- Table of Contents
- 1. A Brief History of the Harley Sportster 1200 Custom
- 2. Harley Sportster 1200 Custom at First Glance
- 3. Harley Sportster 1200 Custom: A Buyer’s Guide
- 3.1 How Much Horsepower Does a Harley Sportster 1200 Produce?
- 3.2 Is the Harley Sportster 1200 Custom a Good Bike for Beginners?
- 3.3 What is the Top Speed of the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom?
- 3.4 What Is the Difference Between an 883 and a 1200 Sportster Bike?
- 4. Detailed Specifications
- 5. Aftermarket Luggage and Modification Options for Harley Sportster 1200 Custom
If you want to buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and upgrade it by installing expensive aftermarket gear just to give it a custom look, wouldn’t you prefer to buy a company-fitted custom motorcycle?
The Harley-Davidson 1200 Custom is a Sportster series motorcycle and is usually from one of the oldest lines of H-D production. At first glance, the bike might look simple to you because of its typical Harley shape, but if you put a little focus on its overall look, you’ll find big differences.
Harley Sportster 1200 Custom was built to meet the demands of enthusiastic ramblers. There are a large number of people who do not like the stock look of their Harley-Davidson bikes and invest hundreds of dollars to give them a different and eye-catching look.
However, in this regard, Harley-Davidson has definitely saved you the cost of hundreds of dollars by re-painting your Sportster 1200 and installing new tires with the raw classic look.
Also Read: Should You Buy the Harley Sportster 1200 Low? Find Out Here
So, if you are a fan of the Harley Sportster 1200 custom, here’s all you need to know about this bike.
1. A Brief History of the Harley Sportster 1200 Custom
The Harley Sportster has a great history and has traveled a great journey of being the favorite of all motorcycle riders. The concept of the Sportster was started in 1952 with the Harley-Davidson K model, which was later upgraded and got the identity of the Sportster in 1957.
All the upcoming Harley Sportster models still carry the essence of their ancestor, model K. Well, along with time passing, the motorcycle kept changing its specifications and features. Depending on the categorized specifications and features, Harley Sportster comes up with different model variations.
Throughout its long history as one of America’s Superbikes, several different models have been unveiled to make the already versatile bike even more adaptable to a broad audience. The Sportster 1200 has continued to adopt technological improvement after improvement.
As for the Harley Sportster 1200 Custom, aka XL1200C, Harley-Davidson intended to provide their customers with what they desired. Within the period of a decade, the Sportster 1200 Custom faced changes three times: in 2011, 2014, and 2018.
The company kept experimenting with the motorcycle and trying to make it a fully featured beginner’s bike. However, for experienced riders, the lower version of the Sportster 883 felt like an underpowered machine. The release of the Harley Sportster 1200 series was a step to make sure the riders get what they want.
2. Harley Sportster 1200 Custom at First Glance
Overall, the Harley Sportster 1200 Custom is an extraordinary bike that gives the rider a feel of its massive low-end torque and soul-satisfying sound.
When you look at the bike, the first thing that comes to notice is the fuel tank. However, it has the same typical Harley look, but the thing that makes it a custom look is its three-toned graphics with a racing stripe on the fuel tank. It is the glossy paint that is used that provides an exceptional glossy look to the motorcycle.
Next comes the Harley Sportster 1200 Custom seat . As the name implies, the model is custom-made and the buyer does not have to spend extra dollars to make changes. The seat of the Sportster 1200 Custom is different from other Sportster models. As it comes with a full seat for the rider and a partner.
Also Read: Harley-Davidson Sportster Motorcycle Seats 101 Guide
The 1200 CC air-cooled Evolution V-Twin engine became famous for its massive low-end torque and soul-satisfying sound. Therefore, lightweight aluminum heads and cylinders improve air-cooling efficiency.
In the latest variant of the Sportster 1200 Custom, the use of black on the front and back shocks, engine valve, and big black-laced steel wheels gives the bike a raw yet classy look.
Therefore, all these features together provide a custom riding style for motorcycle enthusiasts.
3. Harley Sportster 1200 Custom: A Buyer’s Guide
3.1 How Much Horsepower Does a Harley Sportster 1200 Produce?
The engine produces a maximum output of 68.00 HP (49.6 kW) @ 5750 RPM and a maximum torque of 96.00 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft. lbs) @ 3750 RPM.
3.2 Is the Harley Sportster 1200 Custom a Good Bike for Beginners?
The Harley Sportster is one of the first models often brought up with new riders. It’s a bit expensive and a bit heavy to handle for new riders. However, there are also several unique qualities, listed down below, that make the Sportster 1200 Custom one of the best beginner bikes out there.
- Parts are easily available
- Easy to modify
- Easy to maintain
- Easily customizable ergonomics
- Low seat height
3.3 What is the Top Speed of the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom?
The top speed of the Harley Sportster 1200 is 110mph with a maximum torque of 69 ft-lb. Although some of the Harley Sportster 1200 models can go even further, like the 1200 Iron, they have an estimated speed of 118 mph.
3.4 What Is the Difference Between an 883 and a 1200 Sportster Bike?
The sole and basic difference between the Harley 883 and the 1200 Sportster is the displacement of the engine.
Also Read: Is Sportster 883 Custom a Good Choice for Harley Lovers? Find Out Here
The fact is understood: the higher the displacement, the more powerful the engine will produce, though it imparts a large amount of torque to the crankshaft via the pistons with each combustion circle.
Also Read: Harley Sportster 883 Superlow: Buyer’s Guide and All You Need to Know About this Motorcycle
4. Detailed Specifications
4.1 Dimensions
| Length | 2,225 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 105 mm |
| Rake | 30 |
| Seat Height, Unladen | 725 mm |
| Trail | 107 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,530 mm |
| Tires Specification (Front) | 130/90B16 73H |
| Tires Specification (Rear) | 150/80B16 77H |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 l |
| Oil Capacity (w/Filter) | 2.6 l |
| Weight, as Shipped | 255 kg |
| Weight, in Running Order | 268 kg |
4.2 Engine
| Engine | Air Cooled, Evolution |
| Stroke | 96.8 mm |
| Bore | 88.9 mm |
| Displacement | 1,202 cc |
| Compression Ratio | 10:01 |
| Fuel System | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Exhaust | Chrome, Staggered, Shorty Exhaust with Dual Mufflers |
4.3 Drive Train
| Primary Drive | Chain, 38/57 ratio |
| Gear Ratios (Overall) 1st | 9.004 |
| Gear Ratios (Overall) 2nd | 6.432 |
| Gear Ratios (Overall) 3rd | 4.783 |
| Gear Ratios (Overall) 4th | 3.965 |
| Gear Ratios (Overall) 5th | 3.4 |
4.4 Performance
| Engine Torque Testing Method | EC 134/2014 |
| Engine Torque | 96 Nm |
| Engine Torque (rpm) | 3,500 |
| Lean Angle, Right (DEG.) | 26.2 |
| Lean Angle, Left (DEG.) | 28.3 |
4.5 Chassis
| Wheels, Front Type | Black Steel Laced |
| Wheels, Rear Type | Black Steel Laced |
| Brakes, Caliper Type | Dual-Piston Front, Dual-Piston Rear |
4.6 Electric
| Gauges | Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, dual trip meter, low fuel warning light, LED indicator lights |
| Lights (As Per Country Regulation), Indicator Lamps | Neutral, high beam, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, turn signals, low battery, low fuel warnings, ABS (if equipped), security system (if equipped) |
5. Aftermarket Luggage and Modification Options for Harley Sportster 1200 Custom
Although the Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200C is a custom motorcycle, it comes with just a few extra cosmetic touches and some extra features. But, by doing this, the company does not take the leverage from the buyer to customize his/her bike according to his will.
However, the Sportster 1200 Custom does not come with saddlebags or any other type of motorcycle luggage bag . So, if you like to go on motorcycletours , Viking Bags has all types of motorcycle luggage bags for your motorcycle.
Also Read: 6 Best Motorcycle Trip Planner Apps for Adventure Touring
Furthermore, the company also does not provide any type of aftermarket luggage rack or hardware. The rider has to buy the sissy bars and mounting hardware on his own. Although it costs a hundred dollars, if you are buying from Viking Bags , you will get the hardware free of charge along with the bags.
Conclusively, the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom is a perfect bike for all types of riders and also for all types of road conditions. The profile of this bike is highly attractive, and it provides a satisfying road grip that makes it the first choice for every rider.
Featured Products
Sportster 1200 Custom Saddlebags
Sportster 1200 Custom Seats
Sportster 1200 Custom Sissy Bars
Sportster Saddlebags
Sportster Seats
Sportster Sissy Bars
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.