# Harley-Davidson Forty Eight — Full Specifications 2026

> Complete technical specifications for the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight.

Source: https://indianautoforum.com/bikes/harley-davidson/forty-eight/specifications

The Harley-Davidson Forty Eight is built around the 1202cc air-cooled Evolution V-twin engine - a motor with lineage stretching back to 1984 and arguably the most characterful unit in the Harley-Davidson catalogue at its price point. It produces 65.7 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 96 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, paired to a five-speed gearbox. Those numbers look modest on paper, but the way that torque arrives - in a deep, lazy wave from very low revs - makes it genuinely addictive in Indian city traffic. Think of it less like a sportbike and more like a well-tuned diesel truck: effortless from idle.

Here are the key specifications at a glance:

**Engine:** 1202cc, air-cooled, 45° V-twin, ESPFI fuel injection
**Max Power:** 65.7 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
**Max Torque:** 96 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
**Gearbox:** 5-speed manual
**Mileage (ARAI):** 20 kmpl
**Fuel Tank:** 7.9 litres
**Kerb Weight:** 252 kg
**Seat Height:** 710 mm
**Ground Clearance:** 110 mm
**Wheelbase:** 1,495 mm
**Braking:** Dual Channel ABS, front and rear disc brakes
**Tyres:** 130/90-16 (front), 150/80-16 (rear) - tubeless
**Frame:** Mild steel, double-downtube

The 710 mm seat height is on the lower side for a big cruiser, which helps riders of average Indian height manage the bike at standstill. The 252 kg kerb weight is significant, but the low centre of gravity makes it feel lighter than that number suggests once you are moving. Dual Channel ABS is standard - essential for a bike of this weight and character.

One key caveat: the 7.9-litre tank is tiny for a 1200cc motorcycle. At 20 kmpl ARAI (real-world closer to 17-19 kmpl), your realistic range is around 130-150 km before refuelling. Plan your fuel stops accordingly, especially on any highway run outside major metros.

## Brakes & Wheels
| Spec | Value |
|------|-------|
| ABS | Yes |
| Front Brake | Disc Brakes |
| Rear Brake | Disc Brakes |
| Wheel Type | Alloy Wheels |

## Dimensions
| Spec | Value |
|------|-------|
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.9 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 252 kg |
| Seat Height | 710 mm |

## Power & Performance
| Spec | Value |
|------|-------|
| Displacement | 1202 cc |
| Emission Standard | BS6 |
| Max Power | 65.7 bhp |
| Mileage - ARAI | 20 kmpl |
| Mileage - Owner Reported | 19.5 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 177 kmph |
| Transmission Type | 5 Speed Manual |

Compared to its closest rival, the Triumph Bonneville Bobber (1200cc, 77 bhp), the Forty Eight gives away peak power but wins on character and brand prestige in India. Against the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 (883cc, 52 bhp), the Forty Eight is clearly the stronger and more visceral machine. The BS6-compliant version launched in 2020 retained all the core specs while meeting emission norms - the Evolution engine, despite its age, cleaned up without losing its essential feel. Since discontinuation in April 2023, no new units are available. Buyers looking at this bike today should focus on low-mileage, well-serviced used examples ideally from Hero-authorized Harley service centres.

## FAQs

**What is the engine displacement of the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight?**
The Harley-Davidson Forty Eight is powered by a 1202cc air-cooled, 45° V-twin Evolution engine with electronic sequential port fuel injection (ESPFI). It produces 65.7 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 96 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The engine architecture was updated for BS6 compliance in 2020 while retaining its core character.

**What are the dimensions and kerb weight of the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight?**
The Harley-Davidson Forty Eight has a wheelbase of 1,495 mm, ground clearance of 110 mm, and seat height of 710 mm. Kerb weight is 252 kg - significant for a 1200cc machine, though the low centre of gravity makes it feel more manageable than the number suggests once riding.

**Does the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight get ABS?**
Yes, the BS6 Harley-Davidson Forty Eight comes with Dual Channel ABS as standard on both front and rear disc brakes. Earlier BS4 variants had single-channel ABS on the front only. Dual-channel ABS is especially important given the bike's 252 kg kerb weight and the potential for rear wheel lockup under emergency braking.

**What is the fuel tank capacity of the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight?**
The Harley-Davidson Forty Eight has a fuel tank capacity of just 7.9 litres - very small for a 1200cc motorcycle. At real-world mileage of 17-19 kmpl, this translates to a practical range of 130-150 km per fill. This is widely cited as the single biggest practical limitation of the bike for Indian riding conditions.

**What suspension setup does the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight use?**
The Forty Eight uses 39 mm telescopic forks at the front and twin rear shock absorbers. Suspension travel is limited (approximately 110 mm front, 85 mm rear) consistent with its low-rider stance and bobber character. The setup prioritises handling feel over bump absorption - Indian roads with large potholes will be felt more directly than on adventure or touring-oriented bikes.

## More
- [Overview](/bikes/harley-davidson/forty-eight)
- [Variants & Prices](/bikes/harley-davidson/forty-eight/variants)
- [Price in India](/bikes/harley-davidson/forty-eight/price)