Cruisers

2012Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom

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The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom is an entry-level cruiser designed for riders seeking classic American styling with manageable weight and accessible handling. Known for its iconic V-twin engine character, compact wheelbase, and low 26.5-inch seat height, it appeals to newer and smaller-framed riders. The bike excels as a stripped-down, customizable platform that balances authentic Harley heritage with modern convenience features like electronic diagnostics and reliable electric starting.

Capacity: 1201.3 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 250.8 kg
Seat height: 676 mm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)

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What’s new for the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom

vs the 2011

Spec	2011	2012
Torque	107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs)	107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000 RPM
Dry weight	254.9 kg (562.0 pounds)	250.8 kg (552.9 pounds)
Wet weight	267.2 kg (589.1 pounds)	264.0 kg (582.0 pounds)
Seat height	711 mm (28.0 inches)	676 mm (26.6 inches)
Front brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Dual-piston
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Single-piston

Other years 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding55%

Daily riding55%

Touring45%

Two-up55%

Track10%

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, torque-rich custom cruiser that rewards a relaxed throttle hand and a taste for V-twin rumble and chrome styling over aggressive performance.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, off-road capability, or high-speed 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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 676mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster 1200 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 →

Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1201.3 ccm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 114 CO2 g/km
Torque: 107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m) @ 4000 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2711 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 9.7:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Lubrication system: Dry-sump

Transmission

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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1521 mm
Overall length: 2220 mm
Seat height: 676 mm
Dry weight: 250.8 kg
Wet weight: 264.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres
Ground clearance: 112 mm
Oil capacity: 2.60 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions
Front suspension: 39 mm
Rear suspension: Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions, MIG welded swing-arm. Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable shocks.
Front wheel travel: 105 mm
Rear wheel travel: 54 mm
Rake (fork angle): 29.9°
Trail: 107 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. Dual-piston
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Single-piston
Rear brakes diameter: 260 mm
Front tyre: 130/90-B16
Rear tyre: 150/80-B16

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Big Blue Pearl, Brilliant Silver Pearl, Two-Tone Ember Red Sunglo/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	2008	2009	2011	2012
Capacity	1200 cc	1200 cc	1202 cc	1200 cc	1201 cc
Dry weight	251 kg	255 kg	255 kg	255 kg	251 kg
Seat height	673 mm	711 mm	673 mm	711 mm	676 mm
Fuel capacity	17 L	17 L	17 L	17 L	17 L