Engineered by Harley-Davidson for the custom - cruiser motorcycle segment, the 2008 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom pairs a 1199.6 cc (73.2 cu in) air-cooled v2, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, maximum torque reaches 107.1 Nm (79 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and belt final drive. Internal engine geometry specifies a bore and stroke of 88.9 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches) with a 9.7:1 compression ratio.
On the scales, the XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom measures 267.2 kg (589 lbs) wet (curb). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 711 mm (28 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,534 mm (60.4 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 17.03-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.12 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 413 km (257 miles) between fill-ups.
Within MotoLibrary's Harley-Davidson archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 2008 to 2012, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Theoretical Range
~413 km (257 mi)
Engine
Displacement1199.6 ccm (73.20 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsV2, four-stroke
Torque107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000 RPM
Compression9.7:1
Bore x Stroke88.9 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches)
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
CoolingAir
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveBelt (final drive)
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Performance
Fuel Consumption4.12 litres/100 km (24.3 km/l or 57.09 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases95.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Seat Height711 mm (28.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Length2294 mm (90.3 inches)
Fuel Capacity17.03 litres (4.50 US gallons)
Other
StarterElectric
Color OptionsVivid Black, Pewter Pearl, White Gold Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, Candy Red Sunglo, Sunset Yellow Pearl (New), Two-Tone Pacific Blue Pearl/Vivid Black (New), Two-Tone Crimson Red Sunglo/Candy Red Sunglo (New), Two-Tone Vivid Black/Mirage Orange Pearl, 105th
Notes
Black powder-coated engine (including cylinders and cylinder heads) with chrome covers; Chrome, Laced Steel front wheel; Chrome, Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum rear wheel; forward-mounted foot controls; chrome, pull-back riser; chrome bullet headlamp
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.
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.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
