2016 Harley Davidson Forty-Eight - Test Ride Review

POV Test ride and review of the 2016 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200, also known as the Forty-Eight. This bike is 1200cc. I ride the bike through the city and give my thoughts and impressions on how it rides. I am not paid by any of these companies, all opinions are solely my own. 100% unbiased and honest.
Filmed with the GoPro Hero 3+ Black in 1080p 30fps Superview.
2015 - 2016 - Motorcycle Review

[@InTheDogHouse3DPrinting]

I absolutely love the new metal flake paint jobs on these bikes.

[@kevinwalker4124]

I like how your camera is showing all of the controls.

[@SkitzHydro_96]

Kevin Walker that's why I like helmet cameras like go pros they give an awesome perspective

[@toutpret]

I got the same bike. Been riding 30 years and this bike makes me feel 18 again...

[@jonnymac8925]

There actually is a tach on them, you just have to toggle through the analog screen and it will show you what gear/rpm you are at.

[@socalpimp1974]

Thanks for these videos man, virtual test rides! Love em....

[@arch417powersports]

+John Walsh Thanks!

[@arch417powersports]

+Echo Moto Thanks! What are your choices right now? I could probably help.

[@arch417powersports]

***** If you want a true cruiser than go with the Harley. However, it comes with a price. Higher initial price and higher costs of maintenance. The Vulcan S is a hard to beat value. Plenty of power but also inexpensive. I haven't ridden the CB500 but its a Honda and most of the people that have one enjoy it.

[@arch417powersports]

Why did you like the 72 more?

[@Supernova12034]

Never been a fan of the prices but gotta love the fit and finish on those harleys...

[@rebelscout423]

Finally, an all American review and not some European review. Not talking crap, I'm just saying because of demographics.

[@SkitzHydro_96]

By far my favourite sportster 👍🏻

[@tr00th]

I took a test ride today on this exact bike. I'm 6'4" 32 inseam and it fit me well for the 10 min. ride I took with the salesman. It's my first time on a Harley, and while I'm impressed with how it feels to operate one, I'm not 100% sold on buying one just yet, I want a bit more performance and that's clearly not the aim of this bike. But I still had fun, and I did feel "bad-ass" riding it. I guess that the "Harley lifestyle" thing you get when you ride one. Really cool bike!

[@arch417powersports]

Try out the Dyna if you want more performance. Although it is a much heavier bike. The Victory Octane also has a crazy amount of power in a small package.

[@tr00th]

+archinuk417 I heard about the Victory Octane and the Indian Scout. I'll check them out next and compare to the Harley. Thanks for the tip.

[@kanervatie]

Thanks for your reply bro. I'm looking to ride this bike. I'm 6'1 and 34 inseam. Long legs and I hope it fits, cause I'm looking for a cruiser, hp/torque not too important for me.

[@tr00th]

Your welcome, if you can find a harley dealer and ask for a test ride. That's the best way to see if it's a good fit for you.

[@AjarnSpencer]

thanks! I just bought one, 1200 V-Twin but modified (eg air filter, vance n hines etc)

[@elithegreat6463]

I took one for a test ride today, lots of Torque, Good Thrust. However those reverse mirrors have to be placed in their right place...Very close to getting one. Harley did a nice Job with this model. And yes, it has a digital Tach and a Gear position indicator . Left Switch toggle.

[@arch417powersports]

+BeaglePower G Hmm, that screen was extremely small and I doubt I would be able to see the RPM anyway but thanks for letting me know!

[@elithegreat6463]

archinuk417 Once you get use to the numbers reaching the 5.5 Redline, it's very viewable. And the Gear indicator is very handy on the same screen.

[@arch417powersports]

BeaglePower G cool. I did notice on the 883 that it was helpful but on this one I just didn't have time to look for it.

[@elithegreat6463]

archinuk417 Yup, Same Switch gear...Ride Safe, and Be Safe in the UK...Crazy World.

[@jpescapeplease]

Thanks a ton for the video man. Planning to buy 48. I am 5'9 and shouldn't be a problem sitting. Will get the test ride on 9th to decide. Thanks and loved watching. Will also get the vance and hines shortshots soon. Regards

[@sirtooby]

Thanx for the review. It should have a rev counter, it's a digital thing. you can switch between odo meter, trip meter, watch and rev and gear indicator on your left thumb.

[@geovra1976]

My dream bike....with a tank change and an V&H exhaust and.....in black of course :) The course u took was different that with the Indian scout (amazing bike also) wished that you could turn it up a littlebit for reactions and comments on higher speed..Excellent video ty!!!

[@BlackBearTexas]

By the way, which bike did you like more overall between the 883 and the Forty Eight?

[@GeorgeBentes]

Cool review!

[@motorizedmisfit-artist8535]

Great review....love the sporties.

[@squarebiz1973]

I love the way the forty-eights look..they remind me of a bobber, which I too love...I have a hardtail bobber and love the feel of the road..the lack of suspension doesn't bother me unless it's a Big bump then ijust rise u off the seat

[@arch417powersports]

+dxone973 Yeah they have an awesome classic look. The suspension being stiff isn't too big of a deal. Just have to get used to it ;)

[@carlowolfboy]

Considering this bike the Roadster or the XSR900 for my first bike. Im 5'5". I really love the Roadster but I think its too tall for me. Which one Would you recommend? How's the suspension and the vibration on this one? Is it really bad?? Thank you so much

[@Jake.Clabough]

I own one and I'd just like to let you know that that rear suspension is fully adjustable.

[@danielney6]

he did a test ride only so it doesnt really matter

[@MotoVirus]

I love how Harley bikes sound, nice video, thumbs up

[@arch417powersports]

+Moto Virus They sound great with aftermarket pipes!

[@heckpeanuts]

Im trying to buy my first bike and am looking for a Harley. After some research I am torn between the 883 or the 48. Which would you suggest for a new rider?

[@ajayjoseph8779]

Go for the 48,it packs a lot more power,handles pretty good too!☺

[@hdjake8803]

There is an electric tachometer you have to cycle thru the settings and then you can see your rpms

[@hoodprep09]

Awesome im still on the fence from getting the 883 and the forty eight

[@69FOSTER]

Doesn't this Sportster have a digital tachometer, which can be found when scrolling with one of the switches on the left handlebar?

[@zachzach5708]

Hey, why do you crank the throttle so fast? Like a couple times you crank it pretty good, seems to be when you are shifting. I'm a new rider, just got a sportster 1200, wondering if that's something i should do or if I'm over analyzing lol.

[@Toni62R]

Good review! You also made a review of the Street Bob. What would you say when you compare the 48 to the Street Bob? Does the bob has really more power, comfort, and less vibration than the 2016 renewed 48? Is the Dyna a class higher than the sportster with 1200 evo-engine? Thank you!

[@arch417powersports]

The Street Bob is definitely in a higher class than the Sportster. The power is way better on the Bob and it feels more refined. The 48 is a good bike but I expected more power out of the 1200 and it was less refined (explains the lower price.)

[@Toni62R]

+archinuk417 Thank you. For some months I had a test-drive of a 48. It was really not bad, but now, the Street Bob becomes my favorite - perhaps with the hollywood bars of the (very beautiful) softail slim. ...

[@arch417powersports]

Toni R Have you ridden the Dyna yet?

[@Toni62R]

+archinuk417 I've ridden a 883 Iron (2015) which has a nice rumble, but was very harsh. Than a 2016 48, which I liked very much - the next will be a Dyna, I hope the bob. (But the new Triumph Bonneville T120 is also VERY interesting - so I' ve got a problem...) My own bike actual is a very smooth and calm W800 Kawasaki.

[@arch417powersports]

Toni R Cool cool. The sportsters are less expensive and more raw. If you ride the Dyna I'm sure you will enjoy it a lot.

[@ilyessidahmed4193]

what a beautiful machine

[@100SpokeRiderz]

Very cool color

[@arch417powersports]

Custom paint job ;)

[@matrox]

The indian Scout uses a water cooled V-Rod type engine.

[@TheKillerKendall]

+Fr. Ro cant argue tho its a fucking good engine xD

[@timifuller2093]

thank you for sharing your ride !

[@SeanLovin]

It doesn't sound very exciting, does the after market exhaust really give it the "harley" sound like the one in front of you?

[@tombrandenburger5688]

+Sean, you just have the "Screamin Eagle" exhaust pipes installed and there you go with the nice Harley sound. Had mine installed upon purchase of the 2016 XL 1200 CB Custom , which is the same machine but with a bigger fuel tank and a moderate "Ape Hanger" and I love it!

[@arch417powersports]

Yes. I have heard the 883 and 1200 with exhaust and they give you the classic harley sound with a proper exhaust. They are pretty loud. I have a video on my channel of a 2011 883 with a Python Slash cut exhaust. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHe0pXycqruAasU

[@RookieBlueMcSwarek]

nice review

[@m109r1800]

Love the way it looks but us 6 4 guys need a larger motor and larger frame BUT DO NOT CHANGE THE LOOKS.

[@jimmynx1]

Hi, what is your favorite Harley model?

[@anthonychimento8350]

so I guess to say that this is a good entry level bike ?

[@kana22693]

Stock? Yes. Stage 1? No, not only will it produce more power than a beginner should have but it will also become more "snappy" which could lead to an inexperience rider flinching and going down.

[@anthonychimento8350]

Edward Armstrong I was gonna go stock with it not sure if I want this or the Harley street bob my gut tells me the fury thanks for the feedback

[@hdjake8803]

Are you sure there abs brakes? i have a 48 but i did not know it had abs

[@andrekhoury6252]

833 or 48u tested both what do u prefer sir

[@hummel003]

I am interested in the 883 and the 48. But i cant really decide between them. I like the look of the 883 way more than the 48 but i think it lacks power? I would definitly do the 1200 conversion if i buy a 883 but is it strong enough than? I would mainly use it for going to work and drive around town. This will be my first bike

[@arch417powersports]

I would say just go with the 1200. If you buy the 883, and feel it doesn't have enough power, then you will want to sell it and probably lose money on it. The 1200 is definitely manageable for a first bike and its just about the same size as the 883.

[@SkyProStudio]

good review man am already in love with this bike but as i know there is no fuel gauge in this bike is that true ??

[@arch417powersports]

I'm pretty sure it has no fuel gauge but it has a low fuel indicator light.

[@Dracati]

Have you tested the V-rod ? That was my first ride back on the streets when I lived in LV...it had dat crazy powah !!! Too big'o bike in too little of a city doh ;) Nice color when u walked around it, too. Good R&R

[@arch417powersports]

+Dracati Ducati Yes I rode the VROD. That review is coming soon. ;)

[@bobbyenrique2219]

whats the bike on the upper left the blue one '

[@IamPAYSO]

So I am looking into trading in my sport bike for a cruiser. I am looking at an 883. I love the style and the seating position feels better for me than the 48. I haven’t test road it yet so I don’t know how it will be while riding. I am curious as to your thoughts on the 2. Is the power that big of a difference? I don’t ride that fast but having the power to get me out of a situation is very important to me. I am about to go watch your 883 video now. By the way I am on a Ninja 650, I am not sure if you have road one or not but if you have can you compare the 2?

[@arch417powersports]

I was in the same situation as you. I am mostly a sport bike rider and I love going fast and accelerating. That said, this bike felt slow compared to a sport bike. But these bikes aren't meant to race and go fast. If you want quick and power than you would have to look at the Dyna or Softail or VRod.

[@IamPAYSO]

Yea I am not that concerned with speed. Its fun to get her going now n then but most of the time I ride 5-10 over the speed limit and I am sure that the 883, and the 48 could handle 70-80mph. My problem is power. I want to be able to get out of a situation. Thanks for the reply

[@arch417powersports]

ThisIsNotADrill ! They definitely have enough power to get out of situations and pass people on the highway!

[@IamPAYSO]

Thats good to hear. I can’t wait for the test ride!

[@NR-ig6yt]

Is the 48 faster than the Yamaha Bolt?

[@johnathanhunt6218]

thank you for making this video

[@arch417powersports]

+DAT TRAN Thanks for watching!

[@adityasundar324]

Love everything about the motorcycle but for its puny fuel tank :/

[@jpescapeplease]

You can always upgrade the tank . Buying one in april. Will get a new bigger peanut tank

[@adityasundar324]

Jai Parmar Is it authorised one offered by HD or aftermarket , which will void the warranty? O.o

[@jpescapeplease]

You have both the options. Harley can fit an 883 tank officially along with aftermarket tanks available. Its upto self choice. I will decide on the 9th when I take it on a ride. Cheers

[@todossantosensenadarunning8735]

+Jai Parmar Hi what is the regular price for a 833 tank?

[@stormcomilang869]

+Aditya Sundar yes, its poor tank design or planning. You see that gap between seat and tank?. they could've put a bigger tank like 3+ gallon tank. Then 48 would be perfect

[@romanlopez6423]

Can you fit a second person on it and do you feel to tall for the bike??

[@arch417powersports]

I don't think it will fit a second person. I didn't feel tall for this bike.

[@carcrazyfreak123]

which harley is the guy in front of u riding...the guy with the high visbility jacket..the harley with wide tyres.. pls reply..

[@arch417powersports]

That is the Harley Davidson Breakout.

[@carcrazyfreak123]

i love the breakout man! can u do a review on it ...and also what is your opinion on the breakout?

[@arch417powersports]

philip nicholas Here is a review from another motovlogger. I will try and find one next demo day. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX6Wgo1um5yBotk

[@carcrazyfreak123]

thanks a lot man

[@stephenwilson2504]

+philip nicholas I'm thinking it was the new Break out. Its a sweet bike too. I'm pretty sure cause of the wide rear tire. It shares the widest tire with the V Rod.

[@Ki2DTruiTT]

Are the mirrors just inside out and upside down ???

[@arch417powersports]

They come from the factory like that

[@3paGame]

Hwy archinuk, out of the two which did you like more, the Iron 883 or this forty eight

[@arch417powersports]

48 because it wasn't as underpowered.

[@3paGame]

+archinuk417 thanks for the fast reply brother subbed

[@arch417powersports]

***** Awesome!

[@louvadeuscuscuz6281]

compra uma pra mim e manda pro Brasil ?

[@chrismodern5664]

Would this be a good first bike?

[@arch417powersports]

Yes I believe so.

[@riarosei]

i hate the air box where its placed

[@LeagueOfLeYe]

would you recommend this for a first bike?

[@UhnTahoex]

Hell nooo! Unless you rode before 1200cc is way too powerful. 600cc is too much for beginners start small dude like 200cc or 250cc then work your way up. When he took off from a stop he stressed how easy it was for a reason, some bikes go full gear off the clutch. Too much power to learn when to give it gas so you wont stall or hit a wheelie on a $5000 cruiser.

[@LeagueOfLeYe]

Smoketastic7 im getting a indian scout sixty

[@GTOAviator]

lol my first bike was an R6. You buy what makes sense for your riding style/ability.

[@paradigmstorytime]

Any chance we'll get a review on a sportster 72?

[@arch417powersports]

I don't think they had the 72 at the last demo day. It has the same engine as this 48 but if I see one, I will ride it.

[@RapidInstincts]

I wanted to get a 883 but I'm looking at this one too. Idk which t get?

[@tonykittle6432]

get the forty eight

[@RapidInstincts]

Anthony Kittle oh no I am. Went to look at them. Fell in love with it. My dad and I are in a race to see who can get a bike first... I don't have a license and I start work tomorrow.

[@EdgarSteven]

is this a good beginner bike?

[@ohcamillesnow]

No but the 883 he is talking about is

[@antisnafu]

it's not really but it is my first road bike. if you've ridden dirt bikes and stuff it's a good bike. it takes a few minutes to get used to riding a lazyboy but it's an awesome feeling once you get used to it and start taking turns. I bought mine last week and I love it.

[@BlackBearTexas]

You sound like Dylan from modern family

[@matrixi4i]

Nice

[@rebelscout423]

This looks like Vegas. is it?

[@arch417powersports]

Phoenix AZ ;)

[@Tki44286]

they not even sounds like hd anymore

[@vwr32jeep]

aquarius286 Stock exhaust always sounds like ass.

[@tdeneen31]

Can confirm, I have one, still in the process of swapping the exhaust. Fun to ride, can keep up decently with 600cc sports bikes, really easy bike to handle though.

[@FirstLast-su7tb]

I have a 48 and is got a tachometer....

[@arch417powersports]

It's hard to find while riding.

[@FirstLast-su7tb]

+archinuk417 Agreed. Nice review by the way.

[@arch417powersports]

First Last Thanks!

[@bRobOfficial]

Arrowhead Harley! lol

[@alanprunty9476]

Sorry but from the riders POV in the video the bike looks absolutely tiny... fact is Iv seen 500cc bikes that look twice as big... Seriously from this video and angle it looks like a one two five... A lot of money for so little metal.

[@alangodin2090]

alan prunty engine size doesn't dictate the size of the bike.

[@fsinner]

How does this video have over 160k views? This guy is the worst bike reviewer! "it has a decent amount of torque"... really genius???

[@alexneudatchin2161]

агсл нщг

[@victorgiannone4630]

Good video lousy bike. Cost is 13k same as Ninja1000 or any other metric bike. Single seat, small gas tank and NO horsepower. So if you're all about the sound then this bike is for you. But if you want performance, handling and long distance rides, this bike is not for you.. I have been riding 50 years..

[@arch417powersports]

I understand your point. It doesn't have tons of horsepower but it still is fun to ride. For the money, there are better options but then again, some people need that Harley Davidson logo. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesbthejoke5614]

yeah, I've had a ninja 1000, good bike. Nice to ride. But character-less. I recently test rode a 2016 Forty-eight and, well... fell in love. That bike made me smile. I loved the noise, the raw feel, looking down at the engine shaking at stops. The forward controls felt great. I'm 183cm tall, around 106kg and felt good. Simple, pure bike. Will buy!

[@gtx332]

So dull

[@DRSmith-wq4td]

Sounds like crap...