| MODEL | HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1200C CUSTOM 1996 - 1997 |
| Year | 1996 - 1997 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 1199 cc / 73.2 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 88.8 x 96.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 43.6 kW / 58.5 hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Max Torque | 87 Nm / 64 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm |
| Ignition | Digital CDI |
| Induction | Carburettor |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5 Speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Belt |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Mild steel tubular frame, circular sections, cast junctions; mild steel rectangular-section swingarm, MIG welded |
| Front Suspension | 39 mm fork |
| Rear Suspension | Coil-over shocks, preload dual-adjustable |
| Front Brakes | Single 292 mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | Single 292 mm disc, 1-piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | 2294 mm / 90.3 in |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 710 mm / 28.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 1534 mm / 60.4 in |
| Ground Clearance | 110 mm / 4.3 in |
| Dry Weight | 251 kg / 554 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 267 kg / 589 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | MH90-21 54H |
| Rear Tyre | 150/80B16 71H |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 Litres / 4.5 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
The XL1200C Custom joined the Sportster range for 1996 alongside the 1200 Sport, giving the rigid-mounted 1200 Evolution engine a dressier look. It paired a skinny 21-inch laced front wheel with a 16-inch rear, lower seating and extra chrome, aiming at riders who wanted a custom-style Sportster straight from the dealer. Carburettor induction and a belt final drive carried over from the XLH.
