Harley-Davidson XR1200X vs Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster (2012)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XR1200Xstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XR1200XHarley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster
Model year20122012
Price$11,799$9,999
Engine1201 cc1201 cc
Torque100 Nm107 Nm
Weight250 kg247 kg
Seat height29 mm26 mm
Fuel capacity3.5 L3.3 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. Dual-pistonSingle disc. Dual-piston
Rear brakesSingle disc. Single-pistonSingle disc. Single-piston
Tires120/70-ZR18 / 180/55-ZR17 100/90-B19 / 150/80-B16

Harley-Davidson XR1200X vs Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XR1200X and the Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster 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 XL1200N Nightster counters with its own power figure at 247 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster 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: