Harley-Davidson XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster 2017 — Specifications

Harley-Davidson is no longer simply the brand of relaxed long rides and bearded bikers. With the XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster, it enters an urban battle, a true reconquest of the street. This 2017 version of the Sportster no longer hides its ambitions: it wants to be mean, sporty, and claims a café-racer past that vibrates in every line of its steel double cradle frame.

The approach is radical. To compete in the performance arena, Harley applied the philosophy of extreme stripping down. The result is a machine that displays a dry weight of 250 kg, a figure that speaks to connoisseurs. The rear fender is truncated, the rims are specific, and no superfluous embellishments come to weigh down the spirit. The low handlebar and the seat at 785 mm in height place the rider in an engaged, almost aggressive posture, ideal for urban confrontations. But the real sign of its change of mindset is its inverted 43 mm telescopic fork, equipment that, on a Harley, says a lot about its intentions.

The mechanics, that famous 1202 cc V-twin Evolution engine, is here the heart of the proposition. It develops 67 horsepower and a torque of 96.1 Nm at 4000 rpm. These figures, compared to those of a Sportster 48 for example, show a desire to deliver power higher in the rev range, for a more lively ride. It’s not the absolute brute of an XR1200X, but it’s an engine that has been reworked for the roadster context. Belt drive and a five-speed gearbox complete a package that is intended to be responsive.

In terms of practicality, the Roadster shows its limits. The 12.5-liter tank recalls that this motorcycle is made for short, intense exploits, not for long crossings. Its suspension, with 112.5 mm of travel at the front and 80 mm at the rear, is a notable improvement for the Sportster range, but it remains far from the sophistication and comfort offered by contemporary European or Japanese roadsters. The braking, with its two 300 mm front discs and one 260 mm rear disc, is effective without being revolutionary.

The target audience for this Harley-Davidson XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster is clear: the urban biker looking for an alternative with character, a machine that offers the signature attitude and sound of the brand, but with a new dose of liveliness. It is not suitable for beginners, as its power and behavior require a certain level of mastery. For those considering an opportunity, such as a Harley-Davidson XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster 2016 or 2018, it represents an interesting option within the range, more oriented towards immediate pleasure than towards tradition.

In conclusion, this Roadster is a statement. It proves that Harley-Davidson can produce a motorcycle that not only makes noise, but also wants to move forward with a certain urgency. Its price of 12,850 euros in 2017 positioned it as a premium option in its category. It is not the most versatile, nor the most comfortable, but for those who want a Harley with a defined street temperament, the XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster remains a unique and historically rich proposition.