Motorcycle specifications Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 More intense
presentation of the XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012
presented as a novelty in 2011, the new Sportster 1200 Custom is in fact a more rebellious evolution of the XL 1200 C, which has been around for a number of years. Perhaps the Sportster C was perceived as being too fearful of its front end, but now its bow has been beefed up. Tilted at 30°, its 39 mm fork accommodates a smaller front wheel (16'' instead of 21'') and a much larger gumshoe (from 100 to 130 mm), giving it a chunkier appearance. More style, too, with a new pull-back handlebar, mounted on a riser and tilted backwards.
underneath its classic appearance, the stern light is actually made up of 3 rows of LEDs. The front headlamp is topped by a small, striking cap. A few polished parts, some chrome, and the emblematic 1200 engine. Less torquey but no less interesting than the big 96 ci, this engine distils the essential: character. At less than 11,000 euros, the 1200 C still gives you something to think about, even if this novelty may seem downright timid.
key features of the 1200 Custom 2012 :
- 1200cc air-cooled Evolution® V-Twin engine with E.S.P.F.I. (Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection) - rated at 98 Nm/72 lb-ft, maximum torque delivery 3200 rpm.
- The engine is finished in black epoxy with chrome-plated crankcases.
- 16 x 3.0-inch chrome-spoke wheels front and rear.
- Michelin® Scorcher® 31 tires; 130/90B 16 front and 150/80B16 M/C 77H rear.
- Wider forks and polished fork crowns.
- Tilt-back handlebars mounted on a curved riser incorporating an LED information dial.
- Redesigned Sportster headlamp nacelle.
- The smaller taillight features a new shape and a more visible, lower-maintenance LED.
- The front suspension has been redesigned to meet the needs of the new tire/wheel combination. 39 mm front fork with 30-degree angle. Headroom is 105 mm.
- Polished advanced foot controls.
- Preload-adjustable concentric rear shock absorbers.
- Tandem seat as standard. Seat height 710 mm.
- 17-liter fuel tank for greater autonomy.
M.B
(manufacturer's photos)
by Greg
Greg is the founder of Motoplanete—a website created in 2001 to share his passion with his friends and showcase as many motorcycle models as possible to his readers. Self-taught and a jack-of-all-trades, his discovery of the world of motorcycles led him to work as a photographer, rider, team manager, web developer, graphic designer, editorial assistant, and editor-in-chief.
Share
Key facts Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom (2012) : What you need to know before you buy
Highlights
- Driving force
- Finition
- Look unique
- homogeneity
Weak points
- freinage av
- Practical aspects
Prices
| Basic version | |
|---|---|
 France |
10,945€
|
Performance
- Max speed : 175 km/h (108.70 mph) on the odometer
- Average fuel consumption : 4.90 liters/100km (0.48 mpg)
-
Estimated range
: 347 km (216 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.
Specifications Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012
- Chassis
- Frame : Double steel cradle
- Fuel capacity : 17 liters (4.49 US gallons)
- Seat height : 710 mm (27.95 in)
- Length : 2,215 mm (87.20 in)
- Wheelbase : 1,520 mm (59.84 in)
- Dry weight : 251 kg (553 lb)
- Weight when fully loaded : 260 kg (573 lb)
- Front axle
- Telescopic fork Ø 39 mm
- Braking 1 disc Ø 292 mm (11.5 in), 2-piston caliper
- Front tire : 130 / 90 - 16 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.48 bar
- Transmission
- 5 stage gearbox
- Secondary belt drive
- Rear axle
- 2 lateral shock absorbers
- Braking 1 disc Ø 260 mm (10.24 in), single-piston caliper
- Rear tire : 150 / 80 - 16 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2.76 bar
- Motor
- two-cylinder 45° V-shaped , 4 strokes
- Injection
- Cooling system : by air
- 2 ACT, culbuté
- 2 valves per cylinder
- 1,202 cc
- 75 ch (74 hp) to 6,000 rpm
- 10 mkg to 3,200 rpm
- Power-to-Weight Ratio : 3.39 kg/ch
- Torque-to-Weight Ratio : 25.1 kg/mkg
- Compression : 9.7 : 1
- Standard equipment
- Brake assist : without
- Practical information
Essentials
Motoblouz
LaBécanerie
Gallery
Used
Find this used XL Sportster 1200 Custom on MotoPlanete
Compare the XL Sportster 1200 Custom to its competitors
Compared to its 5 direct competitors, this XL Sportster 1200 Custom holds a particularly dominant position, establishing itself as the benchmark across several key criteria. It outperforms the segment by combining power output of 75 ch, torque of 10 Nm, and top speed of 175 km/h. Its overall spec sheet reveals no noticeable weak points in this segment.
Fuel consumption
Range
Torque
Power
Power-to-Weight ratio
Torque-to-Weight ratio
Speed
FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012
- What is the power of the XL Sportster 1200 Custom?
-
The XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 develops a power of 75 ch (74 hp)
- What is the torque of the XL Sportster 1200 Custom?
-
The maximum torque of the XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 is 10 mkg to 3,200 rpm.
- What is the maximum speed of the XL Sportster 1200 Custom?
-
The XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 is capable of reaching a top speed of 175 km/h (108.70 mph) on the odometer on the track.
- What is the weight of the XL Sportster 1200 Custom?
-
The XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 has a a dry weight of 251 kg (553 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 260 kg (573 lb).
- What is the fuel consumption of the XL Sportster 1200 Custom?
-
Average fuel consumption is estimated at 4.90 l/100km (0.48 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.
- QWhat is the seat height of the XL Sportster 1200 Custom?
-
To ensure good accessibility, the XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 offers a minimum seat height of 710 mm (27.95 in).
- What is the price of the XL Sportster 1200 Custom?
-
The price of the XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 is 10,945€ in France
- What size tires should I put on my XL Sportster 1200 Custom?
-
The standard size for a XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 is 130 / 90 - 16 for the front, and 150 / 80 - 16 for the rear.
- Where can I find high-quality used XL Sportster 1200 Customs?
-
You can find used XL Sportster 1200 Custom at great prices on MotoPlanete, in the section dedicated to them—models from professionals and private sellers, as well as spare parts.
News
-
CFMOTO 675SR-R: Official Motorcycle of the WorldWCR Starting in 2027
-
News on the Street Triple 798, Bonneville 400, Tiger 900, and Tiger 1200.
-
2026 MXoN in Ernée: Belgium Wins, France Falls
-
Furygan offers an airbag vest designed specifically for women.
-
Top 10 Best Scooters of 2026: Our Complete Ranking.
-
Motorcycle Intercoms—A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right One for Your Needs.
-
HJC is gearing up for a big year in 2027, with eight new helmets.
-
Triumph succeeded BSA in the Motocross World Championship.
-
BMW S1000RR Recall Alert: Risk of Engine Shutdown
-
The new motorcycle models of 2026 and the evolutions.
Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 30 reviews
Now, in 2020, it has 125,000 km, still with the original clutch. I used it for three years to go to work, 30,000 km a year
I had a few minor problems at the start, under warranty (tension regulator, rear wheel spoke nipples coming loose...)
Not very comfortable for long trips, but a good seat on springs and rear amortos from Road-King transformed this bike
As for the rest, wear parts are cheap and customization is no problem
A happy tarmo, that will never make it on a big-twin... Rating : 5/5 Respond to Laurent
The aesthetics are superb and give a look that's a cross between roadster and custom. Mine is silver flux/ black fuse and I love it.
The riding position is excellent.
So is the handling.
It's true that the front brake lacks bite. It's not a speed bike either, but you get used to it.
Rating : 5/5 Respond to Phil37
Ideal for experiencing new sensations and getting away from it all. Rating : 5/5 Respond to JO15
Fluid handling, favoring the winding of corners more than the attack.
Good feeling and pure pleasure! Rating : 5/5 Respond to Franck98
1200c, could you tell me if it offers a good little feel in terms of acceleration?
and if it remains comfortable after several km? Rating : 5/5 Respond to arno51
I own this model but where can I find the Technical Review in FRENCH?
Yours faithfully Rating : 5/5 Respond to loutte09
i used to have an 800dr trail bike.
comfort saddle and advanced controls are a must.
bonne route a tous Rating : 5/5 Respond to Atila45
Je recherche revue technique Harley xl 1200 c de 2011 en français merci a vous tous Rating : 5/5 Respond to casti
1200 sportster custom génial , ça me change de (MT01 ET DE LA ROCKET 2300 ).Diférrent plus leger en ville et sur route chauffe beaucoup moins beaucoup plus ballade. Rating : 5/5 Respond to Biquet
i would like to have a solo seat for this bike Rating : 4/5 Respond to line
In terms of feel, it's also a Harley: it rubs fast, it vibrates, it lives and you can hear it (I'm thinking of switching to stage one). For added comfort (as a passenger!), I've added a medium sissi bar, and hard saddlebags and a windscreen for travelling. All in all, a lot of fun.
Rating : 4/5 Respond to hd 56