Motorcycle specifications Harley-DavidsonXLH Sportster 1200 1998 Muscle for the Sportster

presentation of the XLH Sportster 1200 1998

in '98, the Sportster 1200 benefited from engine upgrades that gave it a new lease of life. New cylinder heads and camshafts, bigger carburetors, and the American twin is more torquey and generous in the mid-range. This evolution gives it more tone, and more zest for city riding, where revs are frequently low.

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The brakes have also been reworked, offering everything you'd expect from this type of custom-sport. Detractors can continue to claim that a Harley-Davidson doesn't have brakes; all they'd have to do is try the Sportster, and they'd have no arguments left. Showing off and getting into the Harley spirit requires certain sacrifices. First of all, don't expect to make a big trip to show it off to your buddies 500 miles away. Autonomy is derisory, and there's no question of chasing the TGV. The twin (rigidly mounted in the frame until 2004) gives off its vibrations without restraint. As a result, there's little incentive to go over the limit on freeways. In any case, it's not designed to be dragged along. You won't be too tempted to go off-roading either, as the machine welcomes you in a relaxed, comfortable position. So enjoy the essentials: its big, lively twin and timeless look.

M.B
(inspired by Moto-journal - manufacturer's photos)

Published on 10/12/20
by Greg

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Key facts Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster 1200 (1998) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

• Driving force
• Finition
• homogeneity
• homogeneity

Weak points

• freinage av perfectible
• Day-to-day practicalities
• ground clearance

Prices

	Basic version
France	11,480€

Bikers' reviews

of 18 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Replaced by

XLH Sportster 1200 1999

Performance

• Max speed : 170 km/h (105.60 mph) on the odometer
• Average fuel consumption : 6.10 liters/100km (0.39 mpg)
• Estimated range : 216 km (134 miles)
  Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.

Competitors

Honda VT 1100 C2 Shadow 1998

Buell M2 1200 Cyclone 1998

Ducati 750 MONSTER 1998

Suzuki VZ 800 MARAUDER 1998

Find others Naked of 1998

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 18 reviews

La meilleure

Sami Model 2000

My '99 Sportster 1200 S is a bit modified, and on my way back from the 24 h of Le Mans I followed the Germans on a 190-meter Japanese motorcycle for a good half-hour! Who'd have thought it? This proves that this bike can deliver good performance and doesn't protect license points. It's true that at high speeds, you tire quickly on the handlebars, but no more than with any other roadster, I suppose. Apart from that, all the mocking buddies who tried it out were blown away by the torque and acceleration. It's a really good bike for me. 01/20/2021 12:23 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Sami

Bob Model 1998

I brought this bike from the States and did what it took to get it homologated in France. It's super-strong, pretty (red) and not overkill for a 1998 bike. 06/17/2019 15:54 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Bob

Xlh 1997

Denis9 Model 1998

Hello..I'm thinking of buying a 1200 xlh sportster..but apparently it's only been around since 1998? so the seller's mistake...? 12/29/2017 18:28 Rating : 2/5 Respond to Denis9

GIORJO Model 2003

we buy a harley for a noise, especially a real one with a carburetor. the idea is to make a noise on a harley like the rhythm of your heart. let's not try to compare it with a motorcycle. the harley is a harley. 11/16/2015 19:18 Rating : 5/5 Respond to GIORJO

nombre de modeles

cornez Model 2002

i bought a sportser 1200 s limited edition in 2002 i would like to know how many of these models were released thank you 10/14/2014 15:02 Rating : 5/5 Respond to cornez

Comparé a la miene

jeffski07 Model 1998

My 1993 Sports has exceeded 130,000 km. Original mechanics. A 13l fuel tank and brakes (front floating disc calipers and front and rear pads), the styling, height (Ou**ns rear suspension) and driving position have been modified in-house.
Who's to say you can't do 500 km (or more) in a day? Dac j\'ai 40 ans de moto, ca veut dire que mon dos et mon c** ont plus de 50.
Coté "tous les jours" 4.5l/100 et son gabarit de 250, vous voyez! It doesn't take kindly to the cold, and heats up well below 5° (hydraulic pushers are a must).
After 20 years of loyal service, it's NOT for sale! 08/23/2014 17:08 Rating : 4/5 Respond to jeffski07

Lud Model 1998

@bob: for handling, think that all this changes on a HD

@bmaju: why rigid mounting???? simply because a rigid-mounted engine completely changes the soul of your machine

@milKman: une HD c une moto d'homme pas un supo japi, donc si c fatiguant....

@Cow-boy: an HD is for a single rider, otherwise you'd be buying a minivan

Personally, 60,000 km behind the wheel of my 98 XLS 1200, a bit over-vitaminized, and I'm happy, I still want more and more. It's a bit of a pain in the ass, but with an average range of 200KM, that leaves plenty of time to put on cream when you fill up. LOL 03/30/2010 11:38 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Lud

Matt Model 1998

Wow!
I've just tested a 2004 1200 Sportster with a rigid mount for a full tank

- "WoooW! "too good, I'm asking for more

No more Sayakuza Sapetoku, which are nothing more than coffee grinders

So I'm saving up for a Nightster & my buddy who lent it to me is going for a Crossbone

That's motorcycle virginity !!!!!
05/22/2009 08:38 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Matt

Bill Model 1998

The Roadster 1200 HD is a Superbike, after having had a 1340 nostalgia of 1993 my 1200 Sportster of 2006, CARBU I specify, gets me as much sensation even having passed to the floor below ! Moto Géniale : l'essayer.....c'est l'adopter...Mais pour ma part de préférence à Carbu... 12/17/2008 17:44 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Bill

Bob Du Ger Model 1998

So far, I've found in this bike everything I'm looking for in a two-wheeler: soul
What's more, a Harley can be modelled to your heart's content
I love the sound (Vance&Hines), the acceleration and the vibrations
On the negative side, the handling is catastrophic, but that gives it even more character
Don't try a Harley, it's a trap! 02/01/2006 19:05 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Bob Du Ger

paulo Model 1998

hi cow boy
if you don't like the sports, don't buy one. or at least try it before you give in
pre-2004 models were rigidly mounted in the frame, so of course big vibrations
2004 and later models no longer suffer from Parkinson's law
nevertheless, it's sublime (in my opinion, one of the most beautiful ever)
and yet I don't own one
so no sectarianism, all bikes are great if they're reliable, then it's up to each person to choose according to their tastes
what's important is the movie you're making for yourself
with such a nickname, an hd should be fine, or maybe a buell
then you'll have the look of a sports bike but also that of a monster roadster
belles balades
a+ 12/15/2005 21:28 Rating : 5/5 Respond to paulo

The cat Model 1998

I've just bought a 1200 Sportster in sport version (it also exists in custom). It's really great! It vibrates a bit, but not much more than a big trail bike since the soft ride (I have a 2005). At the first overhaul, the mechanic can free up the pots a little for the mythical sound and a few horses. As soon as you turn the handle, it's a pleasure... Handling is good enough for the speeds allowed by the style of bike... It's the bike I've always dreamed of! Good for morale and license points... for heavy riders, it's possible to add a windshield, sissy bar and more... Try it, it's a new dimension! 08/27/2005 19:41 Rating : 5/5 Respond to The cat

bmaju Model 1998

Why talk about "rigid" engine mounting!!! ... when since 2004 this is no longer the case
Thank you for updating your analysis
Sincerely
Bernard 07/13/2005 16:12 Rating : 5/5 Respond to bmaju

nono Model 1998

super, after a score of different motorcycles, real, reliable and endearing, I live again thanks to this non sanitized motorcycle 06/11/2005 22:02 Rating : 5/5 Respond to nono

milkman Model 1998

nice bike but really too tiring.bad brakes,road holding not to mention.have 25000 km but I will change in a month but I keep the harley because it is endearing!!!!! 04/23/2005 11:44 Rating : 5/5 Respond to milkman

pier Model 1998

the cow boy has a soft butt and so does his lady?
52,000 km in 4 years; city, country roads, freeways, you name it!
And no serious problems (except for an H.S. belt at 45,000 km). It's just great to have a real, solid, metal motorcycle that's safe and guaranteed to protect license points
If you've never ridden an original SPORTSTER 883, try one in a dealership; the 2004 model is more civilized
Have fun and smile!
pierre COT 04/22/2005 20:53 Rating : 5/5 Respond to pier

Cow-boy Model 1998

Enter your comment here!
Translation of "very good sensations" for the uninitiated: vibrations throughout the body and the impression of driving an archaic tractor..
The 1200 sportster tires quickly and don't expect to take a passenger more than 5KM with you
But then, what sacrifice wouldn't you make to show off? Still, you always feel a bit snubbed by those who have the superior models... 12/31/2004 15:24 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Cow-boy

boul Model 1998

very good feel 12/26/2004 23:52 Rating : 5/5 Respond to boul

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the XLH Sportster 1200 1998

What is the power of the XLH Sportster 1200 1998?

The XLH Sportster 1200 1998 develops a power of 70 ch (69 hp)

What is the torque of the XLH Sportster 1200 1998?

The maximum torque of the XLH Sportster 1200 1998 is 9.80 mkg to 3,200 rpm.

What is the maximum speed of the XLH Sportster 1200 1998?

The XLH Sportster 1200 1998 is capable of reaching a top speed of 170 km/h (105.60 mph) on the odometer on the track.

What is the weight of the XLH Sportster 1200 1998?

The XLH Sportster 1200 1998 has a a dry weight of 250 kg (551 lb), a weight when fully loaded of 272 kg (600 lb).

What is the fuel consumption of the XLH Sportster 1200 1998?

Average fuel consumption is estimated at 6.10 l/100km (0.39 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.

QWhat is the seat height of the XLH Sportster 1200 1998?

To ensure good accessibility, the XLH Sportster 1200 1998 offers a minimum seat height of 742 mm (29.21 in).

What is the price of the XLH Sportster 1200 1998?

The price of the XLH Sportster 1200 1998 is 11,480€ in France