Cruisers

2011Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom

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The 2011 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom is a big-bore Sportster with custom styling. Its air-cooled 1,199.6cc Evolution V-twin makes 68 hp and 107.1 Nm through a five-speed gearbox and belt drive. A 711 mm seat and 17-litre tank suit cruising.

Capacity: 1199.6 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 254.9 kg
Seat height: 711 mm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)

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What’s new for the 2011 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom

vs the 2010

Spec	2010	2011
Torque	98.0 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.3 ft.lbs) @ 3200 RPM	107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs)
Front suspension	39mm	39 mm
Rear suspension	Coil-over, preload dual adjustments	Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions, MIG welded swing-arm. Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable shocks.
Front brakes	Single disc. Dual piston	Single disc
Rear brakes	Single disc. Single piston	Single disc

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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 711mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2011 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 →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1199.6 ccm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)
Torque: 107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2668 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: 1534 mm
Overall length: 2294 mm
Seat height: 711 mm
Dry weight: 254.9 kg
Wet weight: 267.2 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): 30.1°
Trail: 119 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 260 mm
Front tyre: 100/90-H19
Rear tyre: 150/80-B16

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Pewter Pearl, White Gold Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, Candy Red Sunglo, Sunset Yellow Pearl (New), Two-Tone Pacific Blue Pearl/Vivid Black (New), Two-Tone Crimson Red Sunglo/Candy Red Sunglo (New), Two-Tone Vivid Black/Mirage Orange Pearl, 105th

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