Harley-Davidson XL 1200 T Superlow 2014 — Specifications

You hear "Harley" and "grand tour," and you immediately think of the chromed behemoths of the Touring range. But Milwaukee sometimes has more subtle ideas for seducing those who don't yet have a heavy vehicle license. In 2014, the XL 1200 T Superlow makes exactly this proposition: a Sportster dressed for adventure, an accessible touring bike that whispers the name of the road rather than shouting it. It’s a seductive idea, halfway between the purity of a custom and the comfort of a touring bike, all for a much gentler entry ticket.

The gamble rests on a known and appreciated foundation: the Sportster Superlow chassis, with its seat cut flush to the road, only 702 mm from the ground. This accessibility is a major asset for smaller builds or beginners drawn to the legend. But here, a 1202 cm³ engine has been grafted on, much more charismatic and robust than the 883 of the entry-level range. With 67 horsepower and 96 Nm of torque available early in the rev range, it offers constant availability, perfect for long straight roads or stress-free overtaking. It's far from the explosion of a large twin, certainly, but the engine has a responsive feel and its signature rumble remains an essential element of the journey. When stopped, its 272 kg, fully fueled, are forgotten, a contained weight that radically distinguishes it from heavy touring bikes.

So, is it a true touring motorcycle? It bears the attributes: a removable windscreen worthy of the name and a pair of rigid saddlebags that immediately give it a serious look. The equipment is modern for the time, with ABS standard and keyless start. But you have to keep a cool head. The rather basic suspension and the 17-liter tank are a reminder that this is a custom base adapted. It’s a motorcycle for reasonable stages, road trips where travel takes precedence over pure performance, ideal for discovering the great outdoors without breaking the bank or getting tired.

Facing a competitor like the Triumph Bonneville T100 equipped with saddlebags, the **Harley Davidson XL 1200 T Superlow 2015** clearly plays the card of identity and accessibility. Its audience? The customizer who wants to see beyond the corner café, the beginner touring rider intimidated by the masses of the large American bikes, or simply a fan of Milwaukee aesthetics eager to bring a little adventure into their garage. At nearly 12,300 euros new, it offered a unique entry point into American touring, imperfect but full of character, an invitation to hit the road with the brand's codes, but without all its excesses.