Positioned in Harley-Davidson's custom - cruiser motorcycle lineup, the 2008 Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster 1200 Low 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 XL1200L Sportster 1200 Low measures 263.5 kg (581 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 1,516 mm (59.7 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. 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.
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)
ExhaustChrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Chassis
Rake29.6°
Trail119 mm (4.7 inches)
Rear SuspensionPRICING
Wheelbase1516 mm (59.7 inches)
Ground Clearance112 mm (4.4 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre100/90-H19
Rear Tyre150/80-B16
Front BrakesSingle disc
Rear BrakesSingle disc
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight252.7 kg (557.0 pounds)
Weight incl.263.5 kg (581.0 pounds)
Seat Height711 mm (28.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Length2263 mm (89.1 inches)
Fuel Capacity17.03 litres (4.50 US gallons)
Other
StarterElectric
Color OptionsVivid Black, White Gold Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, Crimson Red Sunglo, Suede Blue Pearl and Vivid Black, Olive Pearl and Vivid Black, White Gold Pearl and Pewter Pearl, 105th Anniversary Copper Pearl and Vivid Black, Purple Haze (Custom), Copperhead Pearl an
Notes
Rubber-mounted, 1200cc Evolution® engine; pulled back Touring handlebar; low, reduced-reach solo seat; mid-mounted controls; low front and rear suspension
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.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
