2018–2019 Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution 1200 (XL1200XS Forty-Eight Special)

The 2018–2019 Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution 1200 (XL1200XS Forty-Eight Special) is a factory custom cruiser motorcycle produced by Harley-Davidson. Unveiled for the 2018 model year, the Forty-Eight Special was introduced as a stylistic variant of the existing Forty-Eight model, drawing heavy inspiration from the custom chopper scene of the 1970s. It combines the raw, torque-rich performance of the 1200cc Evolution V-twin engine with bold, retro aesthetics, targeting riders who value both heritage styling and a commanding riding posture.

History and Development

The Harley-Davidson Sportster line has been in continuous production since 1957, establishing itself as one of the most iconic and enduring platforms in motorcycling. The “Forty-Eight” name itself pays homage to the year 1948, when the classic, small-capacity “peanut” fuel tank was first introduced on the Harley-Davidson S-125 “Hummer” model. This tank design became a hallmark of the Sportster line and a symbol of its minimalist, bobber aesthetic.

The standard XL1200X Forty-Eight was introduced in 2010, featuring the peanut tank, a solo seat, a fat front tire, and a low-slung profile. Building on this successful formula, Harley-Davidson launched the Forty-Eight Special for the 2018 and 2019 model years. The “Special” designation indicated a package of design elements aimed at evoking a specific era of customization. The company’s design team focused on capturing the look and feel of 1970s garage-built choppers, which were characterized by high handlebars, vibrant tank graphics, and a mix of blacked-out and chrome finishes.

Design of the 2018–2019 Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution 1200 (XL1200XS Forty-Eight Special)

The visual identity of the Forty-Eight Special is defined by several key components that set it apart from its contemporaries. The most prominent feature is the gloss black “Tallboy” handlebar, which provides a higher, more aggressive “fists-in-the-wind” riding position compared to the lower drag-style bars on the standard Forty-Eight.

The powertrain features a blacked-out 1200cc Evolution engine, but with contrasting bright chrome finishes on the primary, inspection, and derby covers, as well as chrome pushrod tubes and tappet covers. This mix of black and chrome was a deliberate choice to emulate the custom bikes of the 70s.

Furthering the retro theme is the iconic 2.1-gallon (7.9 L) peanut fuel tank, adorned with bold, striped graphics that wrap around the Harley-Davidson text logo. This graphic treatment is a direct nod to the art and design trends of the era. The motorcycle rides on black, split 9-spoke cast aluminum wheels, shod with a fat 130mm front tire that enhances its muscular, bulldog stance. A minimalist solo seat and chopped fenders complete the stripped-down, custom look.

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the Forty-Eight Special is the air-cooled 1202cc Evolution® V-Twin engine. A direct descendant of the legendary Shovelhead and Ironhead engines, the Evolution engine was first introduced in 1984 and is celebrated for its reliability and unmistakable Harley-Davidson sound and feel. In this application, it is tuned to deliver a strong wave of low-end torque, with a peak output of 73 ft-lb (99 N·m) at just 3,500 RPM. This torque-focused delivery makes the bike responsive and engaging for city riding and backroad cruising.

The engine is rubber-mounted to the frame to reduce vibrations, providing a more comfortable ride without completely isolating the rider from the engine’s character. Power is delivered to the rear wheel through a 5-speed transmission and a clean, low-maintenance belt final drive system. The fuel system is a modern Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), ensuring reliable starting and smooth throttle response.

Key Differences from the Standard Forty-Eight

While mechanically almost identical to the standard XL1200X Forty-Eight of the same years, the Forty-Eight Special’s distinction lies entirely in its ergonomics and styling.

Handlebars: The most significant difference is the handlebar setup. The Special features high-rise “Tallboy” handlebars, creating a more upright and outstretched riding posture. In contrast, the standard Forty-Eight uses lower, forward-reaching drag bars for a more aggressive, leaned-forward stance.
Finishes: The Special employs a greater use of chrome on the lower part of the engine and powertrain, which contrasts sharply with the blacked-out cylinders and heads. The standard Forty-Eight typically featured a more thorough blacked-out treatment.
* Tank Graphics: The 1970s-inspired horizontal stripe graphics are unique to the Forty-Eight Special, distinguishing it from the simpler or more modern graphics found on the standard model.

These changes were purely aesthetic and ergonomic, as both models shared the same frame, suspension, wheels, brakes, and engine performance characteristics.

Specifications