The Forty-Eight.

UW-Stout alumnus Rich Christoph not only loves Harley Davidson, he also designs for them. Christoph’s latest design, the Forty-Eight, is an idea that came to him one night when he couldn’t sleep. Now the bike, which has been on the show room floor since March, is receiving rave reviews. Christoph admits that the idea is an extension of the Nightster, a bike he made in 2007. The Forty-Eight has the same basic idea, yet it sits lower, and looks half the size even though both have the same frame and engine. “So the inspiration for the Forty-Eight was both from history and an idea that we can get back to Sportster performance – lightweight and tuff characteristics,” he said. Christoph graduated in 2005 and says his degree in Industrial Design has helped him prepare for his career. “A Harley Davidson is artwork with intent, focus, and provocative emotion,” he said. Christoph hopes the Forty-Eight provokes just that – emotion. “I hope the effect the bike will have on others is one of nostalgic inspiration, to just get out and ride, see America and its great roads and make some great stories.” As for Christoph, he has plenty to look forward to with his future at Harley. “My goal for the future at Harley Davidson is to conquer the world, one Sportster at a time,” he said.