Should You Buy The Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Low? Find Out Here

• Table of Contents
• 1. Brief History of Harley Sportster Low XL1200L
• 2. Sportster XL1200 Low At First Glance
• 3. Sportster XL1200 Low: Buyers Guide
• 3.1 How Does It Feel To Ride a Sportster XL1200L Low?
• 3.2 The Performance of Harley Sportster 1200 Low
• 3.3 Can You Use a Sportster 1200 Low For Touring?
• 3.4 Is Sportster 1200 Low a Good Choice For Beginners?
• 3.5 What is The Estimated Trade Price of Harley Sportster XL1200L?
• 4. Detailed Specifications
• 4.1 Engine
• 4.2 Dimensions
• 4.3 Chassis
• 4.4 Transmission
• 5. Aftermarket Luggage and Modification Options For Harley Sportster XL1200L

Sportsters are one of the most iconic bikes that Harley-Davidson has ever produced. Various reasons make the Harley Sportster series a popular choice among all riders and especially beginners.

There are currently two major choices among the Sportster line-up. They come with 883cc and 1200cc evolution engines.

While some riders complained about the 883cc engine being underpowered, the 1200cc Sportster line-up solves all these problems.

If you are a fan of Harley’s Lowriders because of all the class and comfort these motorcycles offer then Sportster 1200 Low could be a good choice for you.

So, let’s find out whether the Sportster XL1200L is worth the price or not.

Also Read: Can Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Be Your Next Touring Motorcycle?

1. Brief History of Harley Sportster Low XL1200L

Harley released the first Sportster with 1200cc back in 1988. The other variant was with the 883cc engine which was specially made for the beginner and smaller riders.

In 1991, the 1200cc Sportster line-up got a belt drive and five gear transmission for the first time. It ensures that no chain adjustments are needed and the ride is smoother.

Then in 1994, the electronic system was upgraded, it included the latest weather-proof connectors, the clutch was refined and an electric unit was attached with a front wheel for the speedometer.

In 1996, Harley released the Sportster 1200L that came with a seat much shorter in height as compared to the other models. That’s why they named it the Sportster Low Xl1200L.

The motorcycle underwent some improvements such as incorporating EFI, more efficient shocks, the latest braking systems, and much more. The XL1200L model was produced until 2010 when the Sportster 1200c took its place.

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2. Sportster XL1200 Low At First Glance

The new riders who have just adopted the craze of riding mostly see the height of the motorcycle as a challenge. It’s difficult to control the bike if the seat is positioned at an elevated position especially if the rider is short.

To solve this problem the Sportster 1200 Low steps in. The low positioned seat puts the rider in a position where he is closer to the road. While riding this bike, your feet can touch the ground more easily which gives the rider confidence and better control on the bike.

Another problem with the previous Sportster 883 line-up was that some riders felt that it was underpowered. Although the beginners loved it in the beginning as it was much easier to control.

But, after some time when you want to experience more torque and speed then the 883cc engine wouldn’t be enough. That’s where the Sportster 1200 Low steps in.

It’s one of the perfect bikes for women as well who wish to satisfy their souls with high torque and amazing control while riding on a highway or around the town.

Also Read: Why Harley Road Glide Is a Popular Touring Bike?

3. Sportster XL1200 Low: Buyers Guide

3.1 How Does It Feel To Ride a Sportster XL1200L Low?

The veteran riders argue that the Harley’s Sporster line-up is specifically the best choice for beginners as it’s very easy to control as compared to the cruiser or touring bikes.

Riding the Sportster 1200 Low can give you the real experience of riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. While some people think that Sportster 883 doesn’t deliver efficient power, the 1200cc engine delivers just the right horsepower you wish for.

Moreover, the Sportster XL1200 has a low center of gravity due to which it’s much easier to control than a typical Sportster with a higher center of gravity. And, the rider feels much more confident.

Also Read: How To Take Care of Your Cruiser Motorcycle?

3.2 The Performance of Harley Sportster 1200 Low

Sportster 1200 Low is powered by the Evolution V-Twin engine that makes it a beast on the road.

The company has made sure to reduce the clutch and brake lever effort in this model to make it an easy rider for women and beginners.

The suspension is upgraded, dampening rates are recalibrated through the all-new damping shock systems installed to deliver top-of-the-line ride quality.

It comes with an air-cooled 45-degree V-Twin Evolution Engine having 2 valves per cylinder producing a maximum torque of 107.3Nm at about 4000rpm.

Sportster 12000 is highly powered as compared to the 883 series. If you think that bigger engines really make an impact on performance then the XL1200L is the right choice for you.

Also Read: Best Motorcycle Roads and Destinations in Hawaii, United States

3.3 Can You Use a Sportster 1200 Low For Touring?

As the Sportster 1200, Low comes with a bigger engine, fuel tank, and is specially designed to deliver comfort to the rider so it can be a good choice for touring.

Just like every easy-rider, it comes with forward controls which put the rider in a relaxed position, especially on the long routes.

The frame of XL1200L is small as compared to Harley’s Cruiser or Touring bikes which gives the rider a different feel than those bikes on long routes.

To maximize your touring experience you can attach a windshield so there is minimum disruption at high speeds. You would definitely need some high-quality saddlebags to pack your things for a long trip .

3.4 Is Sportster 1200 Low a Good Choice For Beginners?

The Sportster 883 is a popular bike for beginners because it comes with a somewhat small engine as compared to other Harley-Davidson bikes.

If we talk about the XL1200L then it’s much more suitable for intermediate to professional riders who have some experience in controlling bigger engines and more horsepower.

However, the Sportster 1200 Low is easy to control for beginners because of the low positioned seat that creates a lower center of gravity.

3.4 What is The Estimated Trade Price of Harley Sportster XL1200L?

You should buy a Sportster 1200 Low between the model year 2008-2010. In good condition, average, and according to the aftermarket modification options added to it the price can vary somewhere between $6,000 to $7,000

5. Detailed Specifications

5.1 Engine

Type	Four-Stroke V-Twin Evolution
Stroke	3.7 Inches
Bore	3.5 Inches
Displacement	73.2 cu in
Fuel System	ESPFI
Engine Torque	107 Nm at 4000rpm
Compression Ratio	9:7:1
Fuel Economy	48mpg

5.2 Dimensions

LxWxH	89x35x47 Inches
Wheelbase	59.7 Inches
Ground Clearance	4.1 Inches
Wet Weight	264 kg
Fuel Capacity	17 liters

5.3 Chassis

Front Forks	39mm telescopic forks
Rear Shocks	Coil-over, dual-adjustable preload chocs
Wheels	13 Spokes Cast Aluminum
Brakes Type	Single-disc 260mm, 2 piston caliper for front and 1 piston caliper for rear

5.4 Transmission

Clutch	Multi-disc manual
Gearbox	5-speed transmission
Primary Drive	Chain
Final Drive	Belt

5. Aftermarket Luggage and Modification Options For Harley Sportster XL1200L

The Low-Riders have always been a favorite choice of riders for customization. There are plenty of aftermarket modification options available for Harley XL1200L.

Some riders have also complained that the seat of this bike gets hard after some time. Don’t worry because you can replace it with our super comfortable Sportster seats .

As the Harley Sportster 1200 Low can be a good choice for touring you can add some best-in-class key-lockable saddlebags to carry your things for the trip and keep them safe.
If you are interested in backpacks as they look cool and give a sporty look then adding sissy bars to your Sportster 1200 Low is a good choice.