Cruisers

2009Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster 1200 Low

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The 2009 Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low is a lightweight cruiser ideal for riders seeking accessible handling and classic styling. Its air-cooled 1202cc V-twin engine delivers strong low-end torque, while the low-slung seat height makes it approachable for various rider sizes. Known for nimble maneuverability and timeless Harley character, it's perfect for urban commuting and weekend cruising.

Capacity: 1202.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 251.0 kg
Seat height: 668 mm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)

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What’s new for the 2009 Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster 1200 Low

vs the 2008

Spec	2008	2009
Torque	107.1 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs)	98.0 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.3 ft.lbs)
Seat height	711 mm (28.0 inches)	668 mm (26.3 inches)
Front suspension	—	39 mm fork
Rear suspension	—	Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable
Front brakes	Single disc	Single disc. 2-piston calipers
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. Single piston

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 668mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2009 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: 1202.0 ccm
Power: 68.0 HP (50.0 kW)
Torque: 98.0 Nm (10.0 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2709 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 9.7:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2
Lubrication system: Dry-sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: 9-plate, wet

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1515 mm
Overall length: 2250 mm
Overall width: 894 mm
Overall height: 1189 mm
Seat height: 668 mm
Dry weight: 251.0 kg
Wet weight: 263.5 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): 30.0°
Trail: 119 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc. 2-piston calipers
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Single piston
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
Front tyre: 100/90-19
Rear tyre: 150/80-16

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Dark Blue Pearl, Flame Blue Pearl, Red Hot Sunglo, White Gold Pearl and Pewter Pearl.
Modifications compared to previous model: New lowprofile rear shocks for improved ride quality; New low-profile front fender

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