Harley-davidson Iron 1200 vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Performance at a Glance
Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value
Harley-davidson Iron 1200
Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special
Horsepower (hp)
61 hp
48 hp
Torque (Nm)
92 Nm
67 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
170 km/h
170 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
252 kg
253 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
61 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Harley-Davidson does not officially publish power figures for this model)
48 hp @ 5,500 rpm (estimated; Harley-Davidson does not officially publish power figures for this model)
Torque
92 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
67 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
170 km/h (estimated; note: not officially published by Harley-Davidson)
170 km/h (estimated; note: not officially published by Harley-Davidson)
Weight
252 kg (wet/curb weight)
253 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approx. 15–18 km/L, real-world average)
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L) — estimated real-world average
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Harley-davidson Iron 1200
7.5/10
"A characterful, honest cruiser that rewards riders who accept its limitations."
Pros
+Strong low-end torque delivery
+Head-turning genuine bobber stance
+Solid used parts availability
Cons
−Motorway vibration genuinely tiring
−Stock seat punishingly uncomfortable
−Air cooling runs very hot
Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special
7.0/10
"A genuinely cool short-hop cruiser let down by practical limitations."
Pros
+Bulletproof 1200cc Evo motor
+Stunning factory bobber aesthetics
+Low seat, beginner-friendly
Cons
−Tiny tank, terrible range
−Drag bars punish long rides
−Serious urban heat soak