| MODEL | HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1200S 1996 - 1997 |
| Year | 1996 - 1997 |
| Engine Type | Four-stroke, 45° V-twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 1199 cc / 73.1 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 88.8 x 96.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 42.6 kW / 58.5 hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Max Torque | 87 Nm / 64.1 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Induction | 40 mm Keihin carburettor |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5-speed |
| Clutch | — |
| Final Drive | Belt |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Steel double cradle |
| Front Suspension | 39 mm Showa telescopic forks, adjustable preload, compression and rebound |
| Rear Suspension | Dual Showa shocks, adjustable preload, compression and rebound |
| Front Brakes | Single 292 mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | Single 292 mm disc, 1-piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | 736 mm / 29.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 1529 mm / 60.2 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 226 kg / 498 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 240 kg / 529 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 80/90-19 |
| Rear Tyre | 130/90-16 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | 176 km/h / 110 mph |
The XL1200S Sportster 1200 Sport arrived for 1996 with fully adjustable Showa suspension at both ends, aimed at riders who wanted their Evolution 1200 to handle as well as it pulled. Cast wheels, a tachometer and a lighter silver-and-chrome finish set it apart from the standard and Custom 1200s.
