Can anyone recommend a cycle jack/lift that is low profile enough to slip under the Sportster Forty Eight?
All the ones I've found are a little too high.

 

(2x4) roll it on to it, slip the jack under, good to go

 

A Larin jack will fit underneath without the use of boards. It is probably the lowest jack out there. It collapses to 2 1/2".

 

Howabout a scissor jack. I use this one for special uses when I want better control of the lift; like when mounting shocks.

http://weliftmotorcycles.com/scissorjack.htm

 

I use the Harbor Frieght motorcycle jack.
Still have to roll the rear wheel onto a 2x4 to get the jack positioned right.