Cruisers

1998Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster

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The 1998 Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster is an entry-level cruiser that appeals to new riders seeking authentic American motorcycle character. Its compact 1199cc V-twin engine delivers manageable power with strong torque, while the low 736mm seat height ensures accessibility. Known for nimble handling and customization potential, this lightweight Sportster excels as both a learner's bike and a platform for personalization.

Capacity: 1199.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 223.0 kg
Seat height: 736 mm
Power: 59.0 HP (43.4 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 1998 Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster

vs the 1997

Spec	1997	1998
Power	50.0 HP (36.8 kW)	59.0 HP (43.4 kW)
Torque	75.5 Nm (7.7 kgf-m or 55.7 ft.lbs)	89.0 Nm (9.1 kgf-m or 65.6 ft.lbs)
Top speed	—	160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)
Fuel capacity	8.50 litres (2.25 US gallons)	not listed
Rear brakes	Single disc	not listed

Other years 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering40%

City riding60%

Daily riding62%

Touring42%

Two-up50%

Track10%

Best for: A classic air-cooled cruiser built for relaxed street riding, boulevard cruising, and short-to-medium rides with plenty of low-end grunt.
Built for: Loud, torquey, and unmistakably Harley - a rumbling 1200cc V-twin that favors laid-back cruising over outright pace or agility.
Not ideal for: Not for track days, off-roading, sport riders chasing lean angles, or long-haul tourers needing a big fuel tank - just 8.5L here.

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 736mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1998 Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 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: 59.0 HP (43.4 kW)
Torque: 89.0 Nm (9.1 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.2646 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system: Air
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

Seat height: 736 mm
Dry weight: 223.0 kg

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc

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	1993	1994	1996	1997	1998
Capacity	1189 cc	1189 cc	1189 cc	1189 cc	1199 cc
Dry weight	216 kg	223 kg	223 kg	223 kg	223 kg
Seat height	737 mm	737 mm	737 mm	737 mm	736 mm
Fuel capacity	8.5 L	8.5 L	8.5 L	8.5 L	—