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All Bikes/Compare/Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Sport vs Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom

Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Sport vs Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Sport vs Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom. Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Sport: 63 hp @ 5,500 rpm (estimated stock output) hp, 253 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 180 km/h (estimated; note: varies with rider and conditions), Motoryk rating 7.8/10. Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom: 67 hp @ 5,500 rpm (later Evolution-era models; note: earlier carbureted versions produced approximately 60 hp) hp, 256 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world top speed varies by rider weight and conditions), Motoryk rating 7.5/10.

Performance at a Glance

Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value

Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Sport Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom
Horsepower (hp)
63 hp
67 hp
Torque (Nm)
93 Nm
92 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
180 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
253 kg
256 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
63 hp @ 5,500 rpm (estimated stock output)
67 hp @ 5,500 rpm (later Evolution-era models; note: earlier carbureted versions produced approximately 60 hp)
Torque
93 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
92 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
180 km/h (estimated; note: varies with rider and conditions)
175 km/h (estimated; note: real-world top speed varies by rider weight and conditions)
Weight
253 kg (wet/curb weight)
256 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approximately 15–18 km/L, typical real-world average)
5.5–6.5 L/100km (approximately 15–18 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No

Individual Reviews

Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Sport
Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Sport
7.8/10

"The sharpest Sportster ever built, still worth every dollar used."

Pros
+Dual front discs stop properly
+Adjustable suspension, rare here
+Bulletproof engine with parts everywhere
Cons
Pushrod tube oil seepage common
Primary chain tensioner wears fast
Heat soak in slow traffic
Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom
Harley-davidson Sportster 1200 Custom
7.5/10

"A flawed but deeply rewarding cruiser that rewards patient, mechanically curious riders."

Pros
+Bulletproof engine, easy maintenance
+Massive aftermarket parts availability
+Genuine low seat height
Cons
Stock suspension is awful
Two-up riding is miserable
Vibration fatigues on highways

Top 10 Accessories

Picks that work on either bike.

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Front and Rear Brake Pads for Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200C Custom 2004-2013 /Sportster 883 SuperLow Custom/ XL1200L Sportster Low 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Brake Pads
Front and Rear Brake Pads for Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 XL1200C Custom 2004-2013 /Sportster 883 SuperLow Custom/ XL1200L Sportster Low 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
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Dunlop D402 Front Motorcycle Tire MH90-21 (54H) Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200C 1996-2010
Tires
Dunlop D402 Front Motorcycle Tire MH90-21 (54H) Black Wall Compatible With Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom XL1200C 1996-2010
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AGM Battery For Harley Davidson XL1200C SPORTSTER 1200 CUSTOM 2004-2020 LTD ANV
Battery
AGM Battery For Harley Davidson XL1200C SPORTSTER 1200 CUSTOM 2004-2020 LTD ANV
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V-Twin Oil Change Kit Synthetic w/Black Filter, Sportster
Engine Oil
V-Twin Oil Change Kit Synthetic w/Black Filter, Sportster
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DaSen Chain Drive Transmission Sprocket Conversion Kit Belt to Chain Compatible with Harley Sportster 72 48 Iron Roadster 883 1200 XL 2004-2023
Chain & Lube
DaSen Chain Drive Transmission Sprocket Conversion Kit Belt to Chain Compatible with Harley Sportster 72 48 Iron Roadster 883 1200 XL 2004-2023
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Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
Helmet
Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
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Riding Gloves
Gloves
Riding Gloves
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Mesh Riding Jacket
Jacket
Mesh Riding Jacket
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Riding Boots
Boots
Riding Boots
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Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
Chain Lube
Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
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