1200 Sportster

1995 Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Built around Harley-Davidson's custom - cruiser motorcycle platform, the 1995 Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster utilizes a 1189 cc (72.6 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 50 HP (36.5 kW) at 5,200 rpm while maximum torque reaches 75.5 Nm (55.7 lb-ft) at 3,600 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and belt final drive. With a specific output of 42.1 HP per liter and a 1,600 rpm working window between peak torque (3,600 rpm) and peak power (5,200 rpm), the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the 1200 Sportster measures 223 kg (492 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.22 HP/kg (4.46 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 737 mm (29 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops.

Within MotoLibrary's Harley-Davidson archive, this model family spans 4 indexed model years from 1993 to 1998, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.