Cruisers
2015Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom
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The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom appeals to riders seeking authentic, minimalist cruiser styling with manageable performance. Built on a short 1,520mm wheelbase with aggressive 30-degree rake, it delivers responsive handling and nimble maneuverability in an accessible package. Known for its blacked-out aesthetic, low-slung seat, and aggressive stance, this bike combines retro appeal with modern fuel injection and six-speed transmission for practical everyday riding.
- Capacity
- 1201.2 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 250.8 kg
- Seat height
- 710 mm
- Power
- 74.1 HP (54.5 kW)
What’s new for the 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom
vs the 2014| Spec | 2014 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 660 mm (26.0 inches) | 710 mm (28.0 inches) |
| Front brakes | Single disc. Dual-piston | Single disc. Optional ABS. Dual-piston. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Single-piston | Single disc. Optinal ABS. Dual-piston. |
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
- 1201.2 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 (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
- 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. 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, Amber Whiskey, Hard candy Big Red Flake, Hard Candy Cancun Blue Flake, Charcoal Pearl
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 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1201 cc |
| Dry weight | 251 kg | 251 kg | 251 kg | 251 kg | 251 kg | 244 kg |
| Seat height | 660 mm | 660 mm | 710 mm | 710 mm | 710 mm | 693 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 8 L | 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 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom has a Capacity of 1201.2 ccm (73.30 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom have?
The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom has a Power of 74.1 HP (54.5 kW).
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom have?
The 2015 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 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom has a Torque of 107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000 RPM.
How much does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom weigh?
The 2015 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom has a Dry weight of 250.8 kg (552.9 pounds).
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