Cruisers
1997Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport
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The 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport is a nimble cruiser that appeals to riders seeking manageable weight and accessible seat height without sacrificing authentic V-twin character. Its 1199cc air-cooled engine delivers sufficient torque for spirited riding while the lightweight chassis makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced riders preferring agile handling over raw power.
- Capacity
- 1199.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 226.0 kg
- Seat height
- 734 mm
- Power
- 58.0 HP (42.7 kW)
What’s new for the 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport
vs the 1996| Spec | 1996 | 1997 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 59.8 HP (44.0 kW) | 58.0 HP (42.7 kW) |
| Top speed | — | 160.0 km/h (99.4 mph) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for stylish, engaging cruiser riding on backroads and city streets rather than long-distance touring or performance riding.
- Built for
- A classic air-cooled Harley V-twin with punchy low-end torque, a raw mechanical feel, and sportier suspension and brakes than a standard Sportster.
- Not ideal for
- Not the right bike for riders wanting high top speed, sport-bike agility, or serious 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 usEngine
- Capacity
- 1199.0 ccm
- Power
- 58.0 HP (42.7 kW)
- Torque
- 89.0 Nm (9.1 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- V-Twin
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2566 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 88.8 x 96.8 mm
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Carburettor
- Starting
- Electric
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
Performance
- Top speed
- 160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1515 mm
- Seat height
- 734 mm
- Dry weight
- 226.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 240.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 12.50 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front wheel travel
- 155 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 80 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 292 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 292 mm
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 | 1996 | 1997 | 2000 | 2001 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1199 cc | 1199 cc | 1199 cc | 1199 cc |
| Dry weight | 226 kg | 226 kg | 226 kg | 226 kg |
| Seat height | 736 mm | 734 mm | 734 mm | 711 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 12.5 L | 12.5 L | 12.5 L | 12.5 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport?
The 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport has a Capacity of 1199.0 ccm (73.17 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport have?
The 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport has a Power of 58.0 HP (42.7 kW).
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport have?
The 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport?
The 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport has a Torque of 89.0 Nm (9.1 kgf-m or 65.6 ft.lbs).
How much does the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport weigh?
The 1997 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Sport has a Dry weight of 226.0 kg (498.2 pounds).
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Similar bikes
Same category, weighted similarity
1998 Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster
1199 cc · 223 kg · 736 mm
1998 Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster Sport
1199 cc · 227 kg · 734 mm
1998 BMW R 1200 C
1170 cc · 239 kg · 740 mm
1999 BMW R 1200 C
1170 cc · 239 kg · 740 mm
1997 Yamaha XV 1100 Virago
1063 cc · 222 kg · 715 mm
2002 Honda VT 1100 C Shadow Spirit
1099 cc · 251 kg · 729 mm
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