Harley-Davidson XR1200X vs Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low (2012)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XR1200Xstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XR1200XHarley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low
Model year20122011
Price$11,799$9,899
Engine1201 cc1201 cc
Torque100 Nm107 Nm
Weight250 kg253 kg
Seat height29 mm26 mm
Fuel capacity3.5 L4.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. Dual-pistonSingle disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Dual-piston.
Rear brakesSingle disc. Single-pistonSingle disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Single-piston.
Tires120/70-ZR18 / 180/55-ZR17 100/90-19 / 150/80-16

Harley-Davidson XR1200X vs Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XR1200X and the Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XR1200X brings its published horsepower in a 250 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low counters with its own power figure at 253 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low 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: