2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Specifications

Name: 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight
Brand: Harley-Davidson

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2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Overview

The 2013 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 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. 2013 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 2013 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 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2013 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 660 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 2013 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 2013 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.

2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have?

The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight uses a V2, four-stroke engine with 1201.25 cc of displacement.

What is the top speed of the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?

The 2013 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 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight weigh?

The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight weighs 259.9 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight make?

The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight produces 107.12 Nm @ 4000 of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?

The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a 7.95-litre fuel tank.

Is the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight suitable for shorter riders?

The 2013 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 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have?

The 2013 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 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight use?

The 2013 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 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight take?

The 2013 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

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

Full 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Specifications

Comments Amphibian.

Colours Hard Candy Coloma Gold Flake, Ember Red Sunglo, Big Blue Pearl, Vivid Black

Top Speed 45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph

Max Torque 107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

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

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

Valve System 4