Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow 1200T 2015 — Specifications

Can a Sportster really take you on a journey? The question, almost heretical in the world of oversized baggers, finds a concrete answer with the Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow 1200T. This model, particularly in its 2018 or 2020 iterations, attempts a bold gamble: to graft the soul of an accessible roadster onto a base with touring pretensions. And the result is a motorcycle with a personality far more complex than it appears.

Beneath its classic custom appearance, it hides a resolutely pragmatic approach. The secret lies in its SuperLow chassis, with a seat only 70.2 cm from the ground that instills immediate confidence, even for smaller builds or novices. You get on it like a bicycle. But don't be fooled, this is not a soft motorcycle. The 1202 cm³ Evolution V-twin engine delivers 67 horsepower and, above all, 96 Nm of torque available from low RPM. The beast is alive, reactive, and its large rumble at 3750 RPM gives a feeling of healthy propulsion, much more playful than the 883. It doesn’t have the excess of the big twins, but it devours national roads with a surprising appetite. Its announced weight of 272 kg fully fueled remains within manageable limits, far from the 300 kg monster of a Switchback.

So, touring or not? The original equipment speaks for itself: a removable windscreen and two lockable rigid saddlebags are standard. That’s serious. The braking, with its 300 mm disc at the front and ABS, inspires confidence. The five-speed gearbox and belt drive ensure reliability and simplified maintenance. But let's be clear, this is not a machine for endless highways. The 17-liter tank and handling, although correct, have their limits compared to a Road King. This is its entire genius and its target audience: the rider who wants a versatile Harley-Davidson, capable of dynamic rides on the weekend and light trips, without breaking the bank. At nearly 12,400 euros at its launch, it offered a much more affordable entry into the Milwaukee touring world.

The test of the Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow 1200T therefore reveals a motorcycle of compromise, but an intelligent compromise. It will never replace a bagger for a transcontinental road trip, but it offers something unique: the Harley style and feel, with the agility and accessibility of a Sportster. For those seeking adventure without the superfluous kilos and the pharaonic budget, this technical specification makes perfect sense. It’s an invitation to the road, on your own terms, and that’s precisely what makes its charm.