Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special vs Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom (2019)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Specialstacks up against the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special
Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom
Spec comparison
| Spec | Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special | Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2019 | 2018 |
| Price | $11,649 | $11,299 |
| Engine | 1202 cc | 1202 cc |
| Horsepower | 65 hp | 65 hp |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Weight | 248 kg | 244 kg |
| Seat height | 28 mm | 27 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 2.1 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. Single-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 Forty-Eight Special vs Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom — which should you buy?
Picking between the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special and the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Special brings 65 hp in a 248 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark Custom counters with 65 hp at 244 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Dark 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: