A closer look reveals further custom detailing. Black rearview mirrors mount
the handlebars, and a small solo saddle further enforces the attitude that these riders of the Forty-Eight prefer to go it alone. The license plate bracket is positioned on the bike's left side (rather than on the rear fender), and one rear light cleanly shares the tail light/turn signals/brake light duties.
Pam fits comfortably on the Forty-Eight. You can see the left side mounted license plate here.
Harley-Davidson has created what it calls "lightening holes," circular holes punched out of the fork brace, fuel tank mounting bracket and belt drive guard that add a decorative, custom flourish. Black finishes dress the air cleaner cover, clutch and brake levers, and turn signals. Dark, menacing -- the Forty-Eight squats like a muscle-bound bully just waiting to pick his next fight.
 The signature lightning holes on the belt guard. |  The lightning holes are also found in the fork brace above the fender. |
However, most of the menace disappears when you throw a leg over this bad boy and fire up his engine. Fuel injection makes for a quick response from the motor when you hit the start button and the bike settles into a relaxed rumble humming from its chrome, shorty dual exhaust with slash-cut mufflers. The Forty-Eight weighs 567 pounds fully fueled, but it wears its beef low to the ground, which, combined with that low 26-inch seat height, makes it easy to bring up off the kickstand.
The front view with those "dropped" mirrors.
The forward foot controls and wide, low bars required me to lean toward the front of the bike a bit, resulting in a clamshell posture that -- though some think looks cool -- usually results, for me anyway, requiring a handful of Ibuprofen after a long day in the saddle. However, unlike many forward-control cruisers, the brakes and shifter were within a comfortable reach of my 29-inch inseam and the handlebars, though set forward, allowed me good control, especially in tight, slow turns.
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The riding position on the Forty-Eight is aggressive with forward controls and low slung handlebars that the rider must lean forward to reach.
Harley-Davidson claims the Forty-Eight produces 79 foot pounds of torque and you feel that in the seat of your leathers as you clunk the transmission through its five gears and squeeze its light-to-pull clutch.
The reach to the clutch and effort needed to pull it in are the same as on the other Sportsters -- that being relatively easy to pull in with the lever within reach for small hands like Pam's.
Though it looks brawny, the Forty-Eight performs more like a running back than a tackle, nimble, quick and responsive, sensitive to rider inputs, downright friendly to ride. Dual-piston front and single-piston rear brakes adequately slowed the bike from speed. The beneath-the-handlebar mounted rearview mirrors actually provided an excellent view of the road just traveled, once I quit panicking over not having mirrors and remembered they really were on the bike. I just needed to look for them in a different spot.
The view from the cockpit.
The only trace of menace the Forty-Eight exhibits comes when you hit the bump. The slammed suspension, which gives a mere 3.62 inches of front travel and a wimpy 1.63 inches rear travel, lets me know this bully is all muscle with no soft heart. That, coupled with a noticeable vibration while traveling highway speeds that renders the mirrors useless, means this bully behaves better cruising the boulevard or byways as opposed to highways.
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The Forty-Eight handles best at speed below 75 miles an hour.
The 2.1 gallon peanut gas tank reinforces that notion that even with an estimated 57 mpg highway, the Forty-Eight will barely make 120 miles before getting thirsty. A long-haul ride this isn't, unless you don't mind frequent gas stops.
Shown in Vivid Black.
What price cool? The Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-Eight isn't a bike bought for practicality. Its brawny persona is all about attitude, and that it delivers with a knockout punch. It retails for $10,499 in Vivid Black, and $10,789 for Brilliant Silver Pearl or Mirage Orange Pearl.
What price cool? The Harley-Davidson XL1200X Sportster Forty-Eight isn't a motorcycle bought for practicality. Its brawny persona is all about attitude, and that it delivers with a knockout punch. It retails for $10,499 in Vivid Black, and $10,789 for Brilliant Silver Pearl or Mirage Orange Pearl.
Specs At A Glance: 2010 Harley-Davidson XL Sportster Forty-Eight
Displacement: 1200cc
Seat Height: 26 inches
Fuel Capacity: 2.1 gallons
Weight: 567 pounds (running order)
Price: $10,499 black, $10,789 colors
WRN Recommendation:
The Sportster Forty-Eight is a fun, nimble, easy to ride motorcycle, not something you might consider because of its chopped, "bad" bike styling. But don't let looks fool you. With its low seat height and center of gravity, the Forty-Eight has appeal, especially for smaller riders. Top that with its truly custom looks and you have a package of performance and attitude not found in many other motorcycles at this price. However, consider the type of riding you want to do if looking to purchase the Forty-Eight. Its short suspension and small gas tank impose limits that might not be acceptable to some riders.
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