An American Dream: 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Doesn’t care at all about electronics, values traditions and simple clear forms, while good sound and comfort are right up his alley. That’s a pretty accurate description of a potential buyer of Harley Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight.

Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is, in all respects, a motorcycle that helps build your image by highlighting your individuality and commitment to the classic look.

This Sportster model derives its name – Forty-Eight – from the fact that its classic look has remained unchanged ever since the US producer launched it in 1948. The same outline of the fuel tank, frame, spokes… But there has been a lot of water under the bridge, and certainly, the components are now made to a standard consistent with the 21st century.

You can hear the classic sound of its 1,200 cc engine from afar, even as you can see its LED brake lights integrated into its turn signals. The bike itself conveys to its rider a myriad of positive vibrations, since its two-cylinder heart is mounted on silent blocks, and as you open up the throttle, the engine almost gives a jump within the frame, which naturally breathes life into this iron horse and gives it a special charm.

Sportster Forty-Eight is a curious view of the American café racer, a cruiser that you can use to get to your office, navigate traffic jams, arrive at events, and yet never go unnoticed … )

A full tank will last you for 90, maybe even 100 kilometers of city roads – so, you may have to make frequent stops at gas stations, but then, are you really ready to give up these curves for something else?

The open helmet, wind in you face, the timeless classic Milwaukee design… Baby, this is Harley Davidson! And one more thing – don’t waste your time trying to find a traction control switch or ABS indicator; you won’t find anything like that here. There’s nothing in this bike except a passion for two wheels, adventures and the pure and simple sense of power.

The basic – one-seater – version of Harley Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight in Russia is roughly 600,000 rubles. Harley Davidson is basically a construction kit, since it can be remodeled into a two-seater by adding foot pegs and a two-piece seat.

Length 2250 mm, ground clearance 99 mm, fork angle 30°. Tires (Michelin® Scorcher® “31” front and rear: 130/90B16 73H, 150/80B16 77H). Fuel capacity 2.1 gal. (7.9 L), warning light at approximately 0.65 gal.. Weight as Shipped 545 lbs. (247.2 kg). Engine Air-cooled, Evolution® Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder.

Motonews.ru would like to thank the official Harley Davidson Russia representative office for this test-drive opportunity, hair and make-up designer Inga Zavyalova, the charming Anastasia Tregubova, photographer Maxim Gurtovoi, as well as Olga Deripaska’s show room.

Anastasia is wearing Massimo Dutti, Elisabeta Franchi, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Audigier, Faith, shoes by Yves Saint Laurent, Jil Sander, Tissot T-Race watch, and her companion is wearing Blauer gloves, Franklin&Marshal for Dainese T-shirt, Dainese boots.