Harley-Davidson introduced the newest member of its Sportster line, the 2010 Forty-Eight, today at the New York IMS. Sportster loyalists will be happy to see the return of the ‘peanut’ tank after The Motor Company discontinued using the iconic tank in 2007. The 2010 Sportster Forty-Eight is the latest in H-D’s Dark Custom line, with bobbed fenders, a blacked-out engine, burly wheels and a 2.1 gallon ‘peanut’ tank.
“With its classic bulldog shoulders stance, the Forty-Eight strikes a distinctive look and low profile that could only come from Harley-Davidson,” said Ray Drea, Harley-Davidson Senior Director of Styling. “The Forty-Eight model has a collective past life experience and broken-in look that is raw and authentic.”
The XL Sportster Forty-Eight features a solo seat slung low at 26 inches to go along with lowered rear suspension. The handlebars bend back, not quite café racer but definitely hot rod-style, and the mirrors are under-mounted to complement the styling. The blacked-out treatment extends to the air cleaner and engine covers, chain guard, frame and fenders, so the only real chrome on the bike is the shorty dual exhaust. The meaty 16-inch black, laced steel front wheel looks straight off the Fat Bob and sits in a new fork with wider triple clamps.
Engine – Air-cooled Evolution
Displacement – 73.40 cubic-inch, 1200cc
Valves – Pushrod-operated, overhead valves w/hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters, two valves per cylineder
Bore/Stroke – 3.5 X 3.81 in.
Compression Ratio – 9.7:1
Fueling – Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Primary Drive – Chain
Final Drive – Belt
Clutch – Multi-plate, wet
Transmission – 5-speed
Start – Electric
Front fork – 39mm, 3.62 in. travel
Rear Shocks – Coil over, preload dual-adjustable, 1.63 in. travel
Wheels – Front 16 in. X 3 in., Rear 16 in. X 3 in.
Tires – Front MT90B16 Rear – 150/80B16
Brakes – Dual-piston front, single-piston rear
Length – 88.60 in.
Overall Width – 32.70 in.
Overall Height – 42.0 in.
Seat Height – 26 in.
Ground Clearance – 3.90 in.
Rake/Trail – 29.9-degree/4.70 in.
Fuel Capacity – 2.1 gal.
Oil Capacity – 2.8 quarts
Weight – 545 lbs (dry), 567 lbs (running order)
Price: $10,499