John Lindgren
john@carsanook.com
The naked rear end, where the sweep of the guard is unbroken. Tail and brake lights are enclosed within the indicators. This motorbike is a tight looking, low-slung urban brawler. The Forty-Eight has always been the epitome of Harley-Davidson minimalism. Sans clutter, dechromed. This is pure motorcycle design, not decoration.
Engine: Power is supplied by the tried-and-tested, fuel-injected 5-speed, V-Twin 1.2-liter air-cooled and belt drive Harley Evolution engine built with aluminum heads and cylinders for weight reduction. Rubber-mounted power train to lessen engine vibrations and shorty dual exhaust with slashcut mufflers. Fuel efficiency is circa 20 kilometer per liter comparable to my wife’s dinky Nissan March 1.2-liter eco car.
The Ride: Impressions by Peter Thygesen, the rider: “First full face helmet and gloves on for safety”, says Peter and fires up the 1.2-liter engine. Rumble. Final adjustments and off he rides direction RCA and Makkasan old railway depot.
Two days later back at Power Station Peter elaborates: “This is Sportster Forty-Eight. Call it entry-level Harley. But there’s still enough vibration and rumble to reassure you that you’re riding the real deal. Lowered rear suspension and the saddle height, combined with the forward pegs and controls gives an upright, aggressive riding position, which I found commanding, however not comfortable for more than an hour’s ride due to the seating position with no option to shift weight from the foot pegs located at the front.”
“However, find an open stretch of tarmac open the throttle, let that big torque kick in and the Forty-Eight really takes off,” Peter continues. “The power is impressive and delivery is reassuringly smooth. And there’s tons of torque or pulling power. Enough toensure a grin across the face every time you drop the clutch at the traffic lights”.
“My verdict after a weekend on the Forty-Eight down to Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Totally 550 kilometers. The Harley-Davidson FortyEight feels, looks, and sounds like an American classic. Plus a cool feature: the option to open valve (max sound level). Not recommended in your condominium or townhouse parking area!
“Although I’m now more of an adventure touring motorcyclist I had great fun on the Forty-Eight and I understand the younger, urban less experienced, the wannabe big Harley-Davidson riders will not be disappointed,” Peter concludes. John K. Lindgren
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
SPORTSTER 48
Price:B869,000
Engine:1,202cc V-twin
Torque:96 Nm
Top Speed:200 kph
Seat height:710 mm
Kerb weight:255 kg
Fuel consumption:Combined 20 km-per-liter
John Lindgren is Editor-in-chief of carsanook.com and a regular contributor to The Phuket News' monthly 'Test Drive' column, as well as for Pattaya Today and pattayatoday.net If you have any suggestions or feedback, please email editor [at] classactmedia.co.th