Sportster 1200 Custom

1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Harley-Davidson for the custom - cruiser motorcycle segment, the 1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom utilizes a 1199 cc (73.2 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 59.8 HP (43.6 kW) at 5,200 rpm while maximum torque reaches 89 Nm (65.6 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and belt final drive. With a specific output of 49.9 HP per liter and a 1,700 rpm working window between peak torque (3,500 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 Sportster 1200 Custom measures 222 kg (489 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.27 HP/kg (3.71 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 736 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 11 indexed model years from 1996 to 2019, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.