Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-Eight vs Harley-Davidson XL 1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster (2010)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-Eightstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL 1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-EightHarley-Davidson XL 1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster
Model year20102010
Price$10,499
Engine1200 cc1202 cc
Torque107 Nm98 Nm
Weight247 kg251 kg
Seat height27 mm29 mm
Fuel capacity2.1 L3.3 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. Dual PistonSingle disc. Dual Piston
Rear brakesSingle disc. Single pistonSingle disc. Single piston
TiresMT90-B16 / 150/80-B16 100/90-19 / 150/80-16

Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-Eight vs Harley-Davidson XL 1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-Eight and the Harley-Davidson XL 1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-Eight brings its published horsepower in a 247 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL 1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster counters with its own power figure at 251 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: