Harley-Davidson XL1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster vs Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low (2008)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL1200R Sportster 1200 Roadsterstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Harley-Davidson XL1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster
Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low
Spec comparison
| Spec | Harley-Davidson XL1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster | Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2008 | 2007 |
| Price | $8,895 | $9,495 |
| Engine | 1200 cc | 1200 cc |
| Torque | 107 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Weight | 256 kg | 253 kg |
| Seat height | 30 mm | 28 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 L | 4.5 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Single disc. 4-piston calipers | Single disc. Dual-piston |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. 2-piston calipers | Single disc. Single-piston |
| Tires | 100/90-H19 / 150/80-B16 | 100/90-H19 / 150/80-B16 |
Harley-Davidson XL1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster vs Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low — which should you buy?
Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster and the Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster brings its published horsepower in a 256 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL1200L Sportster Low counters with its own power figure at 253 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson XL1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster 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: