Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom - 2016 Specifications and Reviews
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom appeals to riders seeking aggressive, minimalist style with proven cruiser performance. Known for its blacked-out aesthetic, low 710mm seat height, and nimble handling thanks to its compact 1,520mm wheelbase, this bike excels in urban riding and custom customization potential. Its modest 250.8kg weight and accessible ergonomics make it ideal for both experienced cruiser enthusiasts and newer riders transitioning to larger machines.
General information | |
| Category | Custom / cruiser |
| Year | 2016 |
| 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 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| 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 | 96.00 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM |
| Power | 66.60 HP (48.6 kW) @ 6000 RPM |
| Engine details | Evolution® engine |
| 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. Optinal ABS. Dual-piston. |
| Front brakes | Single disc. Optional ABS. Dual-piston. |
| Rear tyre | 150/80-B16 |
| Front tyre | 130/90-B16 |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shocks |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork |
| 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 | 1,520 mm (59.8 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 100 mm (3.9 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,255 mm (88.8 inches) |
| Seat height | 710 mm (28.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Power/weight ratio | 0.2655 HP/kg |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 260.0 kg (573.2 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 250.8 kg (553.0 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 | Vivid black |
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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