Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200

The Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 is the large-displacement variant of the XL family that has carried the Sportster nameplate since 1957. The air-cooled 1202 cc Evolution V-twin arrived in 1986 and stayed in production largely unchanged until Euro 5 forced its retirement in 2020. Common Dutch-market variants are the XL1200C Custom, XL1200R Roadster, XL1200N Nightster, XL1200X Forty-Eight and XL1200V Seventy-Two. Output is roughly 50-67 hp depending on year and trim, with usable low-end torque rather than top-end power.

The XL 1200 targets riders who want Big Twin looks without Big Twin weight. At around 256 kg curb and a 700-750 mm seat, it is far more flickable than a Softail and forgiving for beginners. Comfort suffers on long days because of short rear travel and small fuel tanks (7.9 to 12 litres depending on model), making it a town-and-twisty bike rather than a tourer. Direct rivals are the Indian Scout and Triumph Bonneville Bobber. The XL frame transmits noticeable engine vibration at idle; rubber engine mounts were only added in 2004.