Cruisers

1996Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport

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The 1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport is an accessible cruiser designed for riders seeking classic American motorcycle styling with manageable performance. Its 1199cc V-twin engine delivers reliable torque for everyday riding, while the lightweight chassis and low seat height make it ideal for riders of varying experience levels. Best known for its nimble handling and customization potential within the Sportster lineage.

Capacity: 1199.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 226.0 kg
Seat height: 736 mm
Power: 59.8 HP (44.0 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (2)

Other years 1996 1997 2000 2001

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering45%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring45%

Two-up40%

Track15%

Best for: Built for stylish, engaging cruiser riding on backroads and city streets rather than long-distance touring or performance riding.
Built for: A classic air-cooled Harley V-twin with punchy low-end torque, a raw mechanical feel, and sportier suspension and brakes than a standard Sportster.
Not ideal for: Not the right bike for riders wanting high top speed, sport-bike agility, or serious 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 736mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 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: 59.8 HP (44.0 kW)
Torque: 89.0 Nm (9.1 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.2646 HP/kg
Bore x stroke: 88.8 x 96.8 mm
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1515 mm
Seat height: 736 mm
Dry weight: 226.0 kg
Wet weight: 240.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 12.50 litres

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 155 mm
Rear wheel travel: 80 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm

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	2000	2001
Capacity	1199.00 ccm (73.16 cubic inches)	1199.00 ccm (73.16 cubic inches)	1199.00 ccm (73.16 cubic inches)	1199.00 ccm (73.16 cubic inches)
Dry weight	226.0 kg (498.2 pounds)	226.0 kg (498.2 pounds)	226.0 kg (498.2 pounds)	—
Seat height	736 mm (29.0 inches)	734 mm (28.9 inches)	734 mm (28.9 inches)	711 mm (28.0 inches)
Fuel capacity	—	—	—	12.50 litres (3.30 gallons)

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 2 open recalls

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJun 1996 · 96V103000

THE SEAL ON THE REAR MASTER CYLINDER PISTON CAN MOVE OUT OF POSITION.

Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF REAR BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLOct 1995 · 95E037000

THE AIR CLEANER BAFFLE PLATE CAN DETACH AND LODGE IN THE THROAT OF THE CARBURETOR.

Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN IMPEDE THE ABILITY OF THE THROTTLEPLATE TO RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLEACCIDENT OR LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR CLEANER FILTER ON THE AFFECTED MOTORCYCLES. IF OWNERS HAVE PURCHASED A FILTER AND HAVE NOT INSTALLED IT ON THEIR MOTORCYCLES, THEY CAN RETURN THE FILTER FOR A REPLACEMENT OR A REFUND OF THEIR MONEY.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →