Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom vs Harley-Davidson Sportster S (1200)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Customstacks up against the Harley-Davidson Sportster S. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom | Harley-Davidson Sportster S |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2007 | 2026 |
| Price | $9,695 | $16,500 |
| Engine | 1200 cc | 1250 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 121 hp |
| Torque | 107 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Weight | 255 kg | 228 kg |
| Seat height | 28 mm | 753 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 L | 11.8 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 6-speed manual |
| Front brakes | Single disc. Dual-piston | Dual 320mm discs |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Single-piston | Single 260mm disc |
| Tires | 100/90-H19 / 150/80-B16 | 160/70-17 front, 180/70-16 rear |
Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom vs Harley-Davidson Sportster S — which should you buy?
Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom and the Harley-Davidson Sportster S usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom brings its published horsepower in a 255 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson Sportster S counters with 121 hp at 228 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom has the lower MSRP.
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: