BMW R 12 vs Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom (2024)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the BMW R 12stacks 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 | Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2024 | 2007 |
| Price | — | $9,695 |
| Engine | 1170 cc | 1200 cc |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Weight | — | 255 kg |
| Seat height | 30 mm | 28 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 L | 4.5 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Double disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. | Single disc. Dual-piston |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS. Floating calipers. Two-piston. | Single disc. Single-piston |
| Tires | 100/90-R19 / 150/80-R16 | 100/90-H19 / 150/80-B16 |
BMW R 12 vs Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom — which should you buy?
Picking between the BMW R 12 and the Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the BMW R 12 brings its published horsepower, while the Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom counters with its own power figure at 255 kg.
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: