Menus
- 1202 cm3, approx. 60 horsepower at 5500 rpm, 96 Nm at 3500 rpm, 252 kilos with full tank, from 12,410 €
- A minimalist and very stylish machine, generous in sensations
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- In the city
- On motorways and main roads
- On departmental
- Part-cycle
- Brakes
- Comfort / duo
- Consumption / autonomy
- Conclusion
- And the A2 version in all of this ?
- Harley 48 video test
1202 cm3, approx. 60 horsepower at 5500 rpm, 96 Nm at 3500 rpm, 252 kilos with full tank, from 12,410 €
A minimalist and very stylish machine, generous in sensations
Since 1957, the Sportster has been part of the Harley-Davidson range: a sort of longevity record ! And each year that passes makes it even more trendy than before, the current great hipster / bomber / dark custom / bobo movement making this icon an ever more essential machine. Suddenly, the R&D at Harley-Davidson does not risk the rupture of aneurysm to evolve the model: in accordance with tradition, things move sparingly and, in general, without this being seen..
The latest generation of Forty-Eight has, like the rest of the Sportster family, evolved to respond to a recurring criticism that criticized it for its lack of comfort. Because yes, there are some who drove a lot on this rather spartan machine and with limited autonomy and who wanted a little more softness! No wonder, since the Forty Eight was for years Harley-Davidson’s bestseller in France. The Milwaukee brand has therefore met the expectations of its customers with a new saddle, new rear shocks, as well as a new cartridge fork 49 mm in diameter instead of 43. New rims (still 16 inches) and Larger brake discs (300 mm instead of 292) were also part of the modifications, as were some cosmetic details, such as the round and black air filter. Note that all these improvements date back to the summer of 2015, but Le Repaire had not given itself the opportunity to test this bike. It is now done and it comes in addition to the first version of the 48 which was tested on the Den in 2010.
We have taken two versions of the 48: the standard model and another, with 47.5 hp clamping for A2 licenses.
Discovery
The big advantage of Harleys is that the color changes associated with each vintage do not directly make them out of date, like some Japanese machines. Because our test model is in fact a 2016: well wired in h-deitude the one who can report it. Like all "new gen" Forty Eights, this one has a new tank with an embossed badge and a plain decoration, just subtly underlined by a few horizontal bars and embellished with a new embossed badge, rather qualitative. On the other hand, its shape has not changed since its creation in … 1948! For 2016, it’s black on the program (€ 12,410), a few colors (yellow, ice white, gray, at € 12,610), as well as two "hard candy custom" colors, with deep glitter paint on a gray background or red, at € 12,810.
The tailpipes are treated in black, covered with a chrome cover; which is not seen on our test model, equipped with Screamin ‘Eagle pots, with a more present sound without being annoying. A good compromise between character and discretion. We note that from one year to the next, prices are generally maintained.
These subtleties assimilated, what remains? A very nice minimalist machine is essential: two large 16-inch wheels, an equally large V-Twin whose surface treatments call for many compliments and as well highlighted as the tank (7.9 liters) and the dashboard (a simple meter) still give in asceticism, while the mirrors positioned under the handlebars complete the touch of originality.
Few machines on the market embody the definition of "one engine, two wheels and basta!" As well. Although we have known the Sportster for ages, it is difficult, if not impossible, to remain indifferent to its charms and the unshakeable evocation of a form of essentials. The message is for anyone drooling over the race for power, 14-level traction controls and iPad-shaped dashboards. What if the truth was elsewhere ?
That such a small motorcycle weighs 247 kilograms dry proves at least one thing: Harley is no fan of plastics or undersized assemblies. Like all the other machines in the range, a Forty Eight is something, if not from the point of view of density. The chrome does not knock. The Forty Eight is therefore rewarding and well built: a pity, therefore, that a few small finishing details somewhat tarnish the picture: the integration of the harness and the electrical wiring, along the frame and the tank, right side, just at the bottom. above the rear cylinder (at the same time, the claimed minimalism doesn’t offer many other places to fit them in), while the screws that immediately rust at the steering column and the pot support are just unacceptable to the part of a brand that wants to be premium. And our Forty Eight is not an isolated case … Provide the little bit of preventive hydrophobic protector type ACF-50.
In the saddle
It is new, the saddle! Let’s test it! Low (710 mm), it puts the Forty Eight within everyone’s reach, since the controls are not too far forward. First impression: this saddle feels soft to the digital rectal examination, well, I mean, at the first contact with the buttocks. Then, there is a handlebars not too curved, stems to Harley standards (with the indicators on each side, but we get used to it quickly). The dashboard is less rudimentary than it looks, since a button on the left stalk allows you to scroll through the two trips, the time as well as the engine speed and the gear engaged in the small digital window.
Contact. The carrier remains in the pocket (you can lock the steering with the key even if I found the cylinder quite painful to handle). The 1202cc V-Twin snorts in a jerk and the machine is seized with jerky tremors. It vibrates. It lives. And even more in the passage of the first, which results in a virile and very sonorous "klonk" !
In the city
The Forty Eight would almost tend to make us forget that it cube 1200 so much its weight is forgotten and its handling, despite the front tire of 130/90 x 16, remains rather neutral and easy. The big V2, on the other hand, is not super flexible and does not really like working under 2000 rpm and manifests its disapproval by mechanical noises, all the more noticeable when you are almost sitting on the engine. And it’s not the little tank that filters a lot of things! At 2000 rpm in third, therefore, we find ourselves at 50 km / h legal and we then fully experience the good vibrations !
Even if the 96 N.m are delivered, according to the technical sheet, at 3500 rpm, the good big torque of the 1202 cm3 is already palpable from 2000 rpm: each rotation of the throttle propels you forward. What is appreciable about this Forty Eight and which is an integral part of its personality, is the mechanical extension (we hurtle down small streets and alleys in second, with three or four strokes of the piston, just by touching the gas) and this very present feeling of being fully connected to the mechanics. Fans of tasteless and utilitarian mechanics will find it too much. Others will appreciate that this doesn’t come at the expense of real ease of use. Good news with powerful and dosable braking.
As for the rear-view mirrors under the handlebars, they can surprise, even perplex at first glance, but well adjusted, they offer a good rear view and do not vibrate..
On motorways and main roads
We can already hear the criticisms: how to cut the road with such a machine? This is to forget that in the 70s, young bikers did not hesitate to cross France in duos on 125 and that everyone found it very cool. So there, with 96 Nm and about 60 horsepower (Harley does not communicate the power figures, but the American sites which bench the machine bring out this value, obtained at 5500 rpm), there is plenty to swallow miles.
The V2 is not keen on high revs and prefers to operate in its torque zone. At 130 km / h, it turns at 3500 rpm in fifth gear, but it is obvious that the wind resistance and the driving position do not favor long motorway journeys. And again, we did not broach the subject of autonomy. On the other hand, the saddle confirms its softness and helps to pass the exercise, especially as in movement, the big vibrations felt when stationary have almost disappeared. As we can imagine, the performance is not stratospheric, but the essential lies in a very correct stability as well as a well-filled engine at the usual speeds: thus, the times of 90 to 130 km / h on the last report allow to go beyond quite easily, without asking too many existential questions.
On departmental
At 90 km / h in fifth gear, the V2 purrs at 2400 rpm. And finally, this reasonable pace fits better with the spirit of the Forty Eight. It is therefore an opportunity to verify the validity of the improvements of this new vintage. Harley is a bit tight on the specs and it’s a bit of a hassle to find a value for suspension travel. Nevertheless, we can say that the quality of the rear shocks is clearly improving. Better educated compression, restrained relaxation, the Forty Eight is nothing like the vertebral breaker of previous generation Sportsters. Afterwards, with limited travel and this type of geometry, you shouldn’t expect miracles either and the breaks will always be sharply felt. But the daily pleasure has progressed.
On departmental roads, we also appreciate the agility of the machine and its good braking. The limits of ground clearance will eventually be found (27.8 ° possible angle to the left and 26.1 ° to the right), but the Forty Eight must be driven according to its philosophy. In any case, the 250 kilos are literally forgotten and there remains the pleasure of feeling propelled forward, in a low rumble, at each exit of a curve. Pleasant.
Part-cycle
Only classic here! No inverted fork (that’s reserved for the 1200 Roadster) and a pair of completely new emulsion shocks at the rear. They are adjustable in preload thanks to a key which is hidden under the saddle..
Brakes
This latest generation of Forty Eight has improved in the field of braking. The front disc increased from 292 to 300 mm, pinched by pistons 34 mm in diameter. We must therefore salute the quality of braking: power, bite and progressiveness are there, with the bonus, an ABS that does not enter panic mode too quickly. In short, whether in town or on the road, braking is reassuring.
Comfort / duo
For the duo, it will be necessary to go through the accessories box. But in any case, do not expect miracles, because the machine is still quite compact. The rider’s comfort is relatively correct, the new saddle and the suspensions having really played their part in this area. But we will see in the paragraph below that the stages are never really very long and that the breaks, finally, appear welcome..
Consumption / autonomy
With a 7.9 l tank, you can imagine that the pump attendants will become your friends. In town, I noted a consumption of 6.5 l / 100 and a reserve light that comes on before 90 kilometers. On the road, it’s a little better with fuel consumption going down to 4.8 l / 100. The good thing is that filling up with gas doesn’t cost a lot, but range can still be a question if you intend to really cut the road on your handlebars. The Forty Eight can still pose a problem for long trips on isolated departmental roads unless you prepare your roadbook well in advance with the pumps open on the way….
Conclusion
A (big) engine, two wheels and basta! Such is the Forty Eight. An essential vision of the bike, minimalist, refined, and, objectively, successful. The power of the badge works in full force, the timeless line does the rest: the Forty Eight is a beautiful everyday companion that we try to stylize so as not to perish in the surrounding grayness. Its mechanical character is very real, but this does not come at the expense of its frequentability: the weight is forgotten, the handling allows to follow the 125 in traffic jams and the braking is good. As, in addition, the new suspensions and the new saddle bring a welcome little extra pleasure, we say to ourselves that the Forty Eight can continue to seduce massively: of course, its radius of action will seem limited to some, its lack of practical aspects do not make it the queen of everyday life (transporting an anti-theft device, gas cap that does not lock with a key …) and yet, its inimitable style and charm may be enough.
And the A2 version in all of this ?
One might wonder if it is really reasonable to start the bike directly with a 1200 cm3 which weighs a little over 250 kilos. To do this, we put Morgane, a young A2 license to the test. She was initially a little intimidated: the image of the brand, the weight of the motorcycle, the price of the machine. But the low saddle and the weight well distributed and especially with a center of gravity low to the ground, all this allowed him to quickly find his marks. It was the same in terms of ergonomics. The position with the feet in front is confusing at first, but when you understand the driving mode of this kind of machine, which is handled a little with the hips and which is very self-stable at low speed, everything is fine. It’s just a matter of getting used to and the habit quickly takes hold.
Then, on the engine side, our rider quickly smiled. Because she discovered a new concept: engine torque. Indeed, the clamping is extremely well done. Because if we logically lose a good twenty horses (from 65 to 6000 rpm to 47.5 to 5250 rpm) for legal reasons, we lose almost nothing in torque. Indeed, the Sportster Forty-Eight flanged displays 92 Nm at 2000 rpm when the "full power" delivers 96 Nm at 3500 rpm. And how do you drive a Harley-Davidson? On the couple, of course !
Suddenly, in normal use, there is almost no difference. Better: the flanged engine is even a little more flexible at low speed. So we can say it: there is no contraindication to start on this Sportster 48 A2…
Strong points
- Classic, minimalist and timeless look at the same time
- Pleasant mechanical sensations and without filter
- Significant improvement in comfort
- Good braking
- Agility and maneuverability despite the weight
- Contained price of refueling !
Weak points
- Autonomy, of course
- Passenger seat feeling
- Optional duo
- Some finishing details (rusty screws, blah!)
- Limited practical aspects
- Limited grip of the Michelin Scorcher in the rain
Harley-Davidson Sportster 48 technical sheet
Harley 48 video test
Test conditions
- Itinerary: one week trial in Paris and its surroundings, 300 kilometers
- Motorcycle mileage: 6500 km
- Problem encountered: falling into reserve every 110 km, it reminds me of my TDR 250! And also the barrel of the steering lock, which was unusually hard.
Competition: Indian Scout, Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber, next Triumph Bobber, Victory Octane
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