Cruisers
2016Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight
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The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is a lightweight cruiser designed for riders seeking classic style with manageable handling. Its compact 710mm seat height and nimble 247kg dry weight make it ideal for shorter riders and those new to cruisers. Known for its minimalist retro aesthetic and approachable performance, it delivers authentic Harley character in an accessible package.
- Capacity
- 1201.3 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 247.0 kg
- Seat height
- 710 mm
- Power
- 67.1 HP (48.9 kW) @ 6000 RPM
What’s new for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight
vs the 2015| Spec | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Dry weight | 250.8 kg (552.9 pounds) | 247.0 kg (544.5 pounds) |
| Wet weight | 259.9 kg (573.0 pounds) | 257.0 kg (566.6 pounds) |
| Seat height | 660 mm (26.0 inches) | 710 mm (28.0 inches) |
| Wheelbase | 1519 mm (59.8 inches) | 1495 mm (58.9 inches) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for short blasts, boulevard cruising, and style-focused riding rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
- Built for
- A stripped-down, fat-tired custom cruiser that delivers punchy low-end torque, a thumping air-cooled V-twin soundtrack, and bold Dark Custom styling.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders seeking sport-bike agility, off-road capability, or a comfortable two-up long-distance tourer.
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
- 67.1 HP (48.9 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
- 0.2717 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
- 1495 mm
- Overall length
- 2210 mm
- Seat height
- 710 mm
- Dry weight
- 247.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 257.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 7.90 litres
- Ground clearance
- 110 mm
- Oil capacity
- 2.60 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- Twin shocks
- Rake (fork angle)
- 29.6°
- Trail
- 132 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.
- ABS
- Optional
- Front tyre
- 150/80-16
- Rear tyre
- 150/80-B16
Other
- Color options
- Olive Gold, Velocity Red Sunglo, Hard Candy Cancun Blue Flake, Hard Candy Gold Flake, Vivid Black, Billet Silver
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 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1202 cc |
| Dry weight | 251 kg | 251 kg | 247 kg | 247 kg | 247 kg | 247 kg |
| Seat height | 660 mm | 660 mm | 710 mm | 710 mm | 710 mm | 665 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 8 L | 7.9 L | 7.9 L | 7.9 L | 7.9 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?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a Capacity of 1201.3 ccm (73.31 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a Power of 67.1 HP (48.9 kW) @ 6000 RPM.
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 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 weigh?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a Dry weight of 247.0 kg (544.5 pounds).
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