2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Specifications

Name: 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight
Brand: Harley-Davidson

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2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Overview

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is a custom / cruiser motorcycle. Under the tank sits a V2, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.7:1. The bore and stroke measures 88.9 x 96.8 mm. 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight delivers 96 Nm @ 3500 Revolutions of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2017 Sportster Forty-Eight tips the scales at 252 kg, carries a 7.90-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 710 mm and spans a 1,495 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2017 Sportster Forty-Eight - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Accessible seat height: At 710 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.

Considerations

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 2017 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.

Valve clearance checks

Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.

Sportster Forty-Eight - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2017 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.

Valve clearance service

Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used Sportster Forty-Eight. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.

2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have?

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is powered by a V2, four-stroke engine.

How much does the 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight weigh?

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight weighs 252 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight make?

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight produces 96 Nm @ 3500 Revolutions of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a 7.90-litre fuel tank.

Is the 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight suitable for shorter riders?

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a seat height of 710 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have?

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight uses Single disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS. at the front and Single disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS. at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight use?

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight runs 130/90-B16 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 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight take?

The 2017 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

Engine

V2, four-stroke

Power

N/A

Torque

96.00 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 Revolutions

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

252.0 kg / 555.6 lbs

Fuel Capacity

7.90 litres / 2.09 gallons

Full 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Specifications

Colours Corona Yellow Pearl, Crushed Ice Denim, Hard Candy HotRod Red Flake, Hard Candy Black Gold Flake, Vivid Black, Billet Silver

Max Torque 96.00 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 Revolutions

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.2713 HP/kg

Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.5 x 3.8 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 88.9 x 96.8 mm

CO2 113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)

Engine Type V2, four-stroke

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

Engine Detail Evolution® engine

Fuel System Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection

Compression Ratio 9.7:1

Engine Lubrication Dry sump

Exhaust Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual slash-cut mufflers

Fuel Consumption 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)

Starter Electric