2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Specifications

Name: 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight
Brand: Harley-Davidson

Custom / cruiser • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Overview

The 2016 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. 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight delivers 96 Nm @ 3500 Revolutions of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2016 Sportster Forty-Eight tips the scales at 257 kg, carries a 7.90-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 710 mm and spans a 1,495 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 23.9 kg lighter than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight compared with other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category

Here is how the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight stacks up against other bikes in the Custom / cruiser category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1316 models.

Seat height of 710 mm is taller than that of 875 of the other 1315 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category.
Only 382 of the other 1004 bikes in the Custom / cruiser category have a lighter wet weight than the 257 kg of the Sportster Forty-Eight.
Narrowing the field to the 628 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 710 mm is taller than that of 471 of the other 627.

Versus the 2015 model

Compared with the 2015 model, wet weight dropped from 259.9 kg to 257 kg (-2.9 kg) and seat height went up from 660 mm to 710 mm (+50 mm). Peak torque is unchanged.

2016 Sportster Forty-Eight - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Strong front braking: The single disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
ABS fitted: Anti-lock braking is standard, adding a real margin of safety on wet roads or in an emergency stop.
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.
Low-maintenance final drive: Belt final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.

Considerations

Modest fuel capacity: The 7.90-litre tank means more frequent fuel stops on longer rides, which is worth planning around on touring routes.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Valve clearance checks

Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation on the Sportster Forty-Eight means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.

Brake disc and pad wear

The single disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the Sportster Forty-Eight runs Telescopic fork and Twin shocks at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by belt - lower maintenance than chain with no lubrication needed, but tension and tooth wear should still be checked at service intervals.

Handling the weight at a standstill

At 257 kg, the Sportster Forty-Eight is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.

Sportster Forty-Eight - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight custom / cruiser, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs belt final drive, so check belt tension and tooth wear - a cracked or glazed belt is a clear sign of neglect. Now 10 years old, this custom / cruiser is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. 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 for the Sportster Forty-Eight's v2, four-stroke engine. 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. With a 9.7:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. 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. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is powered by a V2, four-stroke engine.

How much does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight weigh?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight weighs 257 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much torque does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight produce?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight produces 96 Nm @ 3500 Revolutions of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has a 7.90-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 131-158 km between stops.

Is the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight suitable for shorter riders?

The 2016 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 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight uses single disc with dual-piston and Optional ABS at the front and single disc with single-piston and Optional ABS at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight use?

The 2016 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 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight take?

The 2016 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

Not recorded

Torque

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

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

257.0 kg / 566.6 lbs

Fuel Capacity

7.90 litres / 2.09 gallons

Full 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight Specifications

Colours Olive Gold, Velocity Red Sunglo, Hard Candy Cancun Blue Flake, Hard Candy Gold Flake, Vivid Black, Billet Silver

Ground Clearance (in.) 4.3 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 110 mm

Seat Height 710 mm / 28.0 in.

Wheelbase 1,495 mm / 58.9 in.

Length 2,210 mm / 87.0 in.

Oil Capacity (l) 2.60 litres

Oil Capacity (Quarts) 0.17 quarts

Dry Weight 247 kg / 544.5 lbs

Fuel Capacity 7.90 litres / 2.09 gallons

Wet Weight 257.0 kg / 566.6 lbs

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

Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.2715 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

Clutch Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Final Drive Belt

Gearbox 6-speed

Primary Drive 57/38 ratio

Suspension - Front Telescopic fork

Suspension - Rear Twin shocks

Rake 29.6°

Trail 132 mm / 5.2 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. Optional ABS.

Brakes - Rear Single disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.

Rims Black, Laced Steel

Tyres - Front 150/80-16

Tyres - Rear 150/80-B16

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.