2006Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster 1200 Low

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The 2006 Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low is a classic custom cruiser designed for riders seeking an accessible, easy-handling motorcycle with authentic Harley character. Its low seat height and manageable 1200cc V-twin engine make it ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike. Known for its nimble handling and vintage styling, this Sportster delivers dependable cruising performance with timeless appeal.

Capacity: 1199.6 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 251.3 kg
Seat height: 667 mm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)

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Other years 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding60%

Daily riding60%

Touring40%

Two-up40%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed cruising, boulevard riding, and short-to-medium trips rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Built for: A classic torque-driven V-twin cruiser that delivers laid-back, thumping power with strong low-end pull rather than high-rev excitement.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or serious high-speed touring 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 667mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2006 Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster 1200 Low, 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: 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: 0.2706 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 9.7:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Carburettor
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2
Lubrication system: Dry-sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet multi-plate

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1524 mm
Overall length: 2294 mm
Overall width: 894 mm
Overall height: 1189 mm
Seat height: 667 mm
Dry weight: 251.3 kg
Wet weight: 260.8 kg
Fuel capacity: 17.00 litres
Ground clearance: 112 mm
Oil capacity: 2.80 litres

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Mild steel tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions. Swingarm: Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Front suspension: 39 mm fork
Rear suspension: Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable
Front wheel travel: 105 mm
Rear wheel travel: 54 mm
Rake (fork angle): 29.6°
Trail: 117 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
Front tyre: 100/90-19
Rear tyre: 150/80-B16

Other

Color options: Vivid black, brilliant silver, deep cobalt, glacier white pearl, brandy wine sunglo, two-tone black cherry and black pearl, two-tone glacier white pearl and vivid black, two-tone fire red and vivid black

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	2007	2009	2010	2011
Capacity	1200 cc	1200 cc	1202 cc	1202 cc	1201 cc
Dry weight	251 kg	251 kg	251 kg	251 kg	253 kg
Seat height	667 mm	667 mm	668 mm	668 mm	668 mm
Fuel capacity	17 L	17 L	17 L	17 L	17 L