Motorcycle specifications Harley-DavidsonXL 1200 CX SPORTSTER ROADSTER 2016 Uncluttered to the extreme, connected to sport

This time, Harley is convinced that the fight is here, now, on the street, and that it's time to reopen the performance chapter. The 1200 Sportster becomes a mean, sporty roadster. This new version of the XL 1200 no longer accepts any compromises, and takes on a café-racer feel. Echoes of the famous KHR resonate between the steel frame tubes. Make way between the sidewalks, the 1200 CX wants to make them vibrate.

it's well known, and Colin Chapman has always defended it: weight is the enemy - "Light is right". That's why Harley has stripped this roadster down to its bare essentials(editor's note: I've lost count of the number of H-D machines that claim to be extremely lean...). With a truncated rear mudguard, specific rims where the words "lightness" and "design" dictate the function, and no artifice to disturb the ride, the XL 1200 CX reclaims the DNA of the machines that competed on the racetrack in the 50s. Its low-slung handlebars would almost have you believe that the rider will be grabbing wristbands to engage in urban riding. But it's the front end that really stands out: a deep 43 mm inverted fork threatens the road. Strong, almost athletic, but tempered. The 1200 Roadster has never heard of radial brake calipers, monoblocs or trapper braking. It will make do with two 300 mm tracks with two-piston shoes.

mounted in front of the rider, a minimalist instrument console displays the twin's tempo with a single needle. Speed is displayed in a digital window. The nicely padded seat may give the impression of comfort, but the riding position, which favors leaning on the tank, brings you back to the sporty chapter. The bike's steering geometry, choice of tires, appearance and, above all, suspension are all geared in this direction. The fork is triple-adjustable, while the side emulsion shock absorbers offer 3 levels of preload. Unlike other Sportsters, the 1200 Roadster offers more travel: 112.5 mm at the front and 80 mm at the rear.
Interesting, but still light years away from the damping you'd expect from a Japanese or European bike.

a Sportster is only conceivable with an air motor, dry and full in the mouth. The 1200 Evolution provides the cavalry, with approximately 10 mkg of torque available at 4,250 rpm. A hair more than the 48, but obtained at higher revs. While this machine certainly wants to show off its muscles, it is by no means the descendant of the XR 1200 X, far more powerful and fuelled by the Buell/dirt-track cocktail.
Once the Sportster Roadster is on the road, the rider has up to 31.1° of steering angle at his disposal. A few racing-inspired details complete the picture (the belt housing and muffler protectors reveal lightening holes comparable to the components fitted to racing motorcycles). For thrill-seekers, this Sportster 1200 Roadster is one of the Milwaukee-based manufacturer's sportiest machines.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos