Harley-Davidson Forty Eight1/9Tap to zoom

Harley-Davidson Forty Eight

Harley-Davidson · Motorcycle

Forty Eight

₹13.49 Lakhex-showroom · last updated 2026

Check on-road pricevs Triumph Bonneville Bobber
Engine
1,202cc
Power
65.7bhp
Mileage
20kmpl
Weight
252kg
EMI starting from ₹5,000/month · subject to bank approval
IAF

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IAF Editorial

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Harley-Davidson Forty Eight — Overview

Priced at ₹13,49,000, the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight is a 1202cc V-Twin cruiser (discontinued) delivering 65.7 bhp, famed for its iconic fat 16-inch front tyre and peanut tank design.

That fat 16-inch front tyre and peanut tank are unmistakable - the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight is one of the most visually distinctive motorcycles ever sold in India. Powered by the legendary 1202cc Evolution V-twin, it was priced at ₹13,49,000 (ex-showroom) and discontinued in April 2023 when Harley retired the entire Evo-powered Sportster family to make way for Revolution Max models. If you are eyeing a used example today, the character, the thumping motor, and the head-turning proportions are all still there - but so are the 7.9-litre tank and the hard solo seat. This page covers everything: specs, city on-road prices, owner sentiment, and an honest verdict on whether the Forty Eight is still worth buying in 2026.

Harley-Davidson Forty Eight Latest Updates

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  • Harley-Davidson officially discontinued the Forty Eight in India in April 2023, ending its 11-year run in the country. The model was retired globally along with all other Evo-powered Sportster variants as Harley-Davidson transitioned its Sportster lineup entirely to the Revolution Max engine platform.

  • Hero MotoCorp announced 2021 model year Harley-Davidson prices in India, with the Forty Eight BS6 priced at ₹13,49,000 (ex-showroom). This was the last official price revision for the model, managed under Hero MotoCorp's newly assumed distribution and service network for Harley-Davidson India.

  • Hero MotoCorp took over Harley-Davidson's India sales, service, and distribution network from January 2021 under a licensing agreement, following Harley's exit from direct India operations in late 2020. Forty Eight owners are now served through Hero-authorised Harley-Davidson service centres.

What We Like

  • Iconic peanut tank and fat 16-inch front tyre design is universally admired - gets constant stares and attention on every ride
  • 1202cc Evolution V-twin delivers a strong, character-laden thump with excellent low-mid RPM torque for city riding
  • Excellent city cruiser - the manageable proportions and riding posture make it surprisingly easy to thread through traffic
  • Strong Harley-Davidson owner community across India means rides, meets, and support from fellow enthusiasts

What Could Be Better

  • Tiny 7.9-litre fuel tank forces a fuel stop every 120-140 km - a genuine inconvenience on any highway run
  • No pillion seat included as standard - must be purchased as an accessory at extra cost
  • Hard, narrow solo seat becomes genuinely uncomfortable after 60-90 minutes in the saddle

Editor's Verdict

Should You Buy the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight?

The Harley-Davidson Forty Eight is a motorcycle you buy with your heart, not a spreadsheet. The 1202cc thump, the fat front tyre, the head-turning proportions - it all delivers an experience that no number can fully capture. Just go in clear-eyed: the 7.9-litre tank is a daily compromise, it is discontinued so parts sourcing will only get harder, and that solo seat will have you stopping every two hours whether you want to or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat is the price of Harley-Davidson Forty Eight in India?▾
The Harley-Davidson Forty Eight was last priced at ₹13,49,000 (ex-showroom) in India before it was discontinued in April 2023. On-road prices ranged from ₹15,20,609 in Delhi to ₹16,83,599 in Bangalore depending on state road tax. New units are no longer available; used BS6 examples (2020-2022) currently sell for approximately ₹9-12 lakh in the secondary market.
QWhat is the mileage of Harley-Davidson Forty Eight?▾
The ARAI-certified mileage of the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight is 20 kmpl. In real-world Indian conditions - city traffic and moderate highway speeds - owners typically report 17-19 kmpl. With the 7.9-litre fuel tank, the practical range is around 130-150 km per fill, so plan fuel stops carefully on highway rides.
QIs the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight discontinued in India?▾
Yes, the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight was officially discontinued in India in April 2023. Harley-Davidson retired the entire Evo-powered Sportster lineup globally after the 2022 model year to transition to the Revolution Max engine platform. No new units are available at dealerships - the only route to ownership is the used market.
QWhat is the on-road price of Harley-Davidson Forty Eight in Delhi and Mumbai?▾
The last on-road price of the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight was ₹15,20,609 in Delhi and ₹15,74,569 in Mumbai. The ex-showroom price of ₹13,49,000 was identical in both cities; the difference comes from road tax - Delhi charges ₹1,15,920 while Maharashtra charges ₹1,69,880. Insurance of ₹42,199 and TCS of ₹13,490 are common to both.
QWhich is better - Harley-Davidson Forty Eight or Iron 883?▾
For engine character and torque, the Forty Eight (1202cc, 96 Nm) is the stronger machine compared to the Iron 883 (883cc, 68 Nm). The Iron 883 counters with a larger 12.5-litre fuel tank and better highway range. The Forty Eight wins on raw V-twin punch and iconic fat-tyre styling; the Iron 883 is more practical for daily commuting. Both are discontinued in India, so the comparison is most relevant for used buyers.
QWhat are the service costs for Harley-Davidson Forty Eight in India?▾
Service intervals for the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight are every 8,000 km or annually, whichever comes first. A standard service at a Hero MotoCorp-authorised Harley centre typically costs ₹8,000 - ₹12,000 for labour and consumables (engine oil, filter). Major services can run ₹15,000 - ₹25,000. The Evolution engine is well-proven and does not need frequent major work under normal use.
QWhat is the estimated EMI for Harley-Davidson Forty Eight?▾
For a used BS6 example priced at ₹10 lakh (financing 80% over 36 months at 9% interest), EMI is approximately ₹25,400/month. At ₹12 lakh over 48 months at 9%, EMI works out to approximately ₹28,400/month. Actual rates depend on your bank and credit profile; HDFC, SBI, and ICICI all offer used motorcycle loans for premium bikes.
QIs the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight suitable for short riders?▾
The Forty Eight has a 710 mm seat height, which is relatively low for a 1200cc motorcycle and manageable for riders 5'5" and above. Despite the 252 kg kerb weight, the low centre of gravity makes it feel stable at standstill. Riders under 5'4" may need to tip-toe at stops but many shorter riders manage comfortably with practice.

Rivals to Consider

Triumph Bonneville Bobber
Harley-Davidson Sportster S
Indian Scout Bobber
Harley-Davidson Iron 883