Harley-Davidson XL SPORTSTER 1200 CUSTOM CA 2014 — Specifications

So, does one still need to discuss the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom CA in 2014? One might believe that this machine is a dinosaur frozen in its own traditions. But that’s precisely where the issue lies, or rather, where it finds its charm. This motorcycle, with its 45° V-twin engine of 1202 cc, is not here to revolutionize the world. It is here to dominate it with an attitude, a physical presence that few competitors can match. With 75 horsepower delivered at 6000 rpm, and especially a torque of 96 Nm available from 3750 rpm, it speaks with a deep and authoritative voice. It doesn’t race, it advances with quiet confidence, as if the top speed of 175 km/h were a mere formality it cares little about.

Its weight of 265 kg fully fueled might make a track rider grimace, but on this machine, it becomes an element of stability. This mass, combined with a seat height of 710 mm, offers a low and anchored riding position, typical of the cruiser style. The Drag-Bar handlebar and repositioned controls sculpt a slightly aggressive posture, an invitation to dominate the road rather than to brush against it. The polished five-spoke rims and the new Amber Whiskey / Vivid Black paint scheme are the elements of a well-tailored suit. It’s an aesthetic that doesn’t go unnoticed, a style more assertive than on previous editions like the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom CA 2013 or the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom CA 2013. The engine itself, with this black-coated Evolution II engine, plays a role in this visual spectacle.

But beneath this facade, concrete improvements have been made. The most notable is the adoption of standard ABS, a welcome evolution on a machine of this size. They also enlarged the front disc to 300 mm and revised the caliper and master cylinder. We won’t talk about sporty braking, but about a system that is finally up to the task, safer and more consistent than that of the previous generation. Belt drive remains silent and maintenance-free, faithful to the spirit of simplicity intended. The 17-liter fuel tank is acceptable for stress-free rides, but one won’t embark on a long tour with this machine. It is made for local outings, encounters, to be seen and to vibrate the pavement with the characteristic sound of its V-Twin.

Compared to an Indian Scout or certain Honda Shadows, the Sportster 1200 Custom CA 2014 defends itself with its pedigree and indelible image. Its price of 12,090 euros is an investment in a piece of American culture, not just in a motorcycle. It is not suitable for a beginner seeking ease, nor for a demanding touring rider. Its audience is that of riders who seek experience more than performance, who value character and the raw sensation provided by a large engine at low rpm. It is a machine for those who accept its limitations, its weight, its old-school dynamics, to fully embrace what it offers: a monumental presence and a simple, direct, almost primitive satisfaction. In 2014, with these subtle technical improvements, it remains a credible option in the cruiser world, a bastion of Harley style that continues to seduce, year after year, as will be seen again on the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom CA 2015.