Harley-Davidson “Forty-Eight” is a Raw and Radical Ride
February 2, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
New Sportster(R) Model Brings Brawn as Chiseled Custom with Power andPerformance
MILWAUKEE, Jan. 22, 2010; the new Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight motorcycle isa factory custom in the legendary tradition of the hot rod Sportster linewith the raw, elemental appeal of the dark Custom(TM) bikes.
Riding low with a slammed suspension and featuring the classic2.1-gallon "peanut" fuel tank, the Forty-Eight backs up its bulldogappearance with the performance of its blacked out and polishedrubber-mounted Evolution 1200 cc V-Twin engine. the low solo seat,under-mounted mirrors, side mount license plate, clean rear fender and talland fat front tire emphasize the Forty Eight's focus on chiseledcustomization.
And while the Forty-Eight model may break bad when it comes to radicalattitude and straight-on style, it won't break the bank starting at just$10,499 MSRP in Vivid Black.
"With its classic bulldog shoulders stance, the Forty-Eight strikes adistinctive look and low profile that could only come fromHarley-Davidson," said Ray Drea, Harley-Davidson Senior Director ofStyling. "The Forty-Eight model has a collective past life experience andbroken-in look that is raw and authentic."
As a Harley-Davidson dark Custom motorcycle, the Forty-Eight is ready toride as a radical custom and also primed to take on its rider's characterand personality. dark Custom accomplices of the Forty-Eight include theNightster, Iron 883(TM), Cross Bones, fat Bob and Street Bob. Check outmore on dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom.
Harley-Davidson Sportster models like the Forty-Eight have retained anaura of rebellion since their introduction in 1957, when the foundation ofcustom culture was being formed by hot rod gear heads hanging out on citystreet corners, in gritty garages or at dusty dragstrips. Sportstermotorcycles became an iron canvas for many legendary choppers of that hotrod era and beyond.
Lying low from tire-to-tire, the Forty-Eight model showcases more of itsblack 1200 Evolution V-Twin engine with polished accents and othercomponents with a clean look highlighted by the traditional peanut fueltank, small solo seat and lightening holes in the backbone mountingbracket. the Forty-Eight has more than just custom cool styling with thesmooth ride on new front fork sliders, a tall and fat front tire andslammed rear suspension.
With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performancetuning with a broad torque curve, the Forty-Eight motorcycle delivers apowerfully responsive ride with smooth clutch effort. the pipes on thechrome, shorty dual exhaust pound out the distinctive Harley-DavidsonAmerican V-Twin sound.
The Forty-Eight embraces the street up front with forward foot controls,low profile custom handlebar, under-mounted mirrors, fork-mounted turnsignals, slammed speedometer mounting bracket and fork brace withlightening holes. A unique dual texture solo seat with a height of 26inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger pillion, footpegs andbackrest are some of the many accessories that can be added.
The black chopped rear fender with combination stop/turn/tail lights anda side mounted license plate help show-off the 150 mm rear tire and 16-inchBlack Steel Laced wheels. the front tire also rides on a wide blackwheel.
The Forty-Eight model comes in Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver and MirageOrange Pearl colors and will be available soon at Harley-Davidsondealers.
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
Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser andtouring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and generalmerchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's Web site atwww.harley-davidson.com.
Harley-Davidson "Forty-Eight" is a Raw and Radical Ride
Written by John Campbell
February 1, 2010 by · Leave a Comment
Harley-Davidson has announced a new model in hopes to bring back the true spirit of the motorcycle. The 2010 Sportster Forty-Eight, the name assumed to derive from the Post War era when Bobbers first became famous, features clean lines from front to rear, blacked out engine parts and fenders with just the slightest hint of chrome. The low 26-inch single seat puts you close to the ground. When you grab hold of the handlebars and look forward all you will see is the road ahead of you.
"With its classic bulldog shoulders stance, the Forty-Eight strikes a distinctive look and low profile that could only come from Harley-Davidson," H-D Senior Director of Styling Ray Drea says. "The Forty-Eight model has a collective past life experience and broken-in look that is raw and authentic."
The speedometer has been mounted low along with under mounted mirrors, this creates a view over the 2.1-gallon peanut fuel tank that is not obstructed. The wide 16-inch tires on spoke rims let you know this bike is a serious piece of hardware. A 1200cc Evolution V-Twin engine and the thunder from the chrome shorty dual exhaust would make Thor turn his head in admiration.
Harley-Davidson has some great accessories that can be added to this model. A good starting point is the Screamin' Eagle SE "Heavy Breather" Performance Air Cleaner in Gloss Black. this will provide a good starting point getting that V-Twin engine breathing a little better.
The 2010 Forty-Eight will hit dealers soon, and will be available in Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver and Mirage Orange Pearl. And the best part? The MSRP is $10,499.
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