Harley-Davidson XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster 2020 — Specifications

Can a Harley really forget that it's a Harley? That's the question posed by this XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster, a machine that attempts to slip into the skin of a modern café-racer. Milwaukee has clearly decided to tackle the street with a bit more bite, drawing on its own folklore, that of the old KHRs that traced across dirt circuits. The result is a streamlined, almost austere Sportster, which displays a temperament quite different from its custom sisters.

The approach is clear: lighten, harden, sharpen. At 259 kg when fully fueled, it's not a featherweight, but its appearance belies that. The truncated rear fender, the specific rims, and especially this 43 mm inverted fork give it an aggressive stance. The low handlebar and rear-set footpegs install you in an engaged position, ready to attack corners. It's a Harley that dares to show its joints, and that's refreshing. For those looking for a used Harley-Davidson XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster, this 2016 to 2019 model is immediately distinguished by this muscular front end, even if the braking, with its two-piston calipers, remains a typically Harley point, effective but lacking the sharp bite of a Japanese bike.

The heart beats with the traditional 1202 cm3 Evolution twin cylinder. It delivers 96 Nm of torque, a healthy value that pushes the bike with that characteristic rasp, even if the 67 horsepower reminds you that the priority lies elsewhere than in the pursuit of revs. The five-speed gearbox and belt drive do the job with robustness. On the road, the chassis reveals its intentions. The rake and trail are worked for agility, and the suspension, with 112 mm of travel at the front, allows you to play with the tarmac. It's far from the pachydermic comfort of a Softail, it's more direct, more raw. The announced lean angle of 31 degrees is a real progress for the brand, even if a Japanese sportbike rider would smile kindly.

So, who rides this roadster? For the urban adventurer who wants the raw style of Milwaukee without the chrome and relaxed feel. For those who find the classic Sportsters too tame and the Dynas too heavy. It's a Harley that is ridden more than it is paraded. Its 12.5-liter tank and firm seat make it a companion for short to medium distances, ideal for energizing your daily commute or weekend sporting rides. Compared to a Triumph Street Twin or a Ducati Scrambler, it is less powerful and technically more rudimentary, but it offers a unique sensory experience, made of vibrations and a meaty torque.

Ultimately, the Harley-Davidson XL 1200 CX Sportster Roadster 2019 and its predecessors since 2016 are courageous propositions. They do not deny their origins but twist them in a more dynamic direction. It's not the ultimate sportbike, but it's probably the most consistent Sportster for those who want a little adrenaline in their twin. A flying saucer in the range, which has found its audience among riders seeking authentic character without completely abandoning the game.