2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2016 Indian Scout

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
566.6 pounds
2016 Indian Scout 2016 Indian Scout

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4-Valves Per Cylinder,
Power
100 hp / 74.5 kW @ 8100 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
253 kg / 558 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2015 - 16
ColoursOlive Gold, Velocity Red Sunglo, Hard Candy Cancun Blue Flake, Hard Candy Gold Flake, Vivid Black, Billet Silver-
Make Model-Indian Scout
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)4.3 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)110 mm-
Seat Height710 mm / 28.0 in.673 mm / 26.5 in Laden 643 mm/ 25.3 in
Wheelbase1,495 mm / 58.9 in.1562 mm / 61.5 in
Ground Clearance-135 mm / 5.3 in
Height-1207 mm / 47.5 in
Length2,210 mm / 87.0 in.2311 mm / 91 in
Width-880 mm / 34.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.17 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)2.60 litres-
Dry Weight247 kg / 544.5 lbs244 kg / 538 lbs
Fuel Capacity7.90 litres / 2.09 gallons12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-449 kg / 988 lbs
Oil Capacity-4.73 Litres
Wet Weight257.0 kg / 566.6 lbs253 kg / 558 lbs
Performance
Max Power-100 hp / 74.5 kW @ 8100 rpm
Max Torque96.00 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 Revolutions72.2 ft-lbs / 97.7 Nm @ 5900 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2715 HP/kg-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)88.9 x 96.8 mm-
CO2113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 3.8 inches-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement-1133 cc / 69 cu in
Engine DetailEvolution® engineFour stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4-Valves Per Cylinder,
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection-
Bore x Stroke-99 x 73.6mm / 3.898× x 2.898×
Compression Ratio9.7:110.7:1
Cooling System-Liquid Cooled
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Engine Oil Specification-SAE 15W60
ExhaustChrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual slash-cut mufflersSplit dual exhaust with crossover, Exhaust Control Two O2 sensors, one each bank, single three-way catalyst in each muffler
Fuel Consumption4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Electronic fuel injection, closed loop/60 mm bore
Lubrication-Semi-Dry Sump
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12 volts / 12 amp/hour, 210 CCA, Maintenance Free AGM
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet, multi-plate
Final DriveBeltBelt drive, 141 tooth
Final Drive Ratio-2.357:1
Gear Ratios-1st 10.782:1 2nd 7.328:1 3rd 5.841:1 4th 4.957:1 5th 4.380:1 6th 4.034:1
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive57/38 ratio Gear drive wet clutch
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed sliding-mesh/foot shift
Chassis
Suspension - FrontTelescopic fork41 mm Telescopic fork,
Suspension - RearTwin shocksDual shocks
Rake29.6°29°
Trail132 mm / 5.2 in.119.9 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-76 mm / 3.0 in
Electrical Systems
Charging System-35 amp max output
Instrumentation4-inch Speedometer mounted low and integrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, LED indicator lights-
Lighting systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.Single 298 mm rotor with 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.Single 298 mm rotor with 1 piston caliper
RimsBlack, Laced Steel-
Tyres - Front150/80-16130/90-16 72H
Tyres - Rear150/80-B16150/80-16 71H
Wheels - Front-Cast 16" x 3.5"
Wheels - Rear-Cast 16" x 3.5"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 Indian Scout

The 2016 Indian Scout edges out the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2016 Indian Scout - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 673 mm vs 710 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 135 mm vs 110 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2016 Indian Scout - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight and 2016 Indian Scout?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2016 Indian Scout is powered by Four stroke, 60° V-Twin, DOHC, 4-Valves Per Cylinder,.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2016 Indian Scout?
The 2016 Indian Scout has the lower seat at 673 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight sits higher at 710 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2016 Indian Scout?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has its own strengths, while the 2016 Indian Scout stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.