HARLEY DAVIDSON FORTY EIGHT RIDE REVIEW & FULL DETAILS

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.
Everything gets its name from one of its most significant features. The same goes for bikes. The Harley Sportster Forty Eight owes its name to its 2.1-gallon tank that allows it to run 48 miles on a single tank of gas. Down to the fact it only holds about as much as most modern-day gas cans.
It's that tiny teardrop tank that gives the Forty-Eight its name. The "peanut" was originally introduced on Harley-Davidson's 1948 125 S-better known as the Hummer-and became an icon on the XLCH Sportster, the hot-rod roadster that ruled the '50s and '60s.
It's surprising that history-conscious Harley waited until now to create a modern replica. Perhaps that's because fitting the peanut tank meant cutting capacity from the standard Sportster's less-than-generous 3.3 gallons to just 2.1, which many riders would find totally in-adequate. Whatever. This bike isn't supposed to appeal to Joe Sensible. It's a stylish, serious throwback to a bygone time, but with a modern flair.
The Forty-Eight's other features are more practical. Most obvious is that fat-tired, 16-inch wire-spoke front wheel that replaces the typical narrow 19-incher to change the look without significantly altering steering geometry. Above it sits a cut-down fender, plus a fork brace with alleged weight-saving holes to match those in the fuel tank's mounting bracket.
Shorter shocks lower the rear end and exaggerate the Sportster's squat look, reducing the solo saddle's height to a knuckle-dragging 26.8 inches. Foot controls are forward-set, as on the Sportster Custom. The speedo is also set lower than on previous models. The slightly raised black bars are from the Nightster.
I love the Forty-Eight more for its looks than for its functional capabilities. For those who can accept its concessions to style, few production bikes hit the spot like this one.
DESCRIPTION
Heavy-hitting fat tire style with an iconic peanut tank and bulldog stance.
Forward riding position
Forward foot controls
THIS IS THE RIGHT BIKE FOR
Urban riders looking to command attention
A powerful stance, smooth ride and sharp handling
1200cc Air-Cooled Evolution™ V-Twin engine
#harleydavidson #fortyeight #harleydavidsonmotorcycles #harley #fortyeightsporster #sportster1200