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All Bikes/Compare/Harley-davidson Nightster vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight

Harley-davidson Nightster vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight

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 Nightster Harley-davidson Forty-eight
Horsepower (hp)
89 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
95 Nm
97 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
170 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
220 kg
253 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
89 hp @ 7,500 rpm
60 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
95 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
97 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h (estimated)
170 km/h
Weight
220 kg (wet/curb weight)
253 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average)
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No

Individual Reviews

Harley-davidson Nightster
Harley-davidson Nightster
7.8/10

"A genuinely good motorcycle that earns respect beyond the badge."

Pros
+Revolution Max engine is excellent
+Actually corners with confidence
+Low, manageable seat height
Cons
Stock seat is punishment
Cramped for tall riders
Limited wind protection
Harley-davidson Forty-eight
Harley-davidson Forty-eight
7.5/10

"A charismatic city scramblers that demands realistic expectations about range and comfort."

Pros
+Bulletproof Sportster engine reliability
+Parts availability everywhere
+Genuinely stunning visual presence
Cons
Tiny tank, terrible range
Seat punishes longer rides
Many dropped examples exist

Top 10 Accessories

Picks that work on either bike.

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Front & Rear Brake Pads for Harley Davidson XL883 XL1200 XL883L XL883N XL883R XL1200C XL1200CX XL1200 T/V/X XL 1200 XS/NS Sportster SuperLow Iron Roadster Custom Forty Eight 2014-2023
Brake Pads
Front & Rear Brake Pads for Harley Davidson XL883 XL1200 XL883L XL883N XL883R XL1200C XL1200CX XL1200 T/V/X XL 1200 XS/NS Sportster SuperLow Iron Roadster Custom Forty Eight 2014-2023
View on Amazon →
Dunlop Harley Davidson D402 Front Tire (Single / MH90-21)
Tires
Dunlop Harley Davidson D402 Front Tire (Single / MH90-21)
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YTX20HL-BS 12V 20Ah AGM Sealed Motorcycle Battery, Maintenance-Free, Compatible with Harley Davidson, Honda, ATV, UTV, Snowmobile Replacement
Battery
YTX20HL-BS 12V 20Ah AGM Sealed Motorcycle Battery, Maintenance-Free, Compatible with Harley Davidson, Honda, ATV, UTV, Snowmobile Replacement
View on Amazon →
Podoy 428 Motorcycle Chain 132 Links Gold with Chain Breaker, Heavy Duty Drive Chain Replacement for 110cc 125cc 150cc Pit Dirt Bike ATV Go Kart
Chain & Lube
Podoy 428 Motorcycle Chain 132 Links Gold with Chain Breaker, Heavy Duty Drive Chain Replacement for 110cc 125cc 150cc Pit Dirt Bike ATV Go Kart
View on Amazon →
Klotz
Engine Oil
Klotz
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Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
Helmet
Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
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Riding Gloves
Gloves
Riding Gloves
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Mesh Riding Jacket
Jacket
Mesh Riding Jacket
View on Amazon →
Riding Boots
Boots
Riding Boots
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Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
Chain Lube
Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
View on Amazon →
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