Cruisers

2018Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom

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The 2018 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom appeals to riders seeking a lightweight, minimalist cruiser with authentic chopper styling. Known for its aggressive blacked-out aesthetic, low-slung 27.3-inch seat, and nimble handling, it delivers classic Harley character in a compact, manageable package ideal for both city riding and weekend cruising.

Capacity: 1201.3 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 244.0 kg
Seat height: 693 mm
Power: 65.0 HP (47.4 kW) @ 6000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2018 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom

vs the 2017

Spec	2017	2018
Power	66.6 HP (48.6 kW) @ 6000 RPM	65.0 HP (47.4 kW) @ 6000 RPM
Dry weight	250.8 kg (552.9 pounds)	244.0 kg (537.9 pounds)
Wet weight	260.0 kg (573.2 pounds)	250.0 kg (551.2 pounds)
Seat height	710 mm (28.0 inches)	693 mm (27.3 inches)
Fuel capacity	8.00 litres (2.11 US gallons)	7.90 litres (2.09 US gallons)
Front brakes	Single disc. Optional ABS. Dual-piston.	Single disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.
Rear brakes	Single disc. Optinal ABS. Dual-piston.	Single disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.
Wheelbase	1520 mm (59.8 inches)	1506 mm (59.3 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 693mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2018 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 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: 65.0 HP (47.4 kW) @ 6000 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 121 CO2 g/km
Torque: 96.0 Nm (9.8 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2664 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: 1506 mm
Overall length: 2159 mm
Seat height: 693 mm
Dry weight: 244.0 kg
Wet weight: 250.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 7.90 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: 135 mm

Brakes & wheels

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

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Billet Silver, Hard Candy Hot Rod Red Flake, Hard Candy Black Gold Flake, Corona Yellow Pearl, Crushed Ice Denim

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

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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MotorcycleDB Review

The 2018 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom motorcycle is a sleek and powerful ride that offers a unique and distinctive look. The blacked-out design of this bike gives it a bold and edgy appearance that is sure to turn heads. With its 1200cc Evolution engine, this motorcycle delivers plenty of torque and power for an exhilarating riding experience. The low-slung seat and fat tires add to the aggressive styling of the Forty-Eight, making it a standout in the Harley-Davidson lineup.

The 2018 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom is a great choice for riders who want a motorcycle with a strong and commanding presence. Its combination of modern design and classic Harley-Davidson heritage make it a standout in the world of custom motorcycles. Whether you're cruising through the city streets or hitting the open road, the Forty-Eight Dark Custom offers a thrilling ride that is sure to impress. With its impressive performance and eye-catching style, this motorcycle is a top choice for riders looking for a powerful and distinctive bike.