Harley-Davidson XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster 2019 — Specifications

Has the Sportster finally decided to grow up and play the tough guy? With this XL 1200 CX Roadster, Harley-Davidson seems to want to turn the page on flashy chrome to write a more spirited chapter, directly inspired by urban asphalt. This is far from a soft custom for beginners; this machine displays a character that cuts through the wind. Its 1202 cm3 Evolution engine delivers a torque of 96 Nm from 4000 rpm, a figure that places this Roadster in a category of its own for Milwaukee, more aggressive than a 48 but without reaching the madness of an XR 1200 X. The power of 67 horsepower may seem modest on paper, but it is in its attitude that it finds its true meaning.

The first contact is a visual shock. The shaved rear fender, the low handlebars, and this imposing 43 mm inverted fork send an unequivocal message: here, we are talking about sportiness. The announced weight of 259 kg fully fueled remains considerable, but the riding position, leaning forward, immediately engages the rider in a more physical relationship. The 785 mm high seat offers a good compromise for the city, but don't be fooled, comfort is sacrificed on the altar of café-racer style. The 12.5-liter tank, for its part, recalls the limits of the segment, especially if you are considering looking for a used Harley-Davidson XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster for long journeys.

On the road, the character is confirmed. The five-speed gearbox is precise, the belt drive is silent, and the steel frame offers a rigidity that is surprising for a model from this lineage. The lean angles, announced at 31 degrees, allow you to really have fun in curves without scraping the tarmac at the slightest inclination. The suspensions, with 112 mm of travel at the front and 80 mm at the rear, are adjustable, but remain below what Japanese or European competitors offer in terms of refinement. It is clearly a weak point if you are looking for a machine for the track. The braking, with its two 300 mm front discs, is honest but lacks bite and progressiveness, a known weakness of the Sportster.

Who is the rider of this Roadster? Certainly not a novice, nor a touring rider seeking comfort. It is the urban adventurer, the one who wants an unmistakable presence and raw sensations, without embarking on the pursuit of pure performance. At a new price exceeding 13,000 euros, the financial argument weighs heavily. That is why the used market, with models like the Harley-Davidson XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster 2019 or even the Harley-Davidson XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster 2016, becomes very attractive to access this experience. It represents the most radical and engaging proposition of the Sportster range at the time.

This machine is a paradox on wheels. It embodies Harley-Davidson's desire to appeal to a younger audience seeking dynamism, without denying its characteristic sound and mechanical DNA. It will not beat a Street Triple or a Monster in agility, but it offers something unique: the style and attitude of an American café-racer, with the characteristic torque that makes enthusiasts of the brand swoon. For those who accept its compromises, it remains one of the most charismatic and fun Sportster to ride in the city.