Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-Eight vs Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low (2010)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-Eightstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-EightHarley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low
Model year20102007
Price$10,499$9,495
Engine1200 cc1200 cc
Torque107 Nm107 Nm
Weight247 kg253 kg
Seat height27 mm28 mm
Fuel capacity2.1 L4.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. Dual PistonSingle disc. Dual-piston
Rear brakesSingle disc. Single pistonSingle disc. Single-piston
TiresMT90-B16 / 150/80-B16 100/90-H19 / 150/80-B16

Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-Eight vs Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-Eight and the Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Sportster Forty-Eight brings its published horsepower in a 247 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low counters with its own power figure at 253 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster 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: