Cruisers

2011Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low

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The 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low is a classic cruiser built for riders seeking authentic, stripped-down motorcycle culture with a low-slung riding position. Powered by the legendary 1201cc Evolution V-twin engine producing 107 Nm of torque, it delivers reliable performance and iconic Harley character. Known for its accessible handling, customizable platform, and timeless appeal to both cruiser enthusiasts and younger riders entering the Harley lifestyle.

Capacity: 1201.3 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 252.7 kg
Seat height: 668 mm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low

vs the 2010

Spec	2010	2011
Torque	98.0 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.3 ft.lbs) @ 3200 RPM	107.0 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 78.9 ft.lbs) @ 4000 RPM
Front suspension	39mm	39 mm fork
Rear suspension	Coil-over shocks, preload dual adjustment	Coil-over, preload dual-adjustable
Front brakes	Single disc. Dual piston	Single disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Dual-piston.
Rear brakes	Single disc. Single piston	Single disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Single-piston.
Wheelbase	1510 mm (59.4 inches)	1527 mm (60.1 inches)

Other years 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding60%

Daily riding60%

Touring40%

Two-up40%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed cruising, boulevard riding, and short-to-medium trips rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Built for: A classic torque-driven V-twin cruiser that delivers laid-back, thumping power with strong low-end pull rather than high-rev excitement.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or serious high-speed touring performance.

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

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 668mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 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: 1201.3 ccm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 110 CO2 g/km
Torque: 107.0 Nm (10.9 kgf-m) @ 4000 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 4.80 litres/100 km (20.8 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2691 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 9.7:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2
Lubrication system: Dry-sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate, wet

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1527 mm
Overall length: 2263 mm
Overall width: 894 mm
Overall height: 1189 mm
Seat height: 668 mm
Dry weight: 252.7 kg
Wet weight: 263.5 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres
Ground clearance: 112 mm
Oil capacity: 2.80 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions.
Front suspension: 39 mm fork
Rear suspension: Coil-over, preload dual-adjustable
Front wheel travel: 105 mm
Rear wheel travel: 105 mm
Rake (fork angle): 30.4°
Trail: 145 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Dual-piston.
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Single-piston.
Rear brakes diameter: 260 mm
Front tyre: 100/90-19
Rear tyre: 150/80-16

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Cool Blue Pearl, Merlot Sunglo
Warranty: 24

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	2006	2007	2009	2010	2011
Capacity	1200 cc	1200 cc	1202 cc	1202 cc	1201 cc
Dry weight	251 kg	251 kg	251 kg	251 kg	253 kg
Seat height	667 mm	667 mm	668 mm	668 mm	668 mm
Fuel capacity	17 L	17 L	17 L	17 L	17 L