Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom - 2013 Specifications and Reviews
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom is a minimalist cruiser designed for riders seeking aggressive styling with manageable performance. Its 1201cc air-cooled V-twin engine delivers solid low-end torque ideal for urban riding and cruising, while the blacked-out aesthetic and stripped-down design define its dark custom character. Best known for combining classic Sportster heritage with contemporary custom styling, it appeals to riders valuing style and accessibility.
General information | |
| Category | Custom / cruiser |
| Year | 2013 |
| Model | Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom |
| | |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Exhaust system | Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual slash-cut mufflers |
| Greenhouse gases | 113.7 CO |
| Fuel consumption | 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg) |
| Driveline | Chain, 57/38 ratio primary drive |
| Transmission type,final drive | Belt |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Cooling system | Air |
| Fuel system | Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Bore x stroke | 88.9 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches) |
| Compression | 9.7:1 |
| Torque | 107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000 |
| Engine details | Air-cooled, Evolution® |
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
| Capacity: | 1201.25 ccm (73.30 cubic inches) |
| | |
Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels | |
| Wheels | Black, Laced Steel |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Single-piston |
| Front brakes | Single disc. Dual-piston |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 150/80-B16 |
| Front tyre dimensions | 130/90-B16 |
| Trail | 107 mm (4.2 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 30.0° |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Oil capacity | 2.60 litres (0.17 quarts) |
| Fuel capacity | 7.95 litres (2.10 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,519 mm (59.8 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,250 mm (88.6 inches) |
| Seat height | 660 mm (26.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 259.9 kg (573.0 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 250.8 kg (553.0 pounds) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Color options | Black |
| 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 |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
65 hp
Peak Power
5.8s
0-60 mph
Best For
Track10%
City65%
Cornering35%
Daily Riding55%
Touring30%
Passenger25%
Rider Profile
| Best For | Suited to riders from intermediate levels up who want an easy-going, low-slung cruiser rather than a beginner-only or expert-only machine. |
| Purpose | Built primarily as a stylish, stripped-down urban cruiser for short rides and boulevard cruising rather than outright speed or distance touring. |
| Rider Fit | The very low seat height and forward-set footpegs make it approachable for shorter riders, though the low ground clearance and limited lean angle demand a relaxed, upright riding style. |
| Character | A gritty, blacked-out custom cruiser with big torque off the line, a thumping air-cooled V-twin soundtrack, and classic Harley drag-style attitude. |
| Not Ideal For | Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, off-road capability, or long-distance touring comfort with a passenger. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
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