Menu
🏍️
Bikes
Reviews
⚖️
Compare
📚
Guides
📊
Samples
camera_alt
Free Inspection
Start a new bike check
Privacy
Terms
All Bikes/Compare/Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200 vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special

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

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200 vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special. Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200: 60 hp @ 5,500 rpm (note: Harley-Davidson did not always publish official HP figures; this is a widely cited estimate for the Evolution/Twin Cam era) hp, 256 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world conditions may vary slightly), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special: 48 hp @ 5,500 rpm (estimated; Harley-Davidson does not officially publish power figures for this model) hp, 253 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 170 km/h (estimated; note: not officially published by Harley-Davidson), Motoryk rating 7.0/10.

Performance at a Glance

Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value

Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200 Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special
Horsepower (hp)
60 hp
48 hp
Torque (Nm)
92 Nm
67 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
175 km/h
170 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
256 kg
253 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
60 hp @ 5,500 rpm (note: Harley-Davidson did not always publish official HP figures; this is a widely cited estimate for the Evolution/Twin Cam era)
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
175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world conditions may vary slightly)
170 km/h (estimated; note: not officially published by Harley-Davidson)
Weight
256 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 Sportster Custom 1200
Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200
7.5/10

"A tough, characterful cruiser that earns its reputation through sheer reliability."

Pros
+Bulletproof drivetrain when maintained
+Massive aftermarket parts availability
+Strong low-rev torque delivery
Cons
Vibration tires you long-distance
Rocker box oil seeps common
Handling feels agricultural above 70mph
Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special
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

Top 10 Accessories

Picks that work on either bike.

Affiliate · we may earn
Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
Helmet
Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
View on Amazon →
Riding Gloves
Gloves
Riding Gloves
View on Amazon →
Mesh Riding Jacket
Jacket
Mesh Riding Jacket
View on Amazon →
Riding Boots
Boots
Riding Boots
View on Amazon →
Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
Chain Lube
Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
View on Amazon →
Battery Trickle Charger
Battery Tender
Battery Trickle Charger
View on Amazon →
Handlebar Phone Mount
Phone Mount
Handlebar Phone Mount
View on Amazon →
Waterproof Motorcycle Cover
Bike Cover
Waterproof Motorcycle Cover
View on Amazon →
Roadside Tool Kit
Tool Kit
Roadside Tool Kit
View on Amazon →
Helmet Action Camera
Action Camera
Helmet Action Camera
View on Amazon →
search Inspect either bike now — Free