Harley-Davidson Introduces Two New Sportsters

As part of its plan of launching 100 motorcycles over the next 10 years, Harley-Davidson has introduced two new Sportster models - the new Forty-Eight Special and the Iron 1200. The news comes just a few days after we received an invite from Harley-Davidson to the launch of two new motorcycles in India on February 28. Nonetheless, we are being introduced to two new Softails in India. So expect the newly introduced Sportsters to make it to our shores at some point. 

The Forty-Eight Special and the Iron 1200 sport designs inspired by the 70s and made evident by the fuel tank graphics. The bike maker says the cruisers are designed in such a way that it makes them mod-friendly. There are a plethora of options to choose from too.

"A Sportster is a relatively easy bike to strip down and reinvent. What we’ve done to create the new Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special is what Sportster owners have been doing with their own bikes for generations,” stated Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson’s vice president of styling and design.

Speaking of design, the Iron 1200 features an all-black look with its black mini-ape handlebar and a small black headlight cowl at the front. In addition to this, the nine-spoke alloy wheels, belt guard and the rear sprocket too have received the all-black treatment. The fuel tank, on the other hand, comes with multi-colour stripe graphics in black, cherry red or white.

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Powering the Iron 1200 is the Evolution 1200 V-Twin which produces 98.97Nm of torque. H-D's factory-installed ABS and smart security system have been added as standard equipment.

Coming to the Forty-Eight Special, it packs a wide front tyre with beefy forks. Harley has equipped the bike with a high-raised handlebar finished in black and blacked-out, split nine-spoke cast aluminium rims. The fuel tank wears a vintage striped livery with the company's retro script. Just like the Iron 1200, this tank is available in black, red and white colour schemes.

The same Evolution 1200 V-Twin engine powers the Forty-Eight as well. However, it features a black top-end with a completely chromed-out bottom, which includes pushrod tubes, tappet covers, muffler and exhaust shields. The Forty-Eight Special too gets the factory-installed ABS and smart security system as standard.

With the new Sportsters, the Milwaukee brand will take the fight to the Triumph Bonneville Bobber and the Indian Scout. We can't wait to take them for a spin. Until then, stay tuned!