Harley-Davidson XL SPORTSTER 1200 CUSTOM CA 2013 — Specifications

Who said a Harley-Davidson, especially a Sportster, had to settle for a classic look frozen in time? In 2013, the Milwaukee firm shook up the limited-options game with this XL 1200 Custom CA, a machine that balances an aggressive drag bar style with a foundation of pure tradition. It's not a technical revolution, but rather a bold brushstroke on a familiar canvas, intended for those who want a customized motorcycle without going through a workshop.

Beneath its Candy Orange and Beer Bottle paintwork, which evokes more of a Californian custom shop than a standard showroom, beats the unchanged heart of the famous Evolution II twin of 1202 cm³. With 75 horsepower and, above all, 98 Nm of torque available from 3200 rpm, it doesn't seek the sharp top-end of a Japanese engine. Its strength is this massive, sonorous low- and mid-range thrust, this sensation of elastic propulsion that characterizes Harley V-twins. The five-speed gearbox, precise but sometimes a little rough, and the silent belt drive complete a mechanical package designed for relaxed rides, not apex hunting.

And that’s precisely where this special edition finds its audience. With its low drag bar handlebars, repositioned controls, and polished five-spoke wheels, it adopts a more engaged, almost café racer posture, while retaining a low 71 cm seat height. Braking, with a single disc at the front, is sufficient for the pace it imposes, but it’s far from the bite of a modern sportbike. At 260 kg fully fueled, it remains a substantial motorcycle, imposing a rather physical riding style in tight corners, where its simple suspension proves limited.

Compared to a competitor like the Indian Scout of the time, which is more agile and technically advanced, or even a more affordable Yamaha Bolt, this Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom CA 2013 relies entirely on emotion and status. Its price, around 11,000 euros new, is explained by its finish and the character of an exclusive object. It’s a machine for the stylish urbanite or the Sunday traveler who prioritizes attitude and a deep rumble over pure performance. A cruiser that embraces its aristocratic laziness while sporting a bad-boy look, a striking blend that still makes this 2013 edition a sought-after model for fans of the brand.