Cruisers

2017Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom

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The 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom is a fat-tyred Sportster with a tiny peanut tank. Its air-cooled 1,201.3cc V-twin makes 66.6 hp at 6,000 rpm and 96 Nm through belt drive. A 710 mm seat and an 8-litre tank give it a bold, classic bobber look.

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

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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 710mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2017 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 →

Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based 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.

Full specifications

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: October 2026.

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