Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low vs Harley-Davidson XR1200X (2012)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Lowstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XR1200X. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 LowHarley-Davidson XR1200X
Model year20112012
Price$9,899$11,799
Engine1201 cc1201 cc
Torque107 Nm100 Nm
Weight253 kg250 kg
Seat height26 mm29 mm
Fuel capacity4.5 L3.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Dual-piston.Single disc. Dual-piston
Rear brakesSingle disc. Patented, uniform expansion rotors. Single-piston.Single disc. Single-piston
Tires100/90-19 / 150/80-16 120/70-ZR18 / 180/55-ZR17

Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low vs Harley-Davidson XR1200X — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low and the Harley-Davidson XR1200X usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low brings its published horsepower in a 253 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XR1200X counters with its own power figure at 250 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low 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: