Cruisers

2005Harley-Davidson XL 1200 C Sportster Custom

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The 2005 Harley-Davidson XL 1200 C Sportster Custom is an air-cooled V-twin cruiser built for riders seeking classic styling with nimble handling. Its 1199cc engine delivers strong low-end torque ideal for urban riding, while the aggressive rake and custom aesthetics appeal to those wanting authentic Harley character without the weight of larger models. Best known for accessibility and customization potential, it suits both experienced and newer riders.

Capacity: 1199.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 255.0 kg
Seat height: 673 mm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)

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

What’s new for the 2005 Harley-Davidson XL 1200 C Sportster Custom

vs the 2004

Spec	2004	2005
Engine capacity	1202.0 ccm (73.35 cubic inches)	1199.0 ccm (73.17 cubic inches)
Torque	93.0 Nm (9.5 kgf-m or 68.6 ft.lbs) @ 3300 RPM	69.0 Nm (7.0 kgf-m or 50.9 ft.lbs) @ 4200 RPM
Seat height	668 mm (26.3 inches)	673 mm (26.5 inches)
Fuel capacity	17.10 litres (4.52 US gallons)	17.40 litres (4.60 US gallons)
Compression	10.0:1	9.9:1

Other years 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding55%

Daily riding55%

Touring45%

Two-up40%

Track5%

Best for: Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and style-focused short rides rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Built for: A classic air-cooled V-twin cruiser with punchy low-end torque, a raw mechanical exhaust note, and unmistakable custom Sportster styling.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders wanting sharp cornering agility, 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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 673mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2005 Harley-Davidson XL 1200 C Sportster 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: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)
Torque: 69.0 Nm (7.0 kgf-m) @ 4200 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2667 HP/kg
Compression: 9.9:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Carburettor
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1520 mm
Overall length: 2275 mm
Seat height: 673 mm
Dry weight: 255.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.40 litres
Ground clearance: 112 mm

Chassis & suspension

Rake (fork angle): 30.1°
Trail: 119 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
Front tyre: MH90-21
Rear tyre: 150/80-16

Other

Color options: Vivid black, brilliant silver pearl, sierra red pearl, black cherry pearl, glacier white pearl, rich sunglo blue, yellow pearl, two-tone rich sunglo blue and chopper blue pearl, two-tone chopper blue pearl and brilliant silver pearl, two-tone sierra red p

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	2000	2001	2003	2004	2005
Capacity	1199 cc	1199 cc	1199 cc	1202 cc	1199 cc
Dry weight	245 kg	245 kg	245 kg	255 kg	255 kg
Seat height	700 mm	700 mm	700 mm	668 mm	673 mm
Fuel capacity	16.7 L	16.7 L	16.7 L	17.1 L	17.4 L

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

Safety Recalls

⚠ 2 open recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEMDec 2004 · 04V607000

CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES. THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE 'ON' POSITION AND THE 'RESERVE' POSITION OF THE VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN REVERSED.

Risk: IF THE BIKE WERE OPERATING WITH THE VALVE IN THE 'ON' POSITION, THE BIKE COULD RUN OUT OF FUEL, THE EXPECTED FUEL RESERVE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE DRIVER RUNNING OUT OF GAS WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN FEBRUARY 7, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEMDec 2004 · 04E094000

CERTAIN FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES USED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT, P/NOS 61338-02, 62169-02A, 61338-94D, AND 62169-95C FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2005 CARBURETED SPORTSTERS, DYNA, SOFTAIL, AND TOURING MODEL MOTORCYCLES. THESE VALVES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE 'ON' POSITION AND THE 'RESERVE' POSITION OF THE VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN REVERSED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN JANUARY 27, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080. IF YOU HAVE HAD OR INSTALLED A REPLACEMENT FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE IN YOUR MOTORCYCLE, PLEASE TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO YOUR DEALER TO HAVE THE VALVE INSPECTED FOR PROPER OPERATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →