Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight — which is more fuel-efficient?

Fuel use: Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom 5.5–6.5 L/100km (approximately 15–18 km/L typical real-world average), Harley-davidson Forty-eight 5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average). Real-world economy varies by rider weight, traffic, and how hard the throttle gets twisted.

Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight — which is better for beginners?

Both are reasonable first-bike candidates. Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom: 67 hp. Harley-davidson Forty-eight: 60 hp.

Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight — which should I commute on daily?

Both can commute, but lighter weight and gentler power win in traffic. Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom: 256 kg, 67 hp. Harley-davidson Forty-eight: 253 kg, 60 hp.

Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight

Q: Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight — which has more power?

Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom produces 67 hp @ 5,500 rpm (later Evolution-era models; note: earlier carbureted versions produced approximately 60 hp); Harley-davidson Forty-eight produces 60 hp @ 6,000 rpm. Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom wins by 7 hp.

Q: Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight — which is faster?

Top speed: Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom 175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world top speed varies by rider weight and conditions), Harley-davidson Forty-eight 170 km/h. Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom is the faster of the two.

Q: Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight — which is lighter?

Weight: Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom 256 kg (wet/curb weight), Harley-davidson Forty-eight 253 kg (wet/curb weight).

Q: Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight — which is more reliable?

Motoryk rates Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom 7.5/10 and Harley-davidson Forty-eight 7.5/10. Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom caveat: You prioritize comfort over long touring distances. Harley-davidson Forty-eight caveat: You regularly tour or ride beyond 100 miles.

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight. Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom: 67 hp @ 5,500 rpm (later Evolution-era models; note: earlier carbureted versions produced approximately 60 hp) hp, 256 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world top speed varies by rider weight and conditions), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Harley-davidson Forty-eight: 60 hp @ 6,000 rpm hp, 253 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 170 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.5/10.