Hot-Rod Custom

Harley-Davidson has expanded its youth-focused Dark Custom line with a daring new addition--the Sportster Forty-Eight. Utilizing the Sportsters' fuel-injected 1200cc Evolution powerplant, the Forty-Eight rides low with slammed suspension and a classic peanut tank that holds a scant two-gallons.

Being a Dark Custom, black is the name of the game. Blacked components include the air cleaner cover, clutch and brake levers, and turn signals. For those who demand some color, the Forty-Eight comes in Mirage Orange, in addition to Vivid Black and Brilliant Silver.

With a low solo seat ("Sorry, baby," as Pete Townshend drawled in The Who's "A Legal Matter"), under-mounted mirrors, low-profile bars, a side license plate (straight off the Nightster), and chopped fenders, the Forty-Eight makes a tough-guy statement with a fat, 130mm front Dunlop tire. Both the front and rear wheels are black-laced 16s.

Ray Drea Speaks...

"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's Senior Director of Styling. "The Forty-Eight model has a collective past life experience and broken-in look that is raw and authentic."

Harley feels the Forty-Eight harkens back to the Sportster's introduction in 1957, when hot rod custom culture ruled the roads, from street corners to drag strips. The dual shorty mufflers reinforce the classic look. There is a new feature that arrives with the bike--new front fork sliders.

Along with the new Forty-Eight, Harley-Davidson's Dark Custom line includes the Nightster, Iron 883, Cross Bones, Fat Bob and Street Bob.