That is exactly what the new models are all about. The Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special. These machines pay regards to the throw-back styling trends developed all over by the custom-bike scene with the solid foundation of the Sportster platform and the punchy performance of the Evolution 1200 V-Twin engine.

As part of their new strategy to add 100 new models in the coming decade, Harley-Davidson has already introduced 10 new ones this year: nine new Softails and the Street Rod. Now, the Bar and Shield brand has added two more models in their Sportster lineup, their first after the Roadster was launched back in 2016.

Following the footsteps of what Triumph did with the Bonneville Bobber, BMW with its R nineT range, Indian with the Scout Bobber and Ducati with their Scrambler->ke4393 series, Harley is trying to rake up its falling sales with these factory-customs.

Yes, the Iron now also comes with the Evolution 1200 V-Twin engine running under the hood apart from the 883cc.

Taking inspiration from what Harley customers were doing with their Sportster models since generations, the Milwaukee brand created the new Iron 1200 and Forty-Eight Special and gave them an all-new character and soul making it look very much like a custom motorcycle.

Iron 1200

First things first, the Iron model now gets the Evolution 1200 V-Twin engine. For 30 years the 1202cc Evolution motor has been the heart and soul of all Sportster models at HD and the same gives life to the new Iron as well. Being one of the most upgradable ones in the market, HD has given it a number of innovations and improvements since 1986 to make this mill superior to its predecessors.

The 1202cc motor delivers 73 lb-ft (36 % more torque than the 883 Evolution engine with 53.8 lb-ft). That is also the same engine that runs on the Roadster and the Forty-Eight. The power is estimated to 65-70 hp. A five-speed transmission and belt drive makes the final connection to the quick but not necessarily a fast bike.

Then there is this satin-black Ape handlebar which were previously available as accessories, now become a standard fitment from the factory on the new Iron 1200. This gives the bike a garage-built chopper attitude and the first-in-the-air posture making the rider feel like the king of the road. Similarly, Smart Security System and anti-lock braking system (ABS) also comes now as standard.

Taking cues from the West Coast styling of the ‘70s, the new windscreen now gets a gloss-black treatment giving protection to the rider and adding to the bad-ass attitude of the tall bars. The fast-back Café Solo Seat also adds in its flavor.

The paintjob on the bike is reminiscent of the early days with the multi-colored striped graphics on the tank and then the all-black. The dark theme runs across the length and breadth of this bike from the split-spoke cast rims to the engine, heat shields, finned timer cover, special cast wheels and shock springs. All-new Black 9-spoked wheels showcase the dark menacing machine the Iron 1200 can be.

The US MSRP for the Iron 1200 is $9,999.

Forty-Eight Special

Much like its previous model, the new Forty-Eight retains the low-slung silhouette, having a stance of a roadster. The motorcycle features classic lines which effortlessly amalgamate with modern design cues, but there is a huge difference considering the chunky new 130mm front tire framed by 49mm forks. Clamped in massive forged aluminum triples, this Forty-Eight can easily pull off as the bad-ass of the Sportster series.

The handlebar is not the Ape ones, instead, Harley had equipped it with a Tallboy bar that offers lesser pull-back stance when compared to the Apes’. Gives it the "Bulldog stance" says Harley. The peanut fuel tank is now smaller than the previous editions and comes with rows of bold, horizontal stripes framing a simple Harley-Davidson text logo.

The Forty-Eight retains the 1202cc Evolution mill but features a splash of chrome at the covers, muffler and exhaust shields, rocker boxes, pushrod tubes and tappet covers. They give a nice contrast with the blacked-out cylinders to highlight the V-Twin engine shape.

A ribbed, solo-style seat seems comfortable and stylish. Black 9-spoked 16” alloys wrap high-performance Michelin Scorcher 31 tires and as with the Iron, Smart Security System and anti-lock braking system (ABS) also comes now as standard.

The US MSRP for the Iron 1200 is $11,299.