Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 - Motorcycle specifications

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presentation of the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008

the Sportster improved in 2004. From XLH, it became XLR and improved in many respects. A revised chassis, lower handlebars, a sleeker seat and a more sparkling engine. The 1200 Sportster's last major evolution was in 1998, when it benefited from engine upgrades that gave it a new lease of life. New cylinder heads and camshafts, bigger carburetors, and the American twin is more torquey and generous in the mid-range. This evolution gives it more tone, and more zest for city riding, where revs are frequently low.

Insurance Specifications Gallery

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Showing off and getting into the Harley spirit requires certain sacrifices. First of all, don't expect to make a big trip to show it off to your buddies 500 miles away. Autonomy is derisory, and there's no question of chasing the TGV. The twin (rigidly mounted in the frame until 2004) gives off its vibrations without restraint. As a result, there's little incentive to go over the limit on freeways. In any case, it's not designed to be dragged along. You won't be too tempted to go off-roading either, as the machine welcomes you in a relaxed, comfortable position. So enjoy the essentials: its big, lively twin and timeless look.

M.B
(inspired by Moto-journal - manufacturer's photos)

Published on 10/12/20
by Greg

Key facts Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R (2008) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

Driving force
Finition
homogeneity
Temperament

Weak points

Autonomies
Day-to-day practicalities
ground clearance

Prices

	Basic version
France	9,995€

Bikers' reviews

of 3 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Replace XL Sportster 1200 R 2007

XL Sportster 1200 R 2007

Replaced by

XL 1200 CX SPORTSTER ROADSTER 2016

Performance

Max speed : 170 km/h (105.60 mph) on the odometer
Average fuel consumption : 6.10 liters/100km (0.39 mpg)
Estimated range : 216 km (134 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.

Specifications Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008

Chassis: Frame : Double steel cradle; Fuel capacity : 13.20 liters (3.49 US gallons); Seat height : 742 mm (29.21 in); Length : 2,250 mm (88.58 in); Wheelbase : 1,520 mm (59.84 in); Dry weight : 250 kg (551 lb); Weight when fully loaded : 272 kg (600 lb)

Front axle: Telehydraulic fork Ø 39 mm, Wheel travel : 117 mm (4.61 in); Braking 2 discs Ø 292 mm (11.5 in), 4-piston caliper; Front tire : 100 / 90 - 19 → Order this type of tire

Transmission: 5 stage gearbox , manual; Secondary belt drive

Rear axle: 2 Showa shock absorbers, Wheel travel : 104 mm (4.09 in); Braking 1 disc Ø 260 mm (10.24 in), 4-piston caliper; Rear tire : 150 / 80 - 16 → Order this type of tire

Motor: two-cylinder 45° V-shaped , 4 strokes; Injection; Cooling system : by air; 1 ACT, culbuté; 2 valves per cylinder; 1,202 cc; 70 ch (69 hp) to 5,000 rpm; 9.80 mkg to 3,200 rpm; Power-to-weight ratio : 3.62 kg/ch; Weight / torque ratio : 25.51 kg/mkg; Compression : 10 : 1

Practical information

Take care of your motorcycle! Find all the parts and maintenance products you need to keep your bike in top condition.

motor fluid exhaust Chain kit electricity filtration braking Tires

Motorcyle equipment adapted for all members of the family and security elements.

Gallery

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 - 7

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 - 8

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Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 - 11

Models

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

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Competitors

Ducati 696 MONSTER 2008

Buell XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008

Triumph 900 THRUXTON 2008

Moto-Guzzi 940 BELLAGIO 2008

Find others Naked of 2008

Compare the XL Sportster 1200 R to its competitors

Acceleration

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 Undisclosed

Ducati 696 MONSTER 2008 Undisclosed

Buell XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 : 3.3 s

Triumph 900 THRUXTON 2008 Undisclosed

Moto-Guzzi 940 BELLAGIO 2008 Undisclosed

Fuel consumption

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 : 6.10 liters/100km (0.39 mpg)

Ducati 696 MONSTER 2008 : 8 liters/100km (0.29 mpg)

Buell XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 : 5.60 liters/100km (0.42 mpg)

Triumph 900 THRUXTON 2008 Undisclosed

Moto-Guzzi 940 BELLAGIO 2008 : 5.50 liters/100km (0.43 mpg)

Range

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 : 216 km (134 miles)

Ducati 696 MONSTER 2008 : 188 km (117 miles)

Buell XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 : 259 km (161 miles)

Triumph 900 THRUXTON 2008 Undisclosed

Moto-Guzzi 940 BELLAGIO 2008 : 345 km (214 miles)

Torque

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 : 9.8 mkg

Ducati 696 MONSTER 2008 : 7 mkg

Buell XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 : 10.4 mkg

Triumph 900 THRUXTON 2008 : 6.9 mkg

Moto-Guzzi 940 BELLAGIO 2008 : 8 mkg

Power

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 : 70 ch (69 hp)

Ducati 696 MONSTER 2008 : 80 ch (78.90 hp)

Buell XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 : 94 ch (92.70 hp)

Triumph 900 THRUXTON 2008 : 70 ch (69 hp)

Moto-Guzzi 940 BELLAGIO 2008 : 75 ch (74 hp)

Power-to-Weight ratio

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 : 3.62 kg/ch

Ducati 696 MONSTER 2008 : 2.04 kg/ch

Buell XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 : 1.93 kg/ch

Triumph 900 THRUXTON 2008 : 2.97 kg/ch

Moto-Guzzi 940 BELLAGIO 2008 : 3.03 kg/ch

Torque-to-Weight ratio

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 : 25.51 kg/mkg

Ducati 696 MONSTER 2008 : 23 kg/mkg

Buell XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 : 17.21 kg/mkg

Triumph 900 THRUXTON 2008 : 29.71 kg/mkg

Moto-Guzzi 940 BELLAGIO 2008 : 28 kg/mkg

Speed

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 : 170 km/h (105.60 mph) on the odometer

Ducati 696 MONSTER 2008 : approximately 200 km/h (124.30 mph)

Buell XB-12 S LIGHTNING 2008 : approximately 220 km/h (136.70 mph)

Triumph 900 THRUXTON 2008 : 190 km/h (118.10 mph)

Moto-Guzzi 940 BELLAGIO 2008 : approximately 200 km/h (124.30 mph)

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Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 3 reviews

Patoche Model 2006

Super cool motorcycle suitable for small country roads as the highway first harley for me a real pleasure. 02/25/2025 04:55 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Patoche

H Model 2008

Cool bike, a machine for everyday pleasure with performance adapted to the road 03/15/2018 23:10 Rating : 5/5 Respond to H

ACT, c'est bien arbre à cames en tête ?

ROB Model 2004

If so, I've just learned something I never would have doubted!
The visible rocker arm pushers were just a decoy?
Oh yes!!! ! 04/28/2015 19:04 Rating : 3/5 Respond to ROB

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008

What is the power of the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008?: The XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 develops a power of 70 ch (69 hp)
What is the torque of the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008?: The maximum torque of the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 is 9.80 mkg to 3,200 rpm.
What is the maximum speed of the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008?: The XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 is capable of reaching a top speed of 170 km/h (105.60 mph) on the odometer on the track.
What is the weight of the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008?: The XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 has a a dry weight of 250 kg (551 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 272 kg (600 lb).
What is the fuel consumption of the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008?: Average fuel consumption is estimated at 6.10 l/100km (0.39 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.
QWhat is the seat height of the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008?: To ensure good accessibility, the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 offers a minimum seat height of 742 mm (29.21 in).
What is the price of the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008?: The price of the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008 is 9,995€ in France

Motorcycle specifications Harley-DavidsonXL Sportster 1200 R 2008 Muscle for the Sportster

presentation of the XL Sportster 1200 R 2008