1996Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200

31 fields on record

The 1996 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200 is the 1200cc Evolution Sportster of the mid-1990s. Its air-cooled 1198cc V-twin makes 89 Nm through a five-speed gearbox and belt drive, for a top speed of about 157 km/h. A 736 mm seat and 226 kg wet weight make it light and nimble for a Harley.

Capacity: 1198.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 223.0 kg
Seat height: 736 mm
Power: 49.0 HP (36.0 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 1996 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200

vs the 1995

Spec	1995	1996
Torque	—	89.0 Nm (9.1 kgf-m or 65.6 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM

Other years 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering40%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring55%

Two-up50%

Track15%

Best for: Built for relaxed, torque-rich cruising and classic American V-twin styling rather than outright speed or agility.
Built for: A soulful, torque-heavy air-cooled V-twin with classic Sportster charm, favoring rumble and presence over performance.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, high-speed touring comfort, or any 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 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 1996 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200, 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: 1198.0 ccm
Power: 49.0 HP (36.0 kW)
Torque: 89.0 Nm (9.1 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2197 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 88.8 x 96.8 mm
Compression: 9.0:1
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: 157.5 km/h (97.9 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1524 mm
Overall length: 2238 mm
Seat height: 736 mm
Dry weight: 223.0 kg
Wet weight: 226.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 8.50 litres
Ground clearance: 170 mm

Chassis & suspension

Front wheel travel: 175 mm
Rear wheel travel: 92 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
Front tyre: 100/90-19
Rear tyre: 130/90-16

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	1988	1992	1996	1999	2003
Capacity	1198 cc	1198 cc	1198 cc	1198 cc	1200 cc
Dry weight	—	223 kg	223 kg	223 kg	223 kg
Seat height	736 mm	736 mm	736 mm	730 mm	734 mm
Fuel capacity	8.5 L	8.5 L	8.5 L	8.5 L	12.5 L