Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow 1200T 2017 — Specifications

Do you dream of motorcycle trips but the price of a Harley-Davidson Touring makes you sweat? The brand may have found a solution with this Sportster Superlow 1200T. Imagine a Sportster base, accessible and lightweight, onto which a windscreen and saddlebags are grafted. The result is a unique machine, targeting a specific audience: those who want to discover adventure on two wheels without breaking the bank or being burdened by a behemoth.

Technically, it borrows the chassis from the Superlow 883, known for its seat just 705 mm from the ground, a boon for smaller riders or beginners. But here, the engine expands to 1202 cm³, delivering 68 horsepower and 96 Nm of torque. This is a significant gain compared to the 883, especially for towing some luggage. The weight remains controlled at 274 kg fully fueled, far from the Road King models which flirt with 400 kg. The 39 mm fork and lateral shock absorbers are adjustable, a serious asset to adapt the motorcycle to your load. The brakes, a 300 mm disc at the front and a 260 mm disc at the rear, are sufficient for this machine that does not aim for brutal performance.

The positioning of this Harley-Davidson Sportster Superlow 1200T is clear: it is a gateway to the Milwaukee touring world. With its 17-liter tank and a price of 12,790 euros, it positions itself as an economical alternative to the larger models in the range. It suits those who want autonomy and carrying capacity without the imposing format of an Electra Glide. The supplied saddlebags and removable windscreen make it a practical tool, even if the aesthetics remain very Sportster, with this mix of classicism and minimalism.

Compared to a Road King, it is much more agile and lively, benefiting from the character of the Evolution engine. But it sacrifices monumental comfort, acoustic fullness, and the road presence of true touring models. It is a compromise, a transitional motorcycle for those who aspire to long journeys but are not yet ready for the physical and financial enormity of a flagship. Its strengths are its accessibility, its weight, and its price. Its limitations are its relative comfort, its modest tank, and the absence of options such as a radio or traction control.

Ultimately, this machine fills a niche. It speaks to the novice globetrotter, the urban adventurer who wants to escape without complexity, or even the track enthusiast looking for a lightweight base for weekend getaways. It is not the most comfortable, nor the most powerful, nor the most typical Harley. But it is probably the smartest to take the step towards touring without getting lost. A Harley-Davidson Sportster Superlow 1200T test ride could well convince you that adventure is within reach, and within budget.