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Harley-Davidson Forty Eight [2018-2019]



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Forty Eight [2018-2019] Model Image
2016 Harley-Davidson Forty Eight First Ride Review
2016 Harley-Davidson Forty Eight First Ride Review
2016 Harley-Davidson Forty Eight First Ride Review
2016 Harley-Davidson Forty Eight First Ride Review
2016 Harley-Davidson Forty Eight First Ride Review
2016 Harley-Davidson Forty Eight First Ride Review
2016 Harley-Davidson Forty Eight First Ride Review
discontinued
Variant
Standard
City
Show price in my city
₹ 10,70,797
Last known Avg. Ex-showroom price
Harley-Davidson has discontinued the Forty Eight [2018-2019] and the bike is out of production.

Forty Eight [2018-2019] Key Highlights

Engine Capacity1,202 cc
Mileage - ARAI
20 kmpl
Transmission5 Speed Manual
Kerb Weight252 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity7.9 litres
Seat Height710 mm

Harley-Davidson Forty Eight [2018-2019] Summary

The Forty Eight is a model from Harley-Davidson's Sportster line of motorcycles. It was introduced in 2010 as a classic design alternative to the dark series sportsters. As such, it has the traditional peanut-shaped tank, spoked wheels and lots of chrome. It isn't the most practical of motorcycles, with that combination of 1200cc engine and 8-litre fuel tank, but it does have its share of fans, and rightfully so - the Forty Eight has gobs of character. In short, if a slightly custom-looking but retro Sportster that can be used for city riding is on your list, the Forty Eight should manage it nicely.

Harley-Davidson Forty Eight [2018-2019] Review

  • Good Things

    • Classic look and feel and commanding stance
    • Great bike to riding within the city
    • Comparatively cheaper to its rivals 
  • Could be Better

    • Stiff seat is uncomfortable for long rides
    • Small fuel tank limits cruising range
    • Pillion seat needs to be purchased separately

BikeWale's Take

The Forty–Eight is a classic Harley-Davidson featuring a peanut-shaped fuel tank, minimal body panels, aggressive stance, chopped fenders with a lower stance, altogether offering a badass look. Probably not the best bike to hit the highway with but a hoot to ride in the city.

Harley-Davidson Forty Eight [2018-2019] Expert Opinion

The Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight has always been a motorcycle that adds plenty of value in terms of aesthetics to the Sportster range and that’s all. With the 2016 updates on the bike, the company has proved it again that sometimes styling is more important than practicality and comfort.

What is it?

The Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight has always been a motorcycle that adds plenty of value in terms of aesthetics to the Sportster range and that’s all. With the 2016 updates on the bike, the company has proved it again that sometimes styling is more important than practicality and comfort.

How does it ride?

I am not a big fan of the Forty-Eight’s riding position. Even though the riding position is upright, the handle-bar is far off, making the whole riding experience slightly tedious. You have to stretch out your legs to reach the pegs as they are placed way ahead. This is fine for someone who will just ride the Forty-Eight all the time and don’t own any other motorcycles. The under-bar mirrors are not just practical but look quite appealing too.

Harley-Davidson has equipped the Forty-Eight with a new suspension setup, with wider 49mm forks doing the duty in front. However, the ride is on the stiffer side. Couple this with 130/90B16 front tyre and the riding experience isn’t pleasant. Be prepared to feel every bit of the road, small stones, bumps, undulations et al. The bike’s ground clearance of 110mm doesn’t help matters either; you will end up riding gingerly over every speed hump that comes your way and that my friend is way too many. Once you have got the bumps out of the way it comes down to ergonomics. One will need to plan out the U-turns on the Forty Eight because of the far set handlebar.

The Forty-Eight is powered by a 1202cc air-cooled engine that produces 96Nm of peak torque. This torque-loaded machine feels nice to rev across the range, that’s once you have battled with the humps. However, the low-end torque is enticing and more enjoyable. The five-speed gearbox transfers the power to the rear-wheel via a belt drive, and although it feels heavy, 100kmph is where the Forty-Eight feels at home. Twist the throttle to 120kmph, and you begin to feel the vibrations on the handlebar. Go above that speed and the intensity of the vibrations increases. The Forty-Eight has decent braking power, enough to stop the bike from high speed.

Anything else I should know?

7.9. No! This isn’t a Richter scale figure. These numbers represents the fuel tank capacity (in litres) of the 2016 Forty-Eight and you thought KTMs have a minuscule tank. If you want me to talk about the total range, then I am afraid I have to tell you that it isn’t much. But if you are a sane rider and know the technique of throttle control, then you are looking for a range of around 120kms. Yes, 120kms! To make things worse, there is no fuel gauge, just a low-fuel warning light.

The speedometer is round and small and Harley has smartly integrated the gear indicator and tachometer. I quite like that. Just like the other Harley-Davidsons, except the Street 750 of course, the quality of switchgears is top-notch. It feels nice to operate them. However, the self-cancelling indicators have been installed on each side of the handle-bar.  You should also know that the 2016 Forty-Eight is assembled in India and not imported from USA as a completely-built-up (CBU) unit.  The bike is also available in a new colour scheme – velocity red sunglow.

Why should I buy one?

Buy the Forty-Eight if you want to feel special and want to stand apart and are limited to a budget of Rs 10 lakh. The bike isn’t practical nor it is comfortable, but it surely has its own special character that draws you in.

Where does it fit in?

At Rs 9.1 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the 2016 Forty-Eight is an expensive affair. It’s the most expensive Harley-Davidson Sportster you can buy in India. It sits between the Iron 883 and the Street Bob from the Dyna family. In terms of its competitors, the Forty-Eight has the Indian Scout but this iconic American cruiser has its own set of consumer base, which is slightly different from the Forty-Eight.

Photography by Sanchit Arora

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Harley-Davidson Forty Eight [2018-2019] mileage

Harley-Davidson Forty Eight [2018-2019] mileage

The ARAI mileage of Harley-Davidson Forty Eight [2018-2019] is 20 kmpl.

Forty Eight [2018-2019] mileage details

Forty Eight [2018-2019] Specifications & Features

Standard

Change Version

  • Specifications
  • Features
  • Specifications
  • Features

      Specifications

      • Power & Performance

        • Displacement
          1202 cc
        • Max Power
          60 bhp @ 5500 rpm
        • Max Torque
          97 Nm @ 4250 rpm
        • Mileage - ARAI
          20 kmpl
        • Mileage - Owner Reported
          -
        • Riding Range
          158 Km
        • Top Speed
          -
        • Riding Modes
          -
        • Transmission
          5 Speed Manual
        • Transmission Type
          Chain Drive
        • Gear Shifting Pattern
          -
        • Cylinders
          2
        • Bore
          88.9 mm
        • Stroke
          96.8 mm
        • Valves Per Cylinder
          2
        • Compression Ratio
          10.0:1
        • Ignition
          -
        • Spark Plugs
          1 Per Cylinder
        • Cooling System
          Air Cooled
        • Clutch
          -
        • Fuel Delivery System
          -
        • Fuel Tank Capacity
          7.9 litres
        • Reserve Fuel Capacity
          2.6 litres
        • Emission Standard
          BS4
        • Fuel Type
          Petrol
        • View More(+21)

      • Brakes, Wheels & Suspension

        • Front Suspension
          Black, Laced Steel
        • Rear Suspension
          Black, Laced Steel
        • Braking System
          Dual Channel ABS
        • Front Brake Type
          Disc
        • Front Brake Size
          292 mm
        • Rear Brake Type
          Disc
        • Rear Brake Size
          260 mm
        • Calliper Type
          Dual-piston front, single-piston rear
        • Wheel Type
          Alloy
        • Front Wheel Size
          16 inch
        • Rear Wheel Size
          16 inch
        • Front Tyre Size
          130/90B16 73H
        • Rear Tyre Size
          150/80B16 77H
        • Tyre Type
          Tubeless
        • Radial Tyres
          Yes
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          -
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider)
          -
        • Front Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          -
        • Rear Tyre Pressure (Rider & Pillion)
          -
        • View More(+15)

      • Dimensions & Chassis

        • Kerb Weight
          252 kg
        • Seat Height
          710 mm
        • Ground Clearance
          110 mm
        • Overall Length
          2165 mm
        • Overall Width
          820 mm
        • Overall Height
          1065 mm
        • Wheelbase
          1495 mm
        • Chassis Type
          Mild Steel; Tubular Frame; Circular Sections
        • View More(+4)

      • Manufacturer Warranty

        • Standard Warranty
          -
        • Standard Warranty
          -

      Features

        • Touch Screen Display
          -
        • Instrument Console
          -
        • Odometer
          Digital
        • Speedometer
          Digital
        • Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Digital Fuel Guage
          Yes
        • Hazard Warning Indicator
          -
        • Average Speed Indicator
          -
        • OTA Updates
          -
        • Call/SMS Alerts
          -
        • Geo Fencing
          -
        • Distance to Empty Indicator
          -
        • Tachometer
          Analogue
        • Stand Alarm
          No
        • No. of Tripmeters
          2
        • Tripmeter Type
          Digital
        • Gear Indicator
          -
        • Low Fuel Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Oil Indicator
          Yes
        • Low Battery Indicator
          Yes
        • Clock
          Yes
        • Service Reminder Indicator
          -
        • Battery
          12V, 12-AMP/Hour.200 CCA
        • Front Storage Box
          -
        • Under Seat Storage
          -
        • Mobile App Connectivity
          -
        • DRLs (Daytime Running Lights)
          -
        • AHO (Automatic Headlight On)
          -
        • Shift Light
          Yes
        • Headlight Type
          -
        • Brake/Tail Light
          -
        • Turn Signal
          -
        • Pass Light
          Yes
        • GPS & Navigation
          -
        • USB Charging Port
          -
        • Riding Modes Switch
          -
        • Traction Control
          -
        • Cruise Control
          -
        • Hazard Warning Switch
          -
        • Start Type
          Electric Start
        • Killswitch
          Yes
        • Stepped Seat
          No
        • Pillion Backrest
          No
        • Pillion Grabrail
          No
        • Pillion Seat
          No
        • Pillion Footrest
          No
        • Front Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Rear Suspension Preload Adjuster
          -
        • Additional Features
          -
        • View More(+45)

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      Harley-Davidson Forty Eight [2018-2019] User Reviews

      4.7/5

      (32 Ratings) 6 Reviews

      4

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      4

      Service Experience

      Great machine by harley

      4 years ago


      Anirudh Yadav

      The bike is amazing I've owned it for more than 2 years now. Great power on demand . I love taking it for short rides and have not faced any problems with it . The only drawback of this bike which i find is the fuel tank capacity. The range on a full tank is from 90 -120 km . Need to refuel it after every ride . Otherwise the riding style and the handling are very comfortable.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      4

      Service Experience


      4

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Leisure Rides

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      > 15000 kms

      Got mileage of

      13 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      Change oil after 5000km for smooth riding experience.

      Was this review helpful?

      2


      0


      Eye candy

      4 years ago


      Nikhil Chaudhary

      I owned this bike from around 2 years now. Upgraded from my ktm rc390 (2015) (no slipper clutch model).Pros. - aggressive power (don't go for the numerical values of 59bhp) - good sitting position, comfortable for both daily use and long rides. (i once ride it 900km in a single day without any back or neck ache) - pleasing sound (using custom made headers with v&h big radius 2-2 black, with baffles) - easy to maneuver in traffic also (weighing around 260kgs, but doesn't feels that heavy) - very smooth upto 3000rpms. Cons. - vibrations past 3000rpms - slightly expensive to maintain - very small fuel tank - heats too much in traffic - brakes can be better - although no need to consider this, but very poor fuel economy (mine giving around 14kmpl in city and 17 on highways) (also straight pipe exhausts have adverse effects).

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      4

      Performance


      3

      Service Experience


      2

      Maintenance cost

      4

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Everything

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      > 15000 kms

      Got mileage of

      14 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      6


      2


      Review

      5 years ago


      Santosh Upadhyay

      I was very exciting to buy this wonderful bike.... I think stay young and fit........ If you ride on this bike continuously........Look is so attractive.. When i drive any of the new place or market all of the commuters or public once must look... And just say.... Wow. So don't think about service and maintenance.Wonderful bike.

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Daily Commute

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      5000-10000 kms

      Was this review helpful?

      3


      2

      Harley davidson fourty eight

      6 years ago


      Saketh Charan

      Hi every one its been 13 months over my harley davidson fourty eight

      Very good speed pickup

      Comfortable seating and suspension high torque

      Very good service station in hyderabad;

      Banjara hills

      Very good for daily works

      And very very comfortable for long road trips

      Thanks for such good information

      bike wale .Com

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      5

      Visual Appeal


      5

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      4

      Service Experience


      4

      Maintenance cost

      5

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Daily Commute

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      < 5000 kms

      Got mileage of

      15 kmpl

      Tips for other riders

      better to get a serviced for very often for good and extra performance

      Was this review helpful?

      15


      2

      Bad for wallet

      6 years ago


      Vishal

      It was a great pleasure to have a ride in hd, i haven't own it but ill take ride for a day for rent for long and leisure trips which feels like i'm on the dragons heaven.

      It look personally like a heavy dressed bride with all attractions like in red carpet.

      Performance was not much but the roar and rise of the dragon was made to feel good and sophisticated.

      As a rent bike, not much about service and maintenance

      Good to have it as a part of my day but bad for my wallet.

      Rating Parameters

      (out of 5)

      4

      Visual Appeal


      4

      Reliability


      5

      Performance


      3

      Service Experience


      2

      Maintenance cost

      3

      Extra Features

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Leisure Rides

      Owned for

      Never owned

      Got mileage of

      16 kmpl

      Was this review helpful?

      7


      5

      One of the best crusier bike with 12 lakhs.@

      6 years ago


      Prajyot

      1. Buying experience was excellent i got the delivery within two days i liked the service of the seven island harley davidson. Was happy to deal with harley davidson.

      2. I rode forty eight for more than 8000 kms i ride it on daily basis. I had a good experience about bike riding in cities as same as bad experience also. Forty eight is not too comfortable for riding.

      3. Detailing and looks of the bike are amazing looks like pure harley davidson. All the curves and body is built with for indian roads only upset with ground clearance. Performance of the bike is amazing. The jerk it gives is mind blowing. The power it throws is purely feels we are riding 1200 cc.

      The power we get even we are double seat on bike is just awesome. Braking and handling of the bike is also very good according to seating. But still needs a abs

      3. I serviced my bike in harley davidson showroom only i didn't got any major issue on my bike and the service quality is also very good. Even the service costs are also fare enough. One thing is that i am facing a lot the battery issue. The major issue i think this the only problem i am facing from harley davidson forty eight.

      4. Advantages of forty eight are i can take it in city and can handle it easily in traffic. Very good in handling. Seating position comfortable in city rides and even on short rides around 100kms. Having only 8 liter of tank fuel efficiency is good. Quality which is provided is excellent. We can talk of paint quality and make of it high quality fiber quality is also excellent. Both tyres size are like made for forty eight only.

      Like the advantages there are many disadvantages also.

      Like it has main problem of battery.

      Which get low regularly if bike is at one place for two days.

      And the main bike need is abs. Company should upgrade on new version with abs it is very difficult to control a long cruiser like forty eight on curves.

      And the ground clearance is also two low. Touches every speed breakers. It is the weak point to ride in cities.

      About the Reviewer

      Used it for

      Daily Commute

      Owned for

      > 1 yr

      Ridden for

      5000-10000 kms

      Was this review helpful?

      15


      2

      Harley-Davidson Forty Eight [2018-2019] Expert Reviews

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      Harley-Davidson Forty Eight [2018-2019] News

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