spec	2013	2014
Engine capacity	1201.25 ccm (73.30 cubic inches)	1201.3 ccm (73.31 cubic inches)
Torque	107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000	107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000 RPM
Weight	250.8 kg (553.0 pounds)	250.8 kg (552.9 pounds)
Fuel capacity	7.95 litres (2.10 gallons)	8.00 litres (2.11 US gallons)
Wheelbase	1,519 mm (59.8 inches)	1519 mm (59.8 inches)

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 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2014 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
CO2 Emissions: 114 CO2 g/km
Torque: 107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m) @ 4000 RPM
Engine type: V -Twin 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

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
Oil capacity: 2.60 litres

Chassis & suspension

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: Vivid black, Hard candy chrome flake, Marrocco gold pearl, Blackend cayenne sunglo

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	1201.25 ccm (73.30 cubic inches)	1201.25 ccm (73.30 cubic inches)	1201.25 ccm (73.30 cubic inches)	1201.25 ccm (73.30 cubic inches)	—
Dry weight	250.8 kg (553.0 pounds)	250.8 kg (553.0 pounds)	250.8 kg (553.0 pounds)	250.8 kg (553.0 pounds)	244.0 kg (537.9 pounds)
Seat height	660 mm (26.0 inches)	660 mm (26.0 inches)	710 mm (28.0 inches)	710 mm (28.0 inches)	693 mm (27.3 inches)
Fuel capacity	7.95 litres (2.10 gallons)	7.95 litres (2.10 gallons)	7.95 litres (2.10 gallons)	7.95 litres (2.10 gallons)	7.90 litres (2.09 gallons)
Color options	Black	Vivid black, Hard candy chrome flake, Marrocco gold pearl, Blackend cayenne sunglo	Vivid black	Vivid black	Vivid Black, Billet Silver, Hard Candy Hot Rod Red Flake, Hard Candy Black Gold Flake, Corona Yellow Pearl, Crushed Ice Denim