Harley-Davidson Roadster 2020 — Specifications

This time, Harley is convinced that the battle is being fought here, now, on the street, and that it’s time to reopen the chapter of performance. The 1200 Sportster becomes Roadster, mean, sporty. This iteration of the XL 1200 accepts no compromises and has café-racer aspirations. Echoes of the famous KHR resonate within the steel frame tubes from its past. Make way for the sidewalks, the 1200 CX wants to make them vibrate.

It’s well known, and Colin Chapman always defended it: the enemy is weight - "Light is right." Harley has therefore stripped down this roadster as much as possible, retaining only the essentials (ndlr: I’m no longer counting the number of H-D machines that claim extreme stripping...). With a truncated rear fender, specific rims where lightness and design dictated function, and no embellishments to disturb the ride, the XL 1200 CX claims the DNA of machines that raced on circuits in the 50s. Its low-slung handlebar almost makes you believe that the rider will grasp bracelets to launch into urban riding. But it’s its front end that is most striking: a deep 43 mm inverted fork threatens the road. Strong, almost athletic, but let's temper that. The 1200 Roadster has never heard of radial, monoblock brake calipers or performance braking. It will settle for two 300 mm tracks with two-piston calipers.

Mounted in front of the rider, a minimalist dashboard informs with a single needle the tempo of the twin. Speed display is done in a digital window. The beautiful padded seat can suggest a nice dose of comfort but the riding position favoring tank support will bring you back to the sporty chapter. The steering geometry of this motorcycle, its choice of tires, its appearance, and especially its suspension will go in this direction. The fork is triple adjustable, while the emulsion lateral shock absorbers allow 3 levels of preload. Unlike other Sportsters, the 1200 Roadster offers more travel: 112.5 mm at the front and 80 mm at the rear. Interesting, but still light-years away from Japanese or slightly virulent European damping.

A Sportster is only conceived with an air-cooled engine, dry and full-bodied. The 1200 Evolution takes care of the cavalry, with almost 10 mkg of torque available at 4,000 rpm. A little more than on the 48 but obtained higher in the rev range. If this machine certainly wants to show its muscles, it is in no way the descendant of the XR 1200 X, which is much more powerful and shot with a Buell/dirt-track cocktail. Once the mechanics and the Sportster Roadster are launched on the roads, the rider will have up to 31.1° of lean angle at his disposal. A few racing-inspired details finish immersing you in the atmosphere (The belt cover and muffler protectors reveal lightening holes comparable to the components mounted on racing bikes). For sensations enthusiasts, this Sportster 1200 Roadster asserts itself as one of the most sporty machines from the Milwaukee manufacturer.

M.B - Photos constructeur