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2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Overview
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is a custom / cruiser motorcycle built around 1201.25 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a V2, four-stroke engine, a compression ratio of 9.7:1. The bore and stroke measures 88.9 x 96.8 mm. 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight delivers 107.12 Nm @ 4000 of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 45 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2014 Sportster Forty-Eight tips the scales at 259.9 kg, carries a 7.95-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 660 mm and spans a 1,519 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2014 Sportster Forty-Eight - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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Accessible seat height: At 660 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: As with any used Sportster Forty-Eight, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Sportster Forty-Eight - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Sportster Forty-Eight should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any Sportster Forty-Eight. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. The sump holds 2.60 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The Sportster Forty-Eight's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight uses a V2, four-stroke engine with 1201.25 cc of displacement.
What is the top speed of the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a factory-quoted top speed of 45 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight weigh?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight weighs 259.9 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight make?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight produces 107.12 Nm @ 4000 of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a 7.95-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight suitable for shorter riders?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a seat height of 660 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight uses Single disc. Dual-piston at the front and Single disc. Single-piston at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight use?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight runs 150/80-16 front and 150/80-B16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
How much oil does the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight take?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight takes 2.60 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.
Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Spec Evolution
The Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight was produced across 8 model years (2013-2020). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
| Wet Weight |
259.9 kg / 573.0 lbs |
259.9 kg / 573.0 lbs |
259.9 kg / 573.0 lbs |
257.0 kg / 566.6 lbs |
252.0 kg / 555.6 lbs |
252.0 kg / 555.6 lbs |
252.0 kg / 555.6 lbs |
252.0 kg / 555.6 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs |
250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs |
250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs |
247 kg / 544.5 lbs |
247 kg / 544.5 lbs |
247 kg / 544.5 lbs |
247 kg / 544.5 lbs |
247 kg / 544.5 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
Air-cooled, Evolution® |
Air-cooled, Evolution® |
Air-cooled, Evolution® |
Evolution® engine |
Evolution® engine |
Evolution® engine |
Evolution® engine |
Evolution® engine |
| Seat Height |
660 mm / 26.0 in. |
660 mm / 26.0 in. |
660 mm / 26.0 in. |
710 mm / 28.0 in. |
710 mm / 28.0 in. |
710 mm / 28.0 in. |
665 mm / 26.2 in. |
665 mm / 26.2 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons |
7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons |
7.90 litres / 2.09 gallons |
7.90 litres / 2.09 gallons |
7.90 litres / 2.09 gallons |
7.90 litres / 2.09 gallons |
7.90 litres / 2.09 US gallons |
7.90 litres / 2.09 US gallons |
| Oil Capacity (Quarts) |
0.17 quarts |
0.17 quarts |
0.17 quarts |
0.17 quarts |
0.17 quarts |
0.17 quarts |
2.75 US quarts |
2.96 US quarts |
| Oil Capacity (l) |
2.60 litres |
2.60 litres |
2.60 litres |
2.60 litres |
2.60 litres |
2.60 litres |
2.60 litres |
2.80 litres |
| Ground Clearance (mm) |
99 mm |
99 mm |
99 mm |
110 mm |
110 mm |
110 mm |
110 mm |
110 mm |
Key Specifications
Torque
107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
259.9 kg / 573.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons
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Full 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Specifications
Comments
Lithium Iron Phosphate 48V/20Ah battery, 16.8 kg. Range 60 km. Recharging time: 4 hours. Made in Taiwan.
Colours
Vivid Black, Blackened Cayenne Sunglo, Morocco Gold Pearl, Hard Candy Volcanic Orange Flake, Hard Candy Chrome Flake
Ground Clearance (mm)
99 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
3.9 inches
Seat Height
660 mm / 26.0 in.
Wheelbase
1,519 mm / 59.8 in.
Height
1,005 mm / 39.6 in.
Length
2,250 mm / 88.6 in.
Width
625 mm / 24.6 in.
Oil Capacity (Quarts)
0.17 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)
2.60 litres
Dry Weight
250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons
Wet Weight
259.9 kg / 573.0 lbs
Engine Type
V2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)
73.30 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1201.25 cc
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.5 x 3.8 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
88.9 x 96.8 mm
CO2
113.7 CO
Engine Detail
Air-cooled, Evolution®
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio
9.7:1
Emissions
Zero emission
Engine Lubrication
Dry sump
Exhaust
E Type 9
Fuel Consumption
4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final Drive
Belt
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
57/38 ratio
Frame Type
Steel tube
Suspension - Front
Dual Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Suspension - Rear
Single Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Trail
107 mm / 4.2 in.
Instrumentation
4-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 system
High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Brakes - Front
Single disc. Dual-piston
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. Single-piston
Rims
Black, Laced Steel
Tyres - Front
150/80-16
Tyres - Rear
150/80-B16
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