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All Bikes/Harley-davidson/Forty-eight Special
Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special
Cruiser

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.

O Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Special foi lançado em 2018 como uma evolução do Forty-Eight, que estreou em 2010 como parte da linha Sportster Dark Custom. A variante Special se destacou com um tanque de combustível maior do tipo amendoim de 4,5 galões (17 L) em comparação com o tanque padrão de 2,1 galões do Forty-Eight, abordando uma das críticas mais comuns ao modelo original. Ele se tornou notável por combinar o estilo clássico inspirado no bobber com maior praticidade e foi produzido até 2020, quando a Harley-Davidson interrompeu a linha Sportster XL em certos mercados antes da nova geração Sportster S.

48 hp

Poder

67 Nm

Torque

253 kg

Peso

170 km/h (estimated; note: not officially published by Harley-Davidson)

Velocidade máxima

6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L) — estimated real-world average

Combustível

Nua

Corpo

search Inspecione esta bicicleta agora

Video Review

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O que os compradores devem saber

🔧

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.

Gerações e especificações por ano

2018–2020 Gen 1

Apresentado como Forty-Eight Special com pára-choque estendido, rodas atadas e componentes de motor escurecidos que o distinguem do padrão Forty-Eight.

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Avaliação do comprador usado

7.0/10
Melhor para
Urban riders wanting authentic bobber style daily

"A genuinely cool short-hop cruiser let down by practical limitations."

$8,500-$12,500 used

The 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.

Prós
Contras
Ignore se: You regularly tour or exceed 150-mile days

Top 10 Accessories

Curated picks for the Harley-davidson Forty-eight Special — owned, ridden, recommended.

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Problemas comuns

🔥 1 CRITICAL
⚠️Heat soak causing rough idle and stalling MODERATE

Test idle after 20 min ride, check tune

Fix cost: $50-$200
🔥Cam chain tensioner wear on early models SERIOUS

Listen for ticking on cold startup near engine

Fix cost: $300-$600
⚠️Fork seal leaks from small tank design vibration MODERATE

Look for oil residue on lower fork tubes

Fix cost: $150-$350

Lista de verificação de pré-compra

Check for aftermarket tune or auto-tune installed
Inspect fork tubes for oil seepage closely
Cold start and listen for engine tick
Verify service history and oil change intervals

Solid cruiser, minor issues easily managed with maintenance

Full Specifications

Engine Power 48 hp @ 5,500 rpm (estimated; Harley-Davidson does not officially publish power figures for this model)
Torque 67 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed 170 km/h (estimated; note: not officially published by Harley-Davidson)
Weight 253 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel Consumption 6.5 L/100km (approx. 15.4 km/L) — estimated real-world average
Type Cruiser
Fairing No Fairing (Naked)

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Community Reviews

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.