2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Review

2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight

2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight

2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight

2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight

2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight

2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Review

2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight on www.Totalmotorcycle.com

The 2017 Forty-Eight® motorcycle comes at you with more low-slung Dark Custom™ attitude than ever, from its fat front end to its cast aluminum wheels…

A low-slung urban brawler, the newly styled Forty-Eight® motorcycle drips attitude from every element. Thanks to its bold new front end, burly Dark Custom™ styling, and big comfort improvements, the muscular Forty-Eight® model is initiating an all-out urban assault.

We named it “Custom” for a reason.

The Sportster® Forty-Eight model has plenty to back up its street brawling attitude. You’ve got 1200cc of world-famous H-D low-end torque to motivate you down the asphalt and a comfortable seat and suspension to make it all feel just right. And classic custom detailing, featuring black finishes complimented by chrome. Stand out on any street in the world.

SPORTSTER®

Ruling the roads since 1957, the Sportster family leads in styling and performance with models like the Roadster, Forty-Eight and Forty-Eight motorcycles. Combining quick, responsive handling and a flat torque curve with unmistakable styling makes Sportster a true American icon.

Family Features:

All XL Sportster models share the same 45-degree Evolution V-Twin engine design in either 883cc or 1200 cc displacements
5-speed transmission with belt final drive
ABS optional on all models

2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight www.Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

NEW IN 2017

Battery tender harness

Paint color options including Hard Candy Custom™ color

MODEL UNIQUE FEATURES

Style
• Blacked-out engine with polished treatment covers
• Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with Black dual slash-cut mufflers
• Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels in gloss black with Machined highlights
• Low-profile front end with custom drag-style handlebar, slammed speedo and under-bar mounted mirrors
• 2.1 gal Peanut Tank with lightening-hole mounting bracket
• Wide front tire
• Wide front forks and triple clamps
• Chopped front fender with fork brace lightening holes
• Open design sprocket
• Blacked-out belt guard
• Turn signal mounts off upper triple
• Chrome exhaust shields with unique cutouts to show off blacked-out mufflers
• Chopped rear fender
• Blacked-out look
• Retro-mod tank graphic
• Combined stop/turn/tail lights (U.S. configuration)
• Side-mounted license plate (U.S. configuration)
• Hard Candy Custom™ paint color options

Fit
• Low-rise handlebar
• Minimalist style seat optimized for all-day comfort
• 26-inch seat height
• Forward-mounted foot controls
• Lowered front and rear suspension

Function
• Emulsion technology rear shocks with 50 mm range of pre-load adjustability and an under-seat, rear shock suspension adjustment wrench
• Front forks with cartridge damping technology
• Fork brace and massive triple clamps
• I ntegrated electrical system with trip switch, start switch
• 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, gear indicator (1-5), and RPMs
• Hazard warning integrated into self-canceling turn signal controls
• Blade key ignition; fork lock common with ignition key
• Michelin® Scorcher® tires designed specifically for Sportster® models
• Closed loop exhaust system meets worldwide emission standards

Performance
• Rubber-mounted, Air-cooled 1200 cc Evolution® engine
• Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) with O2 sensors
• 5-speed transmission
• Confidence-inspiring braking performance

AVAILABLE OPTIONS
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)1 (factory installed option)
• Smart Security System2 with hands-free, proximity based security fob and keyless ignition (factory installed option)

2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight www.Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

We didn’t rebuild it. We reloaded it.

The first time the world saw this gas tank was 1948. But the world has never seen that iconic tank sitting atop anything quite like this. The Forty-Eight® motorcycle has been reborn. Everything that was great about it has been cranked up to a more intense level. Better seat. Better suspension. Lightweight mag wheels. Awesome brakes. And now the tank is sporting 70’s inspired graphics. Welcome to the next page of history written in Dark Custom™ iron.

Authentic Styling

When the first Sportster motorcycle roared onto the scene in 1957 the world had never seen anything like it. Rawboned, powerful and looking for action. The styling cues that lit up the street in those early years would soon become a part of everything from race bikes to outlaw choppers as they spread throughout the motorcycling world. Take a look at the offering for 2017 and one thing becomes instantly clear. The best way to get the style that made the Sportster motorcycle famous is to get a Sportster motorcycle of your own. The narrow frame is more agile than ever. The rumbling V-Twin and muscular front end feel more powerful than ever. The flawless steel and jewel-like fuel tank reveal their authentic American motorcycle roots in every inch of detail.

Iconic Engine

The Evolution engine riding in the nimble Sportster frame is a prime example of the power, durability and proven reliability The Motor Company was built on. Born from the legendary Shovelhead and Ironhead engines, it’s been the power at the center of a Sportster motorcycle since 1984. Its overhead valve design and four-cam gear train have their roots in the company’s race program, and you know it when you feel the surge of brute torque that accompanies every twist of the throttle. The air-cooled V-Twin design with a compact one-piece crankcase/transmission fits the narrow Sportster profile like a fist in a fingerless glove. We began with a strong, trouble-free design. Then gave it constant refinement to bring us to the modern powerplant of today. A testament to the unwavering hunger for advancement in motor technology that has always driven Harley-Davidson.

Handling

The street is the home turf of the Sportster motorcycle, and a narrow, agile frame wrapped around a strong V-Twin engine has always been its calling card. To see how far we’ve taken this basic equation, get in the saddle of any 2017 Sportster model. Trust us, the list of constant innovations and refinements you experience on the Sportster motorcycle of today is more than you want to read about here. The latest innovation includes suspension on every model, with cartridge emulsion rear shocks and a screw adjuster to further dial in the handling. It all feels tight and right, bringing confidence to the ride and a grin to the rider. Whether you’re rocketing to the next stoplight, threading through the urban grid, or busting out of the city limits to parts unknown.

Comfort

You might look at the raw-boned style of a Sportster motorcycle and not immediately think of comfort. That would be a mistake. Sink into the seat of any 2017 Sportster model and you discover a premium ride hidden under all the lean and mean styling. The engine is rubber-mounted to the frame, so you feel all the power of an Evolution V-Twin but none of the vibrations. The handlebar hits your fists and the pegs hit your boots just the way they should. Even better, we’ve made improving comfort for the Sportster rider our marching orders. With a wrench tucked inside the seat to adjust the rear suspension exactly the way you like it, these are some of the most versatile motorcycles to ever hit the street.

STYLING

Classic Peanut Fuel Tank with Badge

First appearing on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle back in 1948—and providing the inspiration for the Forty-Eight® model name—the small 2.1 gallon tapered peanut fuel tank holds strong today with its traditional styling and modern attitude. It adds to the machine’s low, powerful bulldog look, showing off the solid mass of the engine and the rawboned style of the lean Sportster® frame. We mount it on a metal strip drilled with old-school “lightening” holes. Then top the works with vivid graphics and a 3D metal badge rooted deep in the bike’s retro modern culture. The peanut fuel tank is attitude and looks all balled up into one.

Fat Front Wheel

A beefy front end with a tall, fat MT90 tire gives the Forty-Eight® model a grounding visual equal to that of a 1950 Mercury. Custom rubber reminiscent of the lead-sled culture. A dominating presence up front that provides a smooth ride and solid handling.

Hard Candy Custom™ Paint

Hard Candy Custom™ paint is a large metal flake finish that’s more than just paint job, it’s a shining declaration of independence—bright, bold and unique. The Sportster® model Forty-Eight® is available in Hard Candy Custom™ Black Gold Flake and Hot Rod Red Flake. Recalling the iconic rebel styling of ‘70s custom bikes, Hard Candy Custom™ paint marks another milestone in The Motor Company’s legacy of innovation. We start with several passes of 200 micron flake over a black base, then clear coat it, hand-lay the graphics, and apply the many layers of clear coat to allow the flake to shine through. It’s a painstaking process that delivers a premium custom look straight from the factory, so you can start flying your colors with no waiting or extra effort.

Slammed Handlebar, Speedo and Under Mount Mirrors

The slammed black drag-style handlebar with speedo and under mount mirrors adds to the stripped down, minimal look of the Forty-Eight® motorcycle. Inspired by the way hot rod pioneers used to slam their rides, the drag style handlebar is an old-school garage feature that demands a forward, aggressive riding position.

Exhaust with Laser Cut Exhaust Shields

The staggered shorty-dual exhaust has been around almost as long as the Sportster® family itself. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take the time-honored pipes to a place that’s brand new. To achieve the stunning dark-breaking-through-bright look on the Forty-Eight® exhaust, we blacked-out the mufflers. Then topped them with chrome exhaust shields adorned with laser-cut groves.

Pure Harley-Davidson Styling

Feast your eyes on the 1200cc Evolution® engine and there’s no mistaking its roots. This is authentic Harley-Davidson style through and through with an attention to detail you won’t find from any other motorcycle company. Right in the center: a round air cleaner cover, covered in gloss black and loaded with retro style. Surrounding it you have black powder coating on the cases and cylinders, polished rocker covers, and a final touch of chrome pushrods to highlight the iconic V-Twin shape. It’s a jewel machined out of metal. Pure. Dripping with power. The 1200cc Evolution® engine makes an ironclad statement about holding on to what’s right and staying true to what satisfies the rider.

Tach and Gear Indicator Readout

Even though none of us would want to admit it, from time to time, we’ve all had to kick our shift lever back down to 1 to figure out what gear we were in. The Sportster® models get a speedometer with a gear indicator readout and a tachometer you can activate with your trip switch. Now you’ve got all the information you need to keep it in the power band at the touch of a finger.

Closed Loop Exhaust System

Designed to meet future worldwide emissions standards and the standards of future generations of Harley-Davidson® motorcycle riders. This closed loop exhaust system delivers heart-pounding performance in the key of the trademark Harley-Davidson rumble. With its robust, soul-stirring big twin design, durable mufflers with exhaust shields, a catalyst and mini heated oxygen sensors that improve emissions and drivability, this system is not only better for the environment, it makes riding better.

ENGINE

Evolution® Engine

The Evolution® engine—known in certain crowds as the Blockhead—was first bolted to the frame of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle back in 1984. Born from legendary Shovelhead and Ironhead engines, the Evolution® engine broke new ground in displacement innovation while maintaining the hunger for power, durability and proven reliability that The Motor Company was built on.

Evolution® Engine Innovation

Air-cooled and durable as hell, the 1200cc Evolution® engine is yet another nod to the unwavering work ethic that drives advancements in motor technology at Harley-Davidson. Aluminum heads and cylinders lighten the load of the bike and improve air-cooling efficiency. Electronic fuel injection says goodbye to carburetors and boasts increased reliability and less routine maintenance. Bottom line: the rubber-mounted Evolution® engine runs hard and rides smooth for thousands of miles so you can just worry about taking in the freedom of the open road.

HANDLING

Foundation Brake System

Like riding itself, you can never go too far when it comes to a bike’s brakes. This is why we went the distance to make the brake system of each Sportster® model a shining example of performance, fit and finish. You have 300mm brake rotors and a powerful, stylized front caliper with 34mm pistons and stylized rear caliper to match. Other system features include an improved all-aluminum integrated rear master cylinder with reservoir, all-aluminum front master cylinder with reduced friction and higher efficiency, and stainless steel braided lines. It all adds up to more confidence on the road and more power and predictability when you squeeze the brakes.

Michelin ® Scorcher™ Tires

Michelin® Scorcher™ tires provide the superior performance, sensational grip, impressive durability and excellent handling expected on a race-bred bike. The exclusive deep-cut tread design improves grip and water evacuation capability. Grip performance and durability is also enhanced by the tire’s rubber compounds, which use the latest generation of Michelin synthetic polymers.

49mm Fork with Cartridge Dampening

The front end of the Forty-Eight® motorcycle comes at you like a left hook from a bareknuckle boxer, loaded with raw power and bruising style. The eye starts at the big balloon front tire, then immediately lands on the brawny 49mm front fork, accentuated by massive triple clamps and fork brace. There’s nothing else like it on the street. The one thing that isn’t rough and tumble is the way it all feels. We’ve been busy upgrading the ride of every Sportster® model, adding cartridge dampening technology to that brawny front fork. It keeps the handling crisp and confident, no matter how rough or winding the road ahead.

Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum Wheels

The plentitude of fat black rubber rolling underneath the Forty-Eight® motorcycle calls for a set of equally hardcore rims, so we came up with a special split 9-Spoke design, covered it all in black, then added machined highlights to set off the design. The belt sprocket and floating front brake rotor get a similar treatment for good measure. The wheels are lightweight cast aluminum, so even with all that rubber the ride feels light and nimble.

Emulsion Rear Shock with Screw Adjuster

The urban infrastructure isn’t getting any smoother, so we upgraded the rear suspension throughout the Sportster® family. We went with an Emulsion rear shock with a screw pre-load adjuster. It not only works overtime to soak up every bump the street throws your way, it also adjusts to fit your riding style. Simply use the tool mounted under the seat to turn the screw and you have a rear suspension set up to ride as aggressively as you want to take it.

COMFORT

Low Seat with Minimalist Styling

When a bike looks this tough, the idea is to keep the soft stuff to a minimum. So the seat is solo style, with just enough ribbed detail to give the eyes something to notice. But here’s the thing only the rider needs to know: modern materials let us build loads of all-day comfort into that barely-there seat. Your backside will feel like it can go forever. Also key – the seat sits just 26 inches off the pavement thanks to a lowered front and rear suspension. That equals confidence for riders of all sizes and experience. A responsive ride for whipping through town or busting out onto the interstate.

Forward-Mounted Controls

With the custom forward-mount controls on the Forty-Eight® model, you can kick back a little and stretch your legs for the ultimate cruise through town or across the state line. It’s time to take on the town the way you were meant to—on a two-wheeled machine that’s built to outdo the rest.

2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight – www.Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $11299 to $11749 USD

PRICING 6
Vivid Black $11,299
Color Option $11,649
Hard Candy Color Option $11,749
ABS Option $795
Security Option $395
California Emissions $100
Freight $360
DIMENSIONS
Length 85 in.
Seat Height, Laden 7 26.2 in.
Seat Height, Unladen 7 27.3 in.
Ground Clearance 3.9 in.
Rake (steering head) (deg) 30.2
Trail 5.3 in.
Wheelbase 59.3 in.
Tires, Front Specification 130/90B16 73H
Tires, Rear Specification 150/80B16 77H
Fuel Capacity 2.1 gal.
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 2.8 qt.
Weight, As Shipped 538 lb.
Weight, In Running Order 551 lb.
ENGINE
Engine 1 Air-cooled, Evolution®
Bore 3.5 in.
Stroke 3.811 in.
Displacement 73.4 cu in
Compression Ratio 10:01
Fuel System 3 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
DRIVETRAIN
Primary Drive Chain, 38/57 ratio
Gear Ratios (overall) 1st 9.315
Gear Ratios (overall) 2nd 6.653
Gear Ratios (overall) 3rd 4.948
Gear Ratios (overall) 4th 4.102
Gear Ratios (overall) 5th 3.517
CHASSIS
Exhaust Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with black dual slash-cut mufflers
Wheels, Front Type 9 Black, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights
Wheels, Rear Type Black, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights
Brakes, Caliper Type Dual-piston front, Dual-piston rear
PERFORMANCE
Engine Torque Testing Method J1349
Engine Torque 2 70.8 ft-lb
Engine Torque (rpm) 3,500
Lean Angle, Right (deg.) 27.1
Lean Angle, Left (deg.) 27.1
Fuel Economy: Combined City/Hwy 5 48 mpg
ELECTRIC
Lights (as per country regulation), Indicator Lamps 8 High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Gauges 4-inch Speedometer mounted low and integrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, RPM/gear display, ABS light, LED indicator lights
1. Recommended 91 octane or higher fuel (R+M)/2.
2. Values shown are nominal. Performance may vary by country and region.
3. Standard and optional fuel systems may vary by country.
4. See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details.
5. Estimated from fuel economy tests on a sample motorcycle from the corresponding family conducted by Harley-Davidson under ideal laboratory conditions. Not all motorcycle models undergo fuel economy testing. Fuel economy and mileage may vary among motorcycle models within a family. Your mileage may vary depending on your personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length, vehicle condition and vehicle configuration and other conditions. Break-in mileage may vary.
6. Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices. Options such as color are available at additional cost. Prices exclude dealer setup, taxes, title and licensing and are subject to change. Dealer prices may vary.
7. Measurement reflects 180 lb. (81.7 kg) operator weight.
8. North America security system includes immobilizer; outside North America the security system includes immobilizer and siren.
9. Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region.

2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight – www.Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $12999 to $13499 CDN

PRICING
Vivid Black $ 12,999
Color Option $ 13,399
Hard Candy Custom $ 13,499
ABS Option $ 915
Security Option $ 455
Freight $ 250
DIMENSIONS
Length 2159 mm
Seat Height, Laden 6 666 mm
Seat Height, Unladen 6 693 mm
Ground Clearance 100 mm
Rake (steering head) (deg) 30.2
Trail 135 mm
Wheelbase 1506 mm
Tires, Front Specification 130/90B16 73H
Tires, Rear Specification 150/80B16 77H
Fuel Capacity 7.9 l
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 2.6 l
Weight, As Shipped 244 kg
Weight, In Running Order 250 kg
ENGINE
Engine 1 Air-cooled, Evolution®
Bore 88.9 mm
Stroke 96.8 mm
Displacement 1,202 cc
Compression Ratio 10:1
Fuel System 3 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
DRIVETRAIN
Primary Drive Chain, 38/57 ratio
Gear Ratios (overall) 1st 9.315
Gear Ratios (overall) 2nd 6.653
Gear Ratios (overall) 3rd 4.948
Gear Ratios (overall) 4th 4.102
Gear Ratios (overall) 5th 3.517
CHASSIS
Exhaust Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with black dual slash-cut mufflers
Wheels, Front Type Black, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights
Wheels, Rear Type 8 Black, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights
Brakes, Caliper Type Dual-piston front, Dual-piston rear
PERFORMANCE
Engine Torque Testing Method J1349
Engine Torque 2 96 Nm
Engine Torque (rpm) 3,500
Lean Angle, Right (deg.) 27.1
Lean Angle, Left (deg.) 27.1
Fuel Economy: Combined City/Hwy 5 4.9 l/100 km
ELECTRIC
Lights (as per country regulation), Indicator Lamps 7 High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Gauges 4-inch Speedometer mounted low and integrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, RPM/gear display, ABS light, LED indicator lights
1. Recommended 91 octane or higher fuel (R+M)/2.
2. Values shown are nominal. Performance may vary by country and region.
3. Standard and optional fuel systems may vary by country.
4. See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details.
5. Estimated from fuel economy tests on a sample motorcycle from the corresponding family conducted by Harley-Davidson under ideal laboratory conditions. Not all motorcycle models undergo fuel economy testing. Fuel economy and mileage may vary among motorcycle models within a family. Your mileage may vary depending on your personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length, vehicle condition and vehicle configuration and other conditions. Break-in mileage may vary.
6. Measurement reflects 180 lb. (81.7 kg) operator weight.
7. North America security system includes immobilizer; outside North America the security system includes immobilizer and siren.
8. Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region.

2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight – www.Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £9845 to £10265 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

PRICING 5
Vivid Black £ 9,845
Color Option £ 10,095
Hard Candy Color Option £ 10,265
DIMENSIONS
Length 2,165 mm
Seat Height, Unladen 710 mm
Ground Clearance 110 mm
Rake (steering head) (deg) 29.6
Trail 132 mm
Wheelbase 1,495 mm
Tyres, Front Specification 130/90B16 73H
Tyres, Rear Specification 150/80B16 77H
Fuel Capacity 7.9 l
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 2.6 l
Weight, As Shipped 247 kg
Weight, In Running Order 252 kg
ENGINE
Engine Air-cooled, Evolution®
Bore 88.9 mm
Stroke 96.8 mm
Displacement 1,202 cc
Compression Ratio 10:01
Fuel System Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
DRIVETRAIN
Primary Drive Chain, 38/57 ratio
Gear Ratios (overall) 1st 9.004
Gear Ratios (overall) 2nd 6.432
Gear Ratios (overall) 3rd 4.783
Gear Ratios (overall) 4th 3.965
Gear Ratios (overall) 5th 3.4
CHASSIS
Exhaust Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with black dual slash-cut mufflers
Wheels, Front Type Black, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights
Wheels, Rear Type Black, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights
Brakes, Caliper Type Dual-piston front, Dual-piston rear
PERFORMANCE
Engine Torque Testing Method EC 134/2014
Engine Torque 96 Nm
Engine Torque (rpm) 3,500
Lean Angle, Right (deg.) 27.1
Lean Angle, Left (deg.) 27.1
Fuel Economy: Combined City/Hwy 4.9 l/100 km
ELECTRIC
Lights (as per country regulation), Indicator Lamps High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system, ABS
Gauges 4-inch Speedometer mounted low and integrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, RPM/gear display, ABS light, LED indicator lights
1. Availability of colours may vary from dealer to dealer and is subject to change without further notice.
2. Recommended 95 octane or higher fuel (R+M)/2.
3. Values shown are nominal. Performance may vary by country and region.
4. See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details.
5. Prices shown are suggested retail prices only. Please contact your nearest dealer for further details.
6. Measurement reflects 81.7 kg operator weight.
7. Security system includes immobiliser and siren.
8. Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region.

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).