Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight

I purchased my Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight in July 2022 from Huntington Beach Harley-Davidson in California. The purchase was somewhat spontaneous — I had just finished a group ride that ended at HB Harley when I decided to trade in my 2021 Sportster Iron 883 for the Forty-Eight.

Over the following months, I began modifying the bike and one of the first upgrades was replacing the stock 2.1-gallon peanut tank with a 3.3-gallon fuel tank that I found on Facebook Marketplace. The tank originally came off a 2009 Harley-Davidson Nightster.

I frequently ride with a group on longer trips to destinations throughout Southern California, including San Diego, beaches, lakes, and mountain roads. The additional fuel capacity of the 3.3-gallon tank makes a noticeable difference on these longer rides. If you've watched my Iron 883 videos, you'll know that the 3.3-gallon setup has proven to be more than capable for extended rides.

The Forty-Eight also features a Stage One upgrade consisting of an SP Concepts Lanesplitter exhaust, Arlen Ness Monster Sucker air filter, and a Dynojet Power Vision PV4 tuner. For tuning, I'm using a custom base fuel map from Fuel Moto USA, followed by auto-tuning to further refine the calibration for my specific setup.

Harley Forty-Eight Fun Facts:

- 1200cc Evolution Engine.

- First made in 1948 featuring the 2.1 gallon peanut tank.

- Second Generation 2016-2022 included 49mm forks, cast aluminum mag wheels with an inner tube.

- First Generation 2010-2015 included 39mm forks and tubeless wire-spoked wheels.

- Fuel Injected, 68 horse power, 71 lb-ft torque, 4-stroke, 2 cylinders.

This is my bike, photographed as it sits. Below are the parts and gear I actually run on it.