1988Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200

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The 1988 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200 suits riders who want classic American cruiser character without excess bulk, with a low 736 mm seat that makes it approachable around town. Its air-cooled 1198 cc V-twin delivers 50.4 hp through a 4-speed gearbox and chain drive, prizing torque and sound over outright speed. It is best known as the big-bore Sportster: simple, raw and unmistakably Harley.

Capacity: 1198.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 4-speed
Wet weight: 222.0 kg
Seat height: 736 mm
Power: 50.4 HP (37.6 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering40%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring55%

Two-up50%

Track15%

Best for: Built for relaxed, torque-rich cruising and classic American V-twin styling rather than outright speed or agility.
Built for: A soulful, torque-heavy air-cooled V-twin with classic Sportster charm, favoring rumble and presence over performance.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, high-speed touring comfort, or any 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 1988 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200, 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: 1198.0 ccm
Power: 50.4 HP (37.6 kW)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2270 HP/kg (wet)
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
Torque: Not on record - add it

Transmission

Gearbox: 4-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1524 mm
Overall length: 2238 mm
Seat height: 736 mm
Wet weight: 222.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 8.50 litres
Ground clearance: 170 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 175 mm
Rear wheel travel: 92 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
Front tyre: MJ 90-19
Rear tyre: MT 90-16

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	1988	1992	1996	1999	2003
Capacity	1198 cc	1198 cc	1198 cc	1198 cc	1200 cc
Dry weight	—	223 kg	223 kg	223 kg	223 kg
Seat height	736 mm	736 mm	736 mm	730 mm	734 mm
Fuel capacity	8.5 L	8.5 L	8.5 L	8.5 L	12.5 L