The 2010 Forty-Eight has lowered rear suspension, a low, 26-inch seat height, and bars that are slung back. It also brings about the return of the signature 'peanut' tank.
introduced the newest member of its Sportster line, the 2010 Forty-Eight, today at the New York IMS. Sportster loyalists will be happy to see the return of the ‘peanut’ tank after The Motor Company discontinued using the iconic tank in
2007. The 2010 Sportster Forty-Eight is the latest in H-D’s Dark Custom line, with bobbed fenders, a blacked-out engine, burly wheels and a 2.1 gallon ‘peanut’ tank.
“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 Senior Director of Styling. “The Forty-Eight model has a collective past life experience and broken-in look that is raw and authentic.”
The XL Sportster Forty-Eight features a solo seat slung low at 26 inches to go along with lowered rear suspension. The handlebars bend back, not quite café racer but definitely hot rod-style, and the mirrors are under-mounted to complement the styling. The blacked-out treatment extends to the air cleaner and engine covers, chain guard, frame and fenders, so the only real chrome on the bike is the shorty dual exhaust. The meaty 16-inch black, laced steel front wheel looks straight off the Fat Bob and sits in a new fork with wider triple clamps.
Here’s a quip from the Harley PR team about the new Forty-Eight:
The iconic 'peanut' tank is back!
“The Forty-Eight embraces the street up front with forward foot controls, low profile custom handlebar, under-mounted mirrors, fork-mounted turn signals, slammed speedometer mounting bracket and fork brace with lightening holes. A unique dual texture solo seat with a height of 26 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger pillion, footpegs and backrest are some of the many accessories that can be added.”
The 2010 Sportster Forty-Eight will be available in Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver and Mirage Orange Pearl colors. Look for it soon at Harley-Davidson dealers. The Forty-Eight joins the Nightster, Cross Bones, Fat Bob, Street Bob, and Iron 883 in Harley’s Dark Custom line.
2010 Forty-Eight Features and Highlights:
Blacked out rubber-mounted Evolution 1200 cc V-Twin engine with polished covers
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Steel 2.1-gallon peanut fuel tank with lightening hole mounting bracket
One-piece, solo Sportster classic seat
26-inch seat height
Tall and fat 130 mm Dunlop MT90 front tire
16-inch Black Steel Laced wheels
Low profile custom handlebar
Under-mounted mirrors
New front forks with wide triple clamps
Chopped front fender mounted on fork brace with lightening holes
Blacked components including air cleaner cover, clutch and brake levers and turn signals
Chopped rear fender
Stop-turn-tail lights
Side-mounted license plate
Two-year factory warranty
Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System
MSRP: $10,499
2010 Sportster Forty-Eight
