Cruisers

1997Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom

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The 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom delivers classic cruiser styling with accessible performance, making it ideal for riders seeking an authentic Harley experience. Its air-cooled 1199cc V-twin engine produces solid low-end torque favored for relaxed, commanding rides. Known for its nimble handling and customization potential, this model appeals to both entry-level and experienced riders.

Capacity: 1199.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 222.0 kg
Seat height: 689 mm
Power: 57.3 HP (42.7 kW) @ 5200 RPM

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What’s new for the 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom

vs the 1996

Spec	1996	1997
Power	59.0 HP (44.0 kW)	57.3 HP (42.7 kW) @ 5200 RPM
Top speed	—	160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)

Other years 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring45%

Two-up40%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed boulevard cruising, weekend rides, and showing off classic custom styling rather than for speed or sport riding.
Built for: A laid-back, torque-driven cruiser with the classic thump of an air-cooled Evolution V-twin, prioritizing style, sound, and cruising comfort over agility or acceleration.
Not ideal for: Not for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, high-speed touring comfort, or any kind of off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 689mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1199.0 ccm
Power: 57.3 HP (42.7 kW) @ 5200 RPM
Torque: 97.6 Nm (10.0 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2581 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 88.8 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 9.0:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2
Lubrication system: Dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Performance

Top speed: 160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1499 mm
Overall length: 2245 mm
Seat height: 689 mm
Dry weight: 222.0 kg
Wet weight: 245.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 12.50 litres
Ground clearance: 159 mm
Oil capacity: 2.60 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Twin shocks
Front wheel travel: 104 mm
Rear wheel travel: 54 mm
Rake (fork angle): 30.0°
Trail: 107 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
Front tyre: 130/90-B16
Rear tyre: 150/80-B16

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1996	1997	2002	2008	2013	2019
Capacity	1199 cc	1199 cc	1199 cc	1202 cc	1202 cc	1202 cc
Dry weight	222 kg	222 kg	223 kg	255 kg	251 kg	255 kg
Seat height	689 mm	689 mm	700 mm	673 mm	676 mm	725 mm
Fuel capacity	12.5 L	12.5 L	12.5 L	17 L	17 L	17 L