Harley-Davidson XL SPORTSTER 1200 CUSTOM CB 2016 — Specifications

Can a Harley-Davidson still surprise in 2016, especially when bearing the familiar name of Sportster? One might think that this lineage, firmly rooted in the motorcycle landscape, has no secrets left. Yet, the XL Sportster 1200 Custom CB of this year demonstrates that the smallest detail can transform the essence of a machine. Beneath its basic appearance common to the 1200 Custom family, it delivers a stylistic jab that radically changes its character.

The transformation is first and foremost a question of attitude. The CB abandons flashy chrome for a Black Denim outfit, a deep matte black that dresses the spoked wheels, engine cases, and bodywork. It’s not a total black-out; a few shiny parts break up the whole to avoid monotony, but the message is clear: here, we cultivate shadow rather than light. The most significant change, however, lies in its mini Ape-Hanger handlebar. This higher-mounted piece immediately redraws the rider's posture and the motorcycle's balance. Moving from a CA model to the CB is not a simple cosmetic variation; it's almost like changing machines.

Technically, it remains faithful to the Sportster DNA. The 45° V-twin engine of 1202 cc delivers its 75 horsepower and robust torque of 96 Nm with the same frankness, a power that doesn't dazzle with figures but impresses with its presence and progression. With an announced weight of 268 kg fully fueled and a seat height of 725 mm, it retains this accessibility that has made the Sportster a success, even if the high handlebar can complicate maneuvers for the less experienced. The five-speed gearbox and belt drive ensure typical operation, without frills. We would have liked to see improvements in braking, which remains modest with its two discs and two-piston calipers, or in the suspension, rather basic for this size. But Harley-Davidson is playing on a different register here: emotion and style.

Compared to its competitors in the middleweight custom segment, such as certain Japanese or European models, the 1200 Custom CB does not seek pure performance. Its top speed of around 175 km/h and its power figures place it at a disadvantage on paper. But it offers something that few can imitate: that feeling of a living engine, that iconic silhouette, and now, with the CB, that option of immediate and radical personalization. It speaks directly to those who want an authentic Harley, without the extravagances of the larger models, but with a dose of personal affirmation. The novice rider might be intimidated by the high handlebar and the weight, but the seasoned touring rider familiar with American motorcycles will find a consistent proposition here, at €12,290.

Ultimately, this Sportster 1200 Custom CB is a statement. It proves that with a different handlebar and dark paint, a familiar platform can metamorphose. It doesn't revolutionize the technology, it doesn't break records, but it reminds us that sometimes, in motorcycling, the essential is not in the technical specifications, but in the feeling you experience when you settle onto it. For those seeking a custom with a strong temperament and a deliberately dark look, it represents a credible and charismatic option within the Harley-Davidson galaxy.