At the heart of the 2005 Harley-Davidson XL 1200 C Sportster Custom custom - cruiser motorcycle, Harley-Davidson pairs a 1199 cc (73.2 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 58 HP (42.3 kW) at 5,200 rpm while maximum torque reaches 69 Nm (50.9 lb-ft) at 4,200 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and belt final drive. With a specific output of 48.4 HP per liter and a 1,000 rpm working window between peak torque (4,200 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 XL 1200 C Sportster Custom measures 255 kg (562 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.23 HP/kg (4.4 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 673 mm (26.5 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,520 mm (59.8 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 17.4-liter (4.6 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints.
Within MotoLibrary's Harley-Davidson archive, this model family spans 3 indexed model years from 2000 to 2005, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
48.4 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.23 HP/kg (4.4 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
4,200–5,200 rpm
Standover Height
673 mm (26.5 in)
Engine
Displacement1199.0 ccm (73.16 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsV2, four-stroke
Power58.0 HP (42.3 kW)) @ 5200 RPM
Torque69.0 Nm (7.0 kgf-m or 50.9 ft.lbs) @ 4200 RPM
Compression9.7:1
Bore x Stroke88.8 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches)
Valves/Cylinder2
Fuel SystemCarburettor
Fuel ControlOverhead Valves (OHV)
IgnitionDigital CDI
CoolingAir
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveBelt (final drive)
ClutchMulti-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath.
Performance
ExhaustStaggered shorty duals
Chassis
Rake30.1°
Trail107 mm (4.2 inches)
Front SuspensionTelescopic fork, 39 mm
Rear SuspensionCoil-over, adjustable
Wheelbase1520 mm (59.8 inches)
Ground Clearance112 mm (4.4 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front TyreMH90-21
Rear Tyre150/80-16
Front BrakesSingle disc
Front Brake Ø292 mm (11.5 inches)
Rear BrakesSingle disc
Rear Brake Ø292 mm (11.5 inches)
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight255.0 kg (562.2 pounds)
Power/Weight0.2275 HP/kg
Seat Height673 mm (26.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Length2275 mm (89.6 inches)
Fuel Capacity17.40 litres (4.60 US gallons)
Other
StarterElectric
Color OptionsVivid black, brilliant silver pearl, sierra red pearl, black cherry pearl, glacier white pearl, rich sunglo blue, yellow pearl, two-tone rich sunglo blue and chopper blue pearl, two-tone chopper blue pearl and brilliant silver pearl, two-tone sierra red p
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
