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2018 Harley-Davidson Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special unveiled!

H-D has just launched the 2018 Harley-Davidson Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special.

The two new additions to the Sportster line-up come ready with H-D’s 1,200cc Evolution V-twin engine.

The Iron 1200 is priced at $9,999 (RM39,131) while the Forty-Eight Special is at $11,299 (RM44,218) in the US market.

The folks over at Harley-Davidson have launched two new models into their current Sportster line-up with the 2018 Harley-Davidson Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special. Both models come equipped with the manufacturer’s latest 1,200cc Evolution V-twin Sportster power plant.

Inspired by the custom bike scene, both the Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special are fitted with some very beautiful parts such as mini ape handlebars and intricate fuel tank graphics. Coupled with the Sportster series compact size, power delivery and unique characteristics, the two new additions will be very appealing for a wider range of motorcycle enthusiasts.

According to Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson V.P. of Styling & Design, “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.”

2018 Harley-Davidson Iron 1200 – $9,999 (RM39,131)

The first impression of the Iron 1200 most people would get is the Iron 883 fitted with a much bigger engine. H-D assures everyone that it is more than just a 36% power upgrade. As stated earlier, the new mini-ape handlebar offers a more open riding position that goes exceptionally well with the single headlight design.

The most prominent feature has to be its 12.5-litre fuel tank with a unique shape and bright graphics. A cafe racer-inspired single seat follows the motorcycle’s design flow and customers have the choice of different colour options (Vivid Black, Twisted Cherry and Billiard White).

There are however some similarities to the Iron 883. The classic blacked out engine together with chrome pushrod tubes plus the spoke wheels all pay homage to the cruiser’s custom bike scene as well as portraying the iconic Sportster appeal.

The 2018 Harley-Davidson Iron 1200 is available in the US market at $9,999 (RM39,131). How we wish the Malaysian price could be the same figure. The bike might be priced between RM80,000 to RM90,000 if the option is made available here in good ol’ Malaysia.

2018 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Special – $11,299 (RM44,218)

Just by the looks, we can tell that this baby would be more appealing to the younger generation. It’s no surprise that H-D is looking for a way to reach the younger target market and the Forty-Eight Special might just be the one to do it.

The 2018 Sportster Forty-Eight Special shares some similar qualities to the standard Forty-Eight. The most visible spec is its beefy front 49mm forks fitted a 130mm wide aluminium wheel wrapped with some quality Michelin Scorcher 31 rubber.

What’s definitely different from the standard model is the Tallboy handlebar which gives the Special a more straightforward riding ergonomics which most folks will find comforting especially during long rides. Chrome engine covers and exhaust shields are fitted instead of the blacked-out parts found on the standard Forty-Eight.

The Special’s 8.3-litre “peanut” fuel tank comes with horizontal black stripes adjacent to the H-D logo. Like the Iron 1200, the Forty-Eight Special is also available in three different colourways; Vivid Black, Wicked Red and Billiard White.

The 2018 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight Special will be available in the US market at $11,299 (RM44,218) which is said to be the same figure as the standard Forty-Eight. Although we won’t get that price once the bike arrives here in Malaysia, it should be around the RM100,000 range as the previous Sportster Forty-Eight came at RM106,000 (basic price with GST).

Who knows, they might be cheaper once they’re here!

A passionate individual when it comes to anything related to two wheels (or sometimes more), he enjoys the chaotic and magical world of motorsports as much as riding leisurely to the shops on his beloved Vespa. With an education-based background, he is always eager to learn and share about the poetic arts of motorcycling.

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