Aug 30, 2017 02:17 PM
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While I certainly enjoy big-inch Harley-Davidsons in town, the sub-600 pound weight of the Sportster 1200 Custom makes it a much more manageable motorcycle in busy areas. The narrow, gently pulled back handlebar means the Custom doesn’t need much room to work its way through traffic.
The torquey 1202cc Evolution motor has plenty of thrust down low—peak torque of 71 ft/lbs comes at 3500 rpm—and that means needed acceleration is on tap at any engine speed. As with all the Sportsters, starting up the 1200 Custom is a pleasure—the beast rumbles aggressively to life at the touch of a button. Rubber mounting provides a smooth ride once underway, and the motor shakes ably at stoplights. While not especially loud, the staggered exhausts have a good sound.
Riding the Sportster 1200 Custom has a sense of effortlessness, as response to rider input is fully predictable and intuitive, and certainly not lightning quick in response. The forward foot controls, comfortable two-up seat, and the friendly handlebar are the rider ergonomics that define cruiser.
Harley-Davidson outfits the Custom with identical 16-inch wire-spoke wheels front and back, and the tires mounted are nearly the same width—the rear Michelin Scorcher 31 is just 20mm wider than the front. This balance makes the Custom easy to ride, and unintimidating. Additionally, rider comfort is assisted by the high-profile tires that blunt hits before they get to the limited suspension travel.
