From the Webike Community's My Bike, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the voices of owners who actually ride or have ridden them. This time, here's what the owners have to say about Harley-Davidson「Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight」.
To be honest, the Harley-Davidson "Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight" is this kind of bike!
The Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight is a cruiser model of Harley-Davidson, an American motorcycle manufacturer. Harleys equipped with air-cooled V-twin engines are broadly classified into big-twin models and Sportster models, and the Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight, as its name suggests, is categorized as a Sportster model. The Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight, as its name suggests, is a Sportster model. Its stylish design with classical features has been well received and has become a very popular model.
Its distinctive feature is the small fuel tank, commonly known as the peanut tank. The fuel tank is based on the fuel tank of the S-125, a model with a 125cc single-cylinder engine that used to be in Harley's lineup, and the name "Forty-Eight" was taken from the year of manufacture of the S-125.
In addition, the front and rear wheels are 16 inches, despite the fact that large-diameter front wheels are often used on Sportster models. The footpeg position is in a forward control position with the feet thrown far forward. A solo seat is standard, and the bar-end mirrors are mounted under the handlebars, creating a truly unique machine.
The engine is an air-cooled V-twin with 1202 cc displacement and a fuel-injected intake system. These elements are universal throughout the model series, although detail specifications vary by year.
The low and long-form are truly stylish.
The low seat height also makes it easy to get a good foot grounding. Although it is a heavy vehicle weighing over 250 kg, even a small rider will have no problems if he or she can use its good foot grounding to maneuver the vehicle while sitting astride it.
However, the small bank angle is not suitable for aggressive riding.
In addition, the peanut tank, a design icon of the Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight, has a capacity of only 7.9 liters. Although this is a fuel-efficient Harley, it is somewhat disappointing. When riding long distances with other types of vehicles, you may have to be careful about refueling timing.
However, it is a part that cannot be changed in terms of appearance, so you should be prepared for it if you are going to be an owner.
The Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight, which became a big hit model, has disappeared from the lineup with the end of production of the Sportster series models with air-cooled engines in 2021. The Final Edition, which was released as the 2022 model in a limited edition of 1,300 units in Japan, was inundated with orders and sold at a premium. Since it was a popular model, to begin with, there are still many riders who are looking for the same model, and the used market price has skyrocketed.
The used motorcycle market has skyrocketed, and it continues to be difficult to obtain one.
The key point to keep in mind when selecting a used motorcycle is the year.
Major changes were made in the 2016 model change: the previous spoke wheels were replaced with cast wheels, the inner tube diameter of the front fork was increased from φ41 mm to φ49 mm, and the suspension unit was upgraded.
ABS also became standard equipment, and the seat shape was changed.
Models from 2016 and later have an advantage in terms of equipment, and because they are older, the used market is also higher. However, the appeal of early models has not diminished. We hope you will consider your budget, usage, and preferred style, and select a machine that you will love and have no regrets about.
What do Webike users think of the Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight?
XL1200X SPORTSTER Forty-Eight
Average price of the new model: ──
Used model price: approx. 12563 USD
Number of reviews: 3
Data as of May 23, 2023
Average owner satisfaction rating is 3.56 out of 5 (116 people rated)
It should be noted that the ratings for driving and looks exceeded 4 points. The comments on the near-perfect looks were particularly impressive, saying that if you fall in love with the style, you have no choice but to buy it.
On the other hand, a disadvantage cited is the low fuel tank capacity. While the fuel economy rating of 3.39 points is not bad, the cruising range is only 120 to 150 km, and frequent refueling seems to be necessary.
Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight, Quick Summary
Advantage
- Easy to get on and off the seat and back up.
- Low center of gravity makes it easy to maneuver for its weight.
- It's just so cool!
- Used parts are abundant because there are many people who ride this motorcycle.
Disadvantage
- Frequent refueling due to the small tank
- Small size for the engine displacement, so it does not look good for two people.
- Suitable for one rider
- Less thumping than a big twin
Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight Owner's Voice
Here are some of the most impressive voices among the many reviews.
Honda Party for Motorcycles
Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | As he got older, his desire for a Harley increased, but his feelings came and went because of the high price. In March 2020, my desire for a Harley suddenly grew even more, so I went to a motorcycle store's website to check out their used bike inventory, went to see the actual bike, and bought it. I use it almost like a touring bike. |
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Advantages/Satisfactory points | First is the thumping feeling. It is much more powerful than the Dragster 1100 that I used to ride, and the vibration is different and comfortable. The seat is low and easy to get on and off, and the 250 kg weight does not bother me. I was worried about the thin seat cushioning, but it is surprisingly not bad. The appearance has the feel of an old motorcycle (in fact, it has a lot of electronic control). The steering wheel grip is thick and just right for my large hands, and the rubber texture of the grip feels like it absorbs into my hand. It had FP3 on it, probably put on by the previous owner (I immediately lowered the idle rpm). |
Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | The tank capacity is small (only 7.9 liters), although there are no specifications as this is a feature of this model. It is full of wires, but there is no room for space, and we had a hard time branching the wires when installing the fuel meter. The steering wheel switch for the right blinker is on the right-hand side. There is no space for documents. The motorcycle is not comfortable to ride on the highway because of the wind pressure (the engine power is sufficient to ride the motorcycle). |
Advice for prospective buyers | The motorcycle itself and its parts are expensive, and its nature is different from that of a modern bike, so I think there is a question of whether you can afford to split the cost or not. If you have the opportunity, I recommend that you take a few test rides. |
LOOCKER
Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | Comparison model: XL1200NS, XL883N |
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Advantages/Satisfactory points | After tuning, idling became more stable and fuel economy improved. The motorcycle no longer stutters, and the ride is smoother. |
Advice for prospective buyers | The tank capacity is small, so a full tank is 140-150 km. It is necessary to carry a carrying can or refuel frequently. Of course, you can customize it as much as you want, so if you have enough budget, you can make it your own, but it is also good to keep it standard plus some extras for a long time. The older the better. After replacing the exhaust system and air cleaner, we recommend tuning the injection system. |
Loka
Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | The last air-cooled Harley |
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Advantages/Satisfactory points | I was torn between the Roadster and other members of the Sportster family, but I chose the 48 for its styling, including fat tires, handlebars, and forward controls. In addition to the aforementioned styling, I am satisfied with the stable ride and the unique two-cylinder sound. |
Disadvantages/Dissatisfactory points | After 2 weeks of not running the engine, the battery visibly weakens. Once weakened, the battery does not recover even after recharging. Compared to Japanese motorcycles, this was the most surprising part. Also, oil leakage caused by blow-by gas, which occurs after changing to a high-flow air cleaner, can only be cleaned frequently. It takes a lot of time and effort, but it is a forgivable character including them. |
Advice for prospective buyers | I know it is difficult to buy a new motorcycle, but for a used motorcycle, I would recommend that you first look at the cost but maintain it well and do a dedicated injection tuning once you have decided on the exhaust system, air cleaner, etc. |