Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom vs Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special (2019)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Customstacks up against the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom

Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special
Spec comparison
| Spec | Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom | Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2019 | 2019 |
| Price | $10,999 | $11,649 |
| Engine | 1202 cc | 1202 cc |
| Horsepower | 67 hp | 65 hp |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Weight | 255 kg | 248 kg |
| Seat height | 29 mm | 28 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 L | 2.1 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Front brakes | Single disc. Dual piston, optional ABS. | Single disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Dual piston, optional ABS. | Single disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS. |
| Tires | 130/90-B16 / 150/80-B16 | 130/90-B16 / 150/80-B16 |
Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom vs Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special — which should you buy?
Picking between the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom and the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom brings 67 hp in a 255 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special counters with 65 hp at 248 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom has the lower MSRP.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: