Harley Davidson Forty-Eight Special BS6

The Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Special BS6 is a robust and stylish cruiser that embodies the classic Harley-Davidson spirit. Powered by an air-cooled, 1,202cc V-twin engine, it produces 97 Nm of torque at 4,250 rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The bike features a distinctive design with a round headlight, compact 7.9-litre fuel tank, and a rider-only saddle. It comes with dual-channel ABS, single discs with dual-piston callipers on both wheels, and a suspension system that includes 49mm forks at the front and an Emulsion shock at the rear. With a kerb weight of 252 kg and a seat height of 710 mm, it is accessible to a wide range of riders. The bike is available in three colour options Vivid Black, Billiard Teal, and Midnight Crimson each adding to its unique appeal. Overall, it is a solid choice for those seeking a powerful, stylish, and comfortable cruiser for urban and highway riding.

The Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Special BS6 is a compelling choice for those who crave a classic cruiser experience with modern tweaks. This bike excels in its city riding capabilities, feeling nimble and agile, while also performing well on highways and twisty roads. The air-cooled, 1,202cc V-twin engine delivers a robust 97 Nm of torque at 4,250 rpm, making it a joy to ride. However, its off-road performance is not its strong suit, and the bike can feel bumpy on rough terrain. The design is unmistakably Harley-Davidson, with a low solo seat, under-mounted mirrors, and a clean rear fender that appeals to those who love the retro aesthetic. Overall, its a great option for riders who value style, power, and a comfortable riding experience, especially within urban and highway settings.

The Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Special BS6 has been discontinued in India as of April 2023. This decision marks the end of an era for this popular cruiser, which was known for its vintage 70s-style design and modern features like Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and dual-channel ABS. I believe this move will be felt by many Harley-Davidson enthusiasts who loved the unique styling and performance of the Forty-Eight Special.

In December 2021, Harley-Davidson updated the Forty-Eight Special to comply with BS6 emission norms, which included a price hike to Rs 10.98 lakh (ex-showroom). The update retained the 1202cc air-cooled V-twin engine and added features like split 9-spoke cast aluminum wheels and a handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer. I think this update was a good move to keep the bike relevant in the Indian market.

The BS6-compliant Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Special was priced at Rs 10.61 lakh in India, making it Rs 3,000 more expensive than its BS4 predecessor. Despite the price increase, the bike maintained its torque and weight, and it continued to appeal to fans with its distinctive design elements like the low solo seat and under-mounted mirrors. I believe the additional cost was worth it for the environmental benefits and the bikes overall performance.

In 2020, Harley-Davidson introduced the BS6-compliant Forty-Eight Special with several key features, including a 1202cc engine, 5-speed manual transmission, and dual-channel ABS. The bike also boasted a unique design with throwback tank graphics and blacked-out tallboy handlebars. I think these updates made the bike a compelling choice for those looking for a blend of vintage style and modern technology.

The Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Special was well-received in India for its power and stability, with many owners praising its performance and comfort. However, some users noted that it was not ideal for long rides due to its design and seating. I believe this feedback highlights the bikes strengths and weaknesses, making it a great choice for city rides but less so for long-distance touring.

The Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Special BS6 is priced competitively in the Indian market, with an ex-showroom price starting at around 10.98 lakhs. When you factor in the on-road costs, including registration, insurance, and other local taxes, the price can escalate to approximately 12.5 lakhs to 13.5 lakhs, depending on the state and city. The price premium for the Billiard Teal and Midnight Crimson paint options over the Vivid Black colour adds a bit to the overall cost. Despite being on the higher side, the price reflects the bikes premium build quality, powerful engine, and the brands reputation for durability and style.

The mileage of the Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Special BS6 is a practical consideration for potential buyers. According to ARAI, the bike offers a mileage of around 20 kmpl, which is reasonable given its powerful 1,202cc engine. Real-world mileage can vary, with some users reporting around 11-15 kmpl, depending on riding conditions and style. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient option, the bikes performance and riding experience often outweigh concerns about fuel economy for enthusiasts of this genre. ABOUT The Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Special BS6 is a robust and stylish cruiser that embodies the classic Harley-Davidson spirit. Powered by an air-cooled, 1,202cc V-twin engine, it produces 97 Nm of torque at 4,250 rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The bike features a distinctive design with a round headlight, compact 7.9-litre fuel tank, and a rider-only saddle. It comes with dual-channel ABS, single discs with dual-piston callipers on both wheels, and a suspension system that includes 49mm forks at the front and an Emulsion shock at the rear. With a kerb weight of 252 kg and a seat height of 710 mm, it is accessible to a wide range of riders. The bike is available in three colour options Vivid Black, Billiard Teal, and Midnight Crimson each adding to its unique appeal. Overall, it is a solid choice for those seeking a powerful, stylish, and comfortable cruiser for urban and highway riding.