Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom

A staple in the line, the 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom is a classic cruiser that is accessible to newer riders, while providing the style and power needed to compete in urban environments.

While I certainly enjoy the big-inch Harley-Davidsons in town, the sub-600 pounds weight of the Sportster 1200 Custom makes it a much more manageable motorcycle in busy areas. The narrow, gently pulled back handlebar means the Custom does not need much room to work its way through traffic.

The torquey 1202cc Evolution of the motor has plenty of thrust down low-peak torque of 71 ft / lbs comes at 3500 rpm-and that means acceleration acceleration is on the tap at any engine speed. As with all the Sportsters, starting up the 1200 Custom is a pleasure-the beast rumbles aggressively to life at the touch of a button. Rubber mounting provides a smooth ride once underway, and the motor shakes ably at stoplights. While not especially loud, the staggered exhausts have a good sound.

Riding the Sportster 1200 Custom has a sense of effortlessness, as the response to the input rider is fully predictable and intuitive, and certainly not lightning quick in response. The forward foot controls, comfortable two-up seats, and the friendly handlebar are the riders of ergonomics that define cruiser.

Harley-Davidson outfits the Custom with identical 16-inch wire-spoke wheels front and back, and the tires mounted are nearly the same width-the rear Michelin Scorcher 31 is just 20mm wider than the front. This balance makes the Custom easy to ride, and unintimidating. Additionally, rider comfort is assisted by the high-profile tires that blunt hits before they get to the limited suspension travel.

To keep the Sportster 1200 Custom low-seat height is just 28 inches-Harley-Davidson goes with shorter suspension. That limits cornering clearance, and you can easily touch down the feelers.

While the rear suspension allows just a touch over two inches of wheel travel, it makes the most out of it with the spring-preload adjustable emulsion shocks-you really do think there's more. The single cartridge fork design is a decent match, although the 4.1 inches of front suspension travel is hardly plush. You will feel the rougher road, which I do not really mind on the Custom, but hard jolts are usually kept from the rider.Everything about the 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom says mellow attitude. The engine does not rev at a rapid pace, the 30 degrees of rake and wide front tire slow down steering, cornering clearance is limited (especially on the right), and the riding position is casual.

Canyon runs are best taken at a friendly pace, as either your boot heel or the pegs feelers will hit the pavement regularly. With the relaxed chassis and meaty front tire, the Sportster 1200 Custom feels very stable in corners. For newer riders, the sense of security is abundant. For seasoned riders, just kick back and ride with confidence. The Michelin Scorcher 31s definitely do their part, and tire performance is never an issue.

Riding Style:

Helmet: Bell Qualifier (custom painted)
Jacket: Oscar by Alpinestars Charlie
Gloves: Tour Master Custom Midweight
Jeans: Harley-Davidson Genuine Performance Riding
Boots: TCX Heritage Waterproof
2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom Specs:

ENGINE

Type: Evolution V-twin
Bore x stroke: 3.5 x 3,811 inches
Displacement: 73.4 cubic inches (1202cc)
Maximum torque: 71 ft / lbs @ 3500 rpm
Compression ratio: 10: 1
Fuel system: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Lubrication: Dry sump
Cooling: Water
Transmission: Five-speed
Clutch: Web multi-plate
Primary drive: Chain
Final drive: Belt

CHASSIS

Frame: Mild tubular steel
Front suspension: Non-adjustable 39mm forks / 4.1 inches of travel
Rear suspension: Preload-adjustable emulsion shocks / 2.1 inches of travel
Front tire: 130/90 x 16; Michelin Scorcher 31
Rear tire: 150/80 x 16; Michelin Scorcher 31
Front wheel: 16 "x 3"; Steel laced rim
Rear wheel: 16 "x 3"; Steel laced rim
Front brake: 300mm disc w / dual piston caliper
Rear: 260mm disc w / dual piston caliper
ABS: Optional ($ 795)

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES

Seat height: 28 inches
Wheelbase: 60.2 inches
Rake: 30 degrees
Trail: 4.2 inches
Right lean angle: 26.2 degrees
Left lean angle: 28.3 degrees
Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons
Curb weight: 587 pounds
Estimated EPA fuel consumption: 48 mpg

2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom Colors:

Vivid Black
Velocity Red Sunglo
Corona Yellow Pearl
Superior Blue / Silver Billet

2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom Prices:

$ 10,999 (Vivid Black)
$ 11,349 (Velocity Red Sunglo; Corona Yellow Pearl
$ 11,549 (Superior Blue / Billet Silver)