BMW R 12 Base vs Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom (2026)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R 12 Basestacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | BMW R 12 Base | Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2026 | 2007 |
| Price | $13,145 | $9,695 |
| Engine | 1170 cc | 1200 cc |
| Torque | — | 107 Nm |
| Weight | 226 kg | 255 kg |
| Seat height | 754 mm | 28 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14.0 L | 4.5 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | Manual, 6 speed, Shaft | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Dual Hydraulic Disc | Single disc. Dual-piston |
| Rear brakes | Hydraulic Disc | Single disc. Single-piston |
| Tires | 100/90 R19 / 150/80 R16 | 100/90-H19 / 150/80-B16 |
BMW R 12 Base vs Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R 12 Base and the Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R 12 Base brings its published horsepower in a 226 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom counters with its own power figure at 255 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom has the lower MSRP.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: