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All Bikes/Compare/Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200 vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight

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

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200 vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight. 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: 60 hp @ 6,000 rpm hp, 253 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 170 km/h, Motoryk rating 7.5/10.

Performance at a Glance

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

Harley-davidson Sportster Custom 1200 Harley-davidson Forty-eight
Horsepower (hp)
60 hp
60 hp
Torque (Nm)
92 Nm
97 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)
60 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
92 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
97 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world conditions may vary slightly)
170 km/h
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)
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical 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
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
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Riding Boots
Boots
Riding Boots
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Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
Chain Lube
Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
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