Evolution-powered Sportsters enjoy unrivaled dominance in the used market, which has only grown stronger after Harley-Davidson pulled their plug last year. As a result, you can find umpteenth second-hand examples, although only a few of these are clean, amongst which a low-mile, custom-built Sportster is even rare. But if you’re in the market for it, your search ends right here. That’s because Iconic Motorbike Auctions has listed a mesmerizing custom Forty-Eight for you to own and cherish.
The Custom Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Has Plenty Of Updates
Built by Top Shelf Customs, the custom motorcycle is based on a 2012 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight (XL1200X). However, there’s barely any resemblance between the before and after, courtesy of its new persona. Up top, the cruiser bids adieu to its stock headlight to welcome an all-LED projector unit, now wrapped in a sporty mask. This is topped by a muscular five-spoke wheel and fork gaiters. Behind these, you get a custom fuel tank (instead of the peanut-shaped OEM unit), accompanied by a diamond-stitched leather saddle and belly shroud down low. Similarly, the chopped rear fender and spoke wheel make way for a cafe-racer-like tail and five-spoke wheel, respectively.
Like the aesthetics, the underpinnings are quite different too. The front telescopic forks have been lowered while the rear now flaunts piggyback-style gas-charged shocks, plonked onto a custom swingarm. This swingarm also helps swap the belt-pulley drive with a chain-sprocket setup. Another notable update has come to the braking setup, via custom disc brakes and up-specced calipers. And when on the brakes, you’ll also appreciate the aftermarket, adjustable levers bejeweled onto the curved Speed Merchant handlebar. All this while, the Forty-Eight’s 1,202cc, V-twin engine has remained as it is for the most part. We say ‘most’ because you do get a svelte free-flow exhaust and air filter, without any internal changes.
Finally, Top Shelf Customs has draped the motorcycle in a bespoke dual-tone livery. It comprises a gloss black base coat paired with deep red graphics and blacked-out mechanicals. A closer look also reveals ‘59’ letterings on the side panels, along with sleek LED indicators neatly housed on the shockers and headlight mask. Talk about attention to detail!
Custom Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight - What’s The Price?
Just like all Iconic Motorbike Auction listings, the Sportster has no fixed price. You can head to the website and put in a suitable bid, preferably around the $8,000 mark. Seems doable? Well, then you’d be happy to know the motorcycle only has 354 miles on its OEM instrument cluster, backed by its mostly blemish-free body. The only setback, according to us, is the lack of any original paperwork and just one single key.