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WHILE 'SPECIALS' SUCH as the Screamin' Eagle Fat Boy or Screamin' Eagle V-Rod offer Harley-Davidson enthusiasts more excitement in the way of performance, those looking for something extra in the way of options or paint jobs wills find them in the Custom series models.
In the venerable Sportster line, the 1200C Custom offers quite a bit more in the performance as well as presentation department thanks mainly to a 1,200cc Harley-Davidson engine shoehorned into a Sportster's chassis, together with a larger 17-litre fuel tank along with numerous other options.
The Sportster 1200 Custom also gets the chrome slotted disc rear wheel with the wider 150-section rear tyre. With a swept-back handlebar, pullback riser, and bullet style headlight - there's no mistaking that this is a Custom. Then there are the 14 colours to choose from...
Compared with the entry-level 883 models, the 1200's engine note has a noticeably lower, deeper note - as are the vibrations that can be felt through the engine rubber mounts - hinting at something more formidable. This Sportster has the forward-mounted foot controls, and the sides stand is easy to get out of the way. Once on the move - this engine confirmed its authority with huge lumps of torque that can easily endanger your licence while in first gear.
The conventionally carbureted engine transforms the already capable chassis of the Sportster into a ride that feels like being fired out of a cannon. It's real point and shoot agility coupled with large bore firepower.
The Sportster 1200 Custom has one of the lower seat heights in the Harley-Davidson range at almost 72cm. Coupled with the new lighter clutch effort, this is one Sportster that even teenagers or women riders could handle - though the power definitely has to be respected and is meant for more experienced riders. The very capable suspension and brakes help to keep this more powerful Sportster within easy control as well.
Highway duties on the Sportster 1200 Custom are a pleasure. The engine swallows up the miles and is capable of any overtaking most of the highway obstacles such as cars and trucks. The larger 17 litre tank would take you anywhere easily within a 2-3 hour ride at a prudent pace.
Heat from the engine seemed less of an issue with the forward mounted foot controls. These controls place the feet forward and out of the rear cylinder heat zone somewhere under the seat. That said, the 1200cc engine never really got too warm even in stationary city traffic.
The Sportster 1200 Custom is one of the more performance-oriented Harley-Davidsons you can get without a Screamin' Eagle badge. The increased power offers more performance for the more experienced riders. In the right hands, whether on the highway or in urban traffic, this is one Sportster that can be master of it all.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model XL 1200C Sportster Custom
Engine 1200cc Evolution, Carbureted, 91NM@3300rpm
Consumption 5.2 Litres/100KM Highway
Weight 261kg
Tires 90 54H Front, 150/80 71H Rear
Single side brakes front/rear
Price S$25,000
In the venerable Sportster line, the 1200C Custom offers quite a bit more in the performance as well as presentation department thanks mainly to a 1,200cc Harley-Davidson engine shoehorned into a Sportster's chassis, together with a larger 17-litre fuel tank along with numerous other options.
The Sportster 1200 Custom also gets the chrome slotted disc rear wheel with the wider 150-section rear tyre. With a swept-back handlebar, pullback riser, and bullet style headlight - there's no mistaking that this is a Custom. Then there are the 14 colours to choose from...
Compared with the entry-level 883 models, the 1200's engine note has a noticeably lower, deeper note - as are the vibrations that can be felt through the engine rubber mounts - hinting at something more formidable. This Sportster has the forward-mounted foot controls, and the sides stand is easy to get out of the way. Once on the move - this engine confirmed its authority with huge lumps of torque that can easily endanger your licence while in first gear.
The conventionally carbureted engine transforms the already capable chassis of the Sportster into a ride that feels like being fired out of a cannon. It's real point and shoot agility coupled with large bore firepower.
The Sportster 1200 Custom has one of the lower seat heights in the Harley-Davidson range at almost 72cm. Coupled with the new lighter clutch effort, this is one Sportster that even teenagers or women riders could handle - though the power definitely has to be respected and is meant for more experienced riders. The very capable suspension and brakes help to keep this more powerful Sportster within easy control as well.
Highway duties on the Sportster 1200 Custom are a pleasure. The engine swallows up the miles and is capable of any overtaking most of the highway obstacles such as cars and trucks. The larger 17 litre tank would take you anywhere easily within a 2-3 hour ride at a prudent pace.
Heat from the engine seemed less of an issue with the forward mounted foot controls. These controls place the feet forward and out of the rear cylinder heat zone somewhere under the seat. That said, the 1200cc engine never really got too warm even in stationary city traffic.
The Sportster 1200 Custom is one of the more performance-oriented Harley-Davidsons you can get without a Screamin' Eagle badge. The increased power offers more performance for the more experienced riders. In the right hands, whether on the highway or in urban traffic, this is one Sportster that can be master of it all.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model XL 1200C Sportster CustomEngine 1200cc Evolution, Carbureted, 91NM@3300rpm
Consumption 5.2 Litres/100KM Highway
Weight 261kg
Tires 90 54H Front, 150/80 71H Rear
Single side brakes front/rear
Price S$25,000