Harley-Davidson: history and modernity come together in the Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special

Harley-Davidson adds a new chapter to the long history and tradition of the Sportster family of motorcycles with the introduction of the models Iron 1200 e Forty-Eight Special. Here are two more of the 100 new high-potential motorcycles that Motor Company announced plans to introduce by 2027. These new interpretations of the Sportster theme combine a retro style that harks back to the classic canons of the world of customization, the solid foundations of the platform Sportster and the engine's punchy performance V-Twin 1200 Evolution.

Since their launch in 1957, the motorbikes of the Sportster family have been rethought repeatedly and in every way, both by the Motor Company's designers and by the owners of the motorbikes: here are Sportsters that become bobbers, choppers, scramblers or café racers; or protagonists in flat track races or on dragster acceleration tracks; or, more simply, the entry-level model easily accessible for those starting to ride motorbikes, or the personalized cruiser made to measure for each individual. “The Sportster immediately offered the perfect combination of size, performance and character, a mix that makes the model still interesting today in the eyes of very different motorcyclists - he has declared Brad Richards, Vice President of Style & Design at Harley-Davidson -. The Sportster is a bike that can be stripped down and reinvented relatively easily. What we did to create the new Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special is what generations of Sportster owners have done with their bikes“. Both the Iron 1200 and the Forty-Eight Special feature new tank graphics that combine bold colored stripes and formal fonts, colors and graphics that began to gain popularity in the 70s. “The graphics of these two tanks reflect contemporary trends both in design in general and in trends related to motorcycle customization. We move away from complex and intricate designs to return to simple and clean lines – added Richards – It is also important to note how these more linear graphics respect the shape of the tank, which in the case of the Sportster is itself a distinctive design element".

The recipe for the new Iron 1200 starts from power. The 1200 cc V-Twin 1202 Evolution engine develops 36% more torque than the 883 Evolution engine that powers the Iron 883 model, which has always been the rebel born for urban scenarios in the Sportster range. The Iron 1200 engine offers more liveliness to better navigate the challenges of urban traffic, with more power to sprint when the traffic lights are green and more power in the intermediate revs to make your way through cars. And more power always means more pure fun. The Mini-Ape raised handlebar Satin black in color, it is an essential element of the look that is reminiscent of garage-built choppers and adds a strong character to the bike. This handlebar with a diameter of 2,5 cm has a rise of 22,2 cm, an opening of 81,2 cm and a setback of 16,5 cm, which opens up the position of the person sitting in the saddle in order to expose the wrists in the direction of travel. The glossy black front fairing (Vivid Black) which includes the front light - a reference to the West Coast stylistic influence which amplifies the character of the high handlebar - is designed to also provide a certain degree of protection from the wind at higher speeds and constitutes an easy customization element. The Café Solo fast-back saddle connects to the rear mudguard and is shaped to keep the rider in position when using the full torque of the 1200 Evolution engine. The Sportster's classic 12,5-litre fuel tank features multi-coloured stripe graphics that hug the profile of the tank. The dark finish of the engine helps to direct the gaze to the bright graphics of the tank. The options for the tank include the Vivid Black, Twisted Cherry and Billiard White colours, again in contrast to the glossy black of the front fairing. The whole group broadcast it has been dressed in a very successful colour: in fact the distribution covers, the exhaust heat shields and the advance, primary and crankcase covers are black. Chromed pushrod covers and tappet covers are the only brightly colored elements that underline the shapes of the V-Twin engine. The Iron 1200 model mounts 9-spoke wheels black in color (19 inches front and 16 inches rear) and features black belt cover and rear sprocket. The system Smart Security of Harley-Davidson and the anti-lock brake device (ABS) are fitted as standard from the factory on the Iron 1200 model.

The Forty-Eight Special's beefy front end – with its 130mm tire framed by 49mm forks set in massive forged aluminum triple clamps – looks even more menacing topped as it is by the Tallboy handlebars (7,55 inches tall – 19,1 cm) in glossy black colour. “We specifically chose the Tallboy handlebar for its shape – said Richards again -. It offers less setback than the Mini-Ape handlebar, a look that goes really well with the massive steamroller visual impression and smaller fuel tank of the Forty-Eight Special model.”. The iconic 8,3-gallon “peanut” Sportster fuel tank features rows of bold horizontal stripes that frame the Harley-Davidson script. The tank is available in three different ones colors: Vivid Black, Wicked Red and Billiard White. The 1200 Evolution engine features a black top and bright chrome underneath. Among these, the chromed primary, inspection and crankcase covers and exhaust heat shields stand out. The chromed rod and rocker covers and the tappet covers, also chromed, contrast with the black of the cylinders, highlighting the shape of the V-Twin engine. Michelin Scorcher 31 high-performance tires are mounted on black 9-spoke aluminum alloy wheels measuring 16" in diameter (front and rear). Harley-Davidson's Smart Security System and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) are factory-fitted as standard on the Forty-Eight Special model.