Cruisers
2016Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom
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The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom appeals to riders seeking aggressive, minimalist style with proven cruiser performance. Known for its blacked-out aesthetic, low 710mm seat height, and nimble handling thanks to its compact 1,520mm wheelbase, this bike excels in urban riding and custom customization potential. Its modest 250.8kg weight and accessible ergonomics make it ideal for both experienced cruiser enthusiasts and newer riders transitioning to larger machines.
- Capacity
- 1201.3 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 250.8 kg
- Seat height
- 710 mm
- Power
- 66.6 HP (48.6 kW) @ 6000 RPM
What’s new for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom
vs the 2015| Spec | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 74.1 HP (54.5 kW) | 66.6 HP (48.6 kW) @ 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000 RPM | 96.0 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- 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?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 1201.3 ccm
- Power
- 66.6 HP (48.6 kW) @ 6000 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 114 CO2 g/km
- Torque
- 96.0 Nm (9.8 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Fuel consumption
- 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l)
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2656 HP/kg (dry)
- 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
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
- Clutch
- Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1520 mm
- Overall length
- 2255 mm
- Seat height
- 710 mm
- Dry weight
- 250.8 kg
- Wet weight
- 260.0 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. Optional ABS. Dual-piston.
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Optinal ABS. Dual-piston.
- ABS
- Optional
- Front tyre
- 130/90-B16
- Rear tyre
- 150/80-B16
Other
- Color options
- Vivid black
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom has a Capacity of 1201.3 ccm (73.31 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom have?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom has a Power of 66.6 HP (48.6 kW) @ 6000 RPM.
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom have?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom has a Torque of 96.0 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM.
How much does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom weigh?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom has a Dry weight of 250.8 kg (552.9 pounds).
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