Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - 2016 Specifications and Reviews
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is a lightweight cruiser designed for riders seeking classic style with manageable handling. Its compact 710mm seat height and nimble 247kg dry weight make it ideal for shorter riders and those new to cruisers. Known for its minimalist retro aesthetic and approachable performance, it delivers authentic Harley character in an accessible package.
General information | |
| Category | Custom / cruiser |
| Year | 2016 |
| Model | Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight |
| | |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Exhaust system | Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual slash-cut mufflers |
| Greenhouse gases | 113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Fuel consumption | 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg) |
| Driveline | 57/38 ratio |
| Clutch | Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath |
| Transmission type,final drive | Belt |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Cooling system | Air |
| Lubrication system | Dry sump |
| Fuel control | Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
| Fuel system | Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection |
| Bore x Stroke | 88.9 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches) |
| Compression | 9.7:1 |
| Torque | 96.00 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM |
| Power | 67.05 HP (48.9 kW) @ 6000 RPM |
| Engine details | Evolution® engine |
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels | |
| Wheels | Black, Laced Steel |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS. |
| Front brakes | Single disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS. |
| Rear tyre | 150/80-B16 |
| Front tyre | 150/80-16 |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shocks |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork |
| Trail | 132 mm (5.2 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 29.6° |
| | |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Oil capacity | 2.60 litres (0.17 quarts) |
| Fuel capacity | 7.90 litres (2.09 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,495 mm (58.9 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 110 mm (4.3 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,210 mm (87.0 inches) |
| Seat height | 710 mm (28.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Power/weight ratio | 0.2715 HP/kg |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 257.0 kg (566.6 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 247.0 kg (544.5 pounds) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Light | High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional) |
| Instruments | 4-inch Speedometer mounted low and integrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, LED indicator lights |
| Starter | Electric |
| Color options | Olive Gold, Velocity Red Sunglo, Hard Candy Cancun Blue Flake, Hard Candy Gold Flake, Vivid Black, Billet Silver |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
65 hp
Peak Power
5.5s
0-60 mph
Best For
Track10%
City65%
Cornering40%
Daily Riding55%
Touring30%
Passenger20%
Rider Profile
| Best For | Suitable for beginner to intermediate riders who want a manageable, low-slung cruiser with classic V-twin character. |
| Purpose | Built for short blasts, boulevard cruising, and style-focused riding rather than outright speed or long-distance touring. |
| Rider Fit | Very low seat height and low center of gravity make it easy for shorter riders to handle, though limited ground clearance and suspension travel require a relaxed, upright riding style. |
| Character | A stripped-down, fat-tired custom cruiser that delivers punchy low-end torque, a thumping air-cooled V-twin soundtrack, and bold Dark Custom styling. |
| Not Ideal For | Not a good fit for riders seeking sport-bike agility, off-road capability, or a comfortable two-up long-distance tourer. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
Rider Reviews
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