We ride: Harley-Davidson XL1200 Sportster

By Tim Luckhurst

There are two ways of looking at Harley-Davidson motorcycles; as technological, or aesthetic, artefacts. Among non-motorcyclists the latter perspective dominates. So, as soon as H-D delivered an XL1200 Sportster to the office car park, colleagues rushed to admire it.

A priest climbed aboard and had a stationary moment of nostalgia. A senior colleague demanded a pillion tour of Chatham.

What was all the fuss about? From the technological perspective, the answer is not much. The Sportster's 1200cc, air-cooled V-twin generates only about 47kW, substantially less than many modern 600cc bikes.

Forged from steel and smothered in chrome, it's as heavy as a baby hippo.

Its brakes, while adequate, are bland by modern standards.

Equipment is sparse to the point of parsimony and thieves are attracted to Harleys like flies to ordure.

But to a rider determined to own one, explaining that you can buy faster, smoother, more agile technology for less than half as much is utterly futile. So, for those so afflicted, here is an objective assessment.

The XL1200 (there are four versions in the latest range, the Low, Nightster, Custom and Roadster) is the big brother of H-D's entry-level XL883 Sportster. It's a bit more powerful than the baby of the Hog family - and a bit more expensive. And, although the XL883 is a fun introduction to Harley ownership, this is much better.

The basic 883cc Sportster runs out of pull above about 110km/h and is as happy on a motorway as cat in a Jacuzzi. Three hundred more cubic centimetres make a big difference; the 1200 cruises comfortably at 130km/h.

Unlike its diminutive sibling it also has a proper 17-litre fuel tank, making long long journeys less nerveracking. Fuel consumption is less than six litres/100km in gentle hands.

The engine also has lashings more torque. Slip the finger-light clutch and it pulls away so quickly that you can beat four-cylinder bikes (when their riders are not concentrating). The added heft makes the Sportster fun two-up, at least for the rider. My pillion felt every bump but even he noticed how effortlessly we climbed.

Of course, this is old-fashioned pushrod technology. The whole bike pulsates like a traction engine at tickover but it hums along smoothly at speed. Rubber engine mountings cut the vibration that once marked all Sportsters but this is still no performance bike.

Plenty poise and manners

So why might you consider one? Well, it is a direct descendant of the 1957 Sportster from which this family of Harleys takes its name. With the heritage comes years of refinement that has made modern Sportsters utterly reliable.

The technology may be old but these bikes are assembled to exacting standards and decline in value almost as slowly as they cover miles.

Beyond the build quality you get a machine that, while not quick or agile, has plenty of poise and manners more than adequate for safe, comfortable cruising.

Maintenance costs are reasonable. Then there is the charisma. If you cherish the Harley image and adore that unmistakable engine note, this is an almost affordable way to own a legend. - The Independent, London