Harley Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom 2016 Service Manual

Ultimate Motorcycling's own buyer's guide sums up the 1200 Custom's whole appeal in one line: taking elements of classic long-and-low cruiser styling and folding them into the Sportster ethos gives this bike "more attitude than you'd expect from a smaller Harley." That review also flags the genuine mechanical news for 2016: new shocks, cartridge forks, and an improved seat — real suspension and comfort upgrades layered onto a platform that first arrived in this XL1200C form back in 2011.

Power comes from the air-cooled Evolution V-twin, delivering a claimed 68 hp at 5,750 rpm and roughly 71 lb-ft of torque at 3,500-3,750 rpm through a 5-speed transmission — genuinely strong, low-revving output in keeping with the Evolution engine's traditional character. The new-for-2016 cartridge-style front forks bring meaningfully more sophisticated damping control than the older twin-shock setup they replaced, while the new rear shocks work alongside the improved seat to genuinely soften the ride without compromising the bike's aggressive, stripped-down stance.

Ultimate Motorcycling's own review details the styling that sets the 1200 Custom apart within Harley's broader Sportster range: relatively fat tires front (130mm) and rear (150mm) mounted on 16-inch wheels, a minimalist front fender, forward controls, generous chrome detailing, and dual staggered mufflers — a genuinely tough, long-and-low silhouette that punches above the Sportster line's typical proportions. Dimensions run 87.6 in. long with a 33.1 in. overall width, and dry weight comes in at 562 lbs. 2016 pricing started at $10,889.