Cruisers

2004Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom

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The 2004 Harley-Davidson XL 1200 C Sportster Custom is a middleweight cruiser built for riders seeking classic American styling with manageable performance. Its 1202cc air-cooled V-twin delivers accessible power through a 5-speed belt drive, making it ideal for both experienced cruiser enthusiasts and those transitioning to larger bikes. Known for its aggressive custom aesthetics and nimble handling characteristics, it balances authentic Harley DNA with approachable rideability.

Capacity: 1202.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 255.0 kg
Seat height: 668 mm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)

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What’s new for the 2004 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom

vs the 2003

Spec	2003	2004
Power	58.0 HP (42.7 kW)	68.0 HP (50.0 kW)
Torque	87.0 Nm (8.9 kgf-m or 64.2 ft.lbs) @ 3900 RPM	93.0 Nm (9.5 kgf-m or 68.6 ft.lbs) @ 3300 RPM
Top speed	175.0 km/h (108.7 mph)	not listed
Dry weight	245.0 kg (540.1 pounds)	255.0 kg (562.2 pounds)
Seat height	700 mm (27.6 inches)	668 mm (26.3 inches)
Fuel capacity	16.70 litres (4.41 US gallons)	17.10 litres (4.52 US gallons)

Other years 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2007

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 668mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2004 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom, 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: 1202.0 ccm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)
Torque: 93.0 Nm (9.5 kgf-m) @ 3300 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2667 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 88.8 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 10.0:1
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: 668 mm
Dry weight: 255.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.10 litres
Ground clearance: 112 mm
Reserve fuel capacity: 3.80 litres

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: 90/90-21
Rear tyre: 150/80-16

Other

Color options: Vivid black, brilliant silver, sierra red, impact blue, luxury blue, glacier white pearl, lava red sunglo, two-tone impact blue and vivid black, two-tone luxury teal and brilliant silver, two-tone sierra red and brilliant silver, two-tone smokey gold and

Specs last verified against published sources: September 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	2000	2002	2003	2004	2005	2007
Capacity	1199 cc	1199 cc	1199 cc	1202 cc	1199 cc	1200 cc
Dry weight	245 kg	245 kg	245 kg	255 kg	255 kg	255 kg
Seat height	700 mm	700 mm	700 mm	668 mm	673 mm	711 mm
Fuel capacity	16.7 L	16.7 L	16.7 L	17.1 L	17.4 L	17 L