Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special
The Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special has a top speed of 170 km/h (estimated; note: not officially published by Harley-Davidson), produces 48 hp and weighs 253 kg. Motoryk rates it 7/10.
The Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Special was introduced in 2018 as an evolution of the Forty-Eight, which itself debuted in 2010 as part of the Sportster Dark Custom line. The Special variant distinguished itself with a larger 4.5-gallon (17L) peanut-style fuel tank compared to the standard Forty-Eight's 2.1-gallon tank, addressing one of the most common criticisms of the original model. It became notable for blending classic bobber-inspired styling with improved practicality, and was produced until 2020 when Harley-Davidson discontinued the Sportster XL lineup in certain markets ahead of the new Sportster S generation.
48 hp
Power
67 Nm
Torque
253 kg
Weight
170 km/h (estimated; note: not officially published by Harley-Davidson)
Top Speed
6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L) — estimated real-world average
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Watch the Primary Chain
The Evolution-era Sportster platform can develop primary chain tensioner wear over time, so inspect for rattling on cold starts. Regular oil changes every 3,000–5,000 miles significantly extend drivetrain life.
Strong Resale Value
The Forty-Eight Special holds its value unusually well for a mid-size cruiser, often retaining 75–85% of MSRP after two years. Its retro bobber styling keeps demand steady in the used market.
Iconic Peanut Tank Tradeoff
The signature 2.1-gallon peanut tank is a head-turning design feature but limits range to roughly 80–100 miles per fill-up. Buyers who plan longer rides should factor in frequent fuel stops.
Generations & Specs by Year
Introduced as Forty-Eight Special with extended fender, laced wheels, and blacked-out engine components distinguishing it from standard Forty-Eight.
Used Buyer Review
"A genuinely cool short-hop cruiser let down by practical limitations."
$8,500-$12,500 usedThe Forty-Eight Special is essentially a stretched Sportster wearing bobber drag bars and that enormous peanut tank — and honestly, it works. The 1200cc Evolution motor has enough grunt to surprise you off the line, and the low-slung stance makes shorter riders feel genuinely confident. Used examples from 2018-2020 are flooding the market right now, so you've got leverage on price. Check the primary chain tensioner and inspect the forks for seal weeps — both are common wear items that previous owners ignore. The riding position is the dealbreaker for most people. Those drag bars look period-correct but punish you after 45 minutes on the highway. It's unequivocally a city bike. Tank range is embarrassing — expect 80-90 miles before you're sweating near a gas station. Heat from that air-cooled twin in traffic is real, not exaggerated. Buy one with the Stage 1 kit already done — slip-on, air cleaner, tune — because the stock setup is deliberately strangled. Factory bars swapped for something taller transforms the ergonomics completely. Great platform, needs modest investment.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALTest idle after 20 min ride, check tune
Listen for ticking on cold startup near engine
Look for oil residue on lower fork tubes
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid cruiser, minor issues easily managed with maintenance
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special
Harley-davidson Sportster Iron 883
Harley-davidson Forty-eight
Harley-davidson Iron 1200
Harley-davidson Roadster 1200
Harley-davidson Sportster Xl1200x Forty-eight
Compare Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special vs Harley-davidson Sportster Iron 883
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special vs Harley-davidson Forty-eight
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special vs Harley-davidson Iron 1200
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special vs Harley-davidson Roadster 1200
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special vs Harley-davidson Sportster Xl1200x Forty-eight
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special? +
Heat soak causing rough idle and stalling: Test idle after 20 min ride, check tune (moderate) | Cam chain tensioner wear on early models: Listen for ticking on cold startup near engine (serious) | Fork seal leaks from small tank design vibration: Look for oil residue on lower fork tubes (moderate)
Is the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special a good motorcycle? +
A genuinely cool short-hop cruiser let down by practical limitations. Rating: 7.0/10. Best for: Urban riders wanting authentic bobber style daily. Avoid if: You regularly tour or exceed 150-mile days.
What is the horsepower of the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special? +
The Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special produces 48 hp @ 5,500 rpm (estimated; Harley-Davidson does not officially publish power figures for this model), with 67 Nm @ 3,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 170 km/h (estimated; note: not officially published by Harley-Davidson).
Is the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special good for beginners? +
Yes — the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special is a reasonable choice for new riders (48 hp is manageable), weighing 253 kg. Urban riders wanting authentic bobber style daily
Is the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special, notably: Cam chain tensioner wear on early models (Listen for ticking on cold startup near engine). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special good for daily use? +
Urban riders wanting authentic bobber style daily Fuel: 6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L) — estimated real-world average.
How fast is the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special? +
The Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special reaches a top speed of 170 km/h (estimated; note: not officially published by Harley-Davidson), producing 48 hp at 253 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/harley-davidson/forty-eight-special/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
