Cool-Motorcycle reviews Harley-Davidson XL1200N Sportster 2008

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The Sportster has seen a lot of refinement over the years, but one look at the new member of the family tells you the knuckles are still bare. The dark recesses of the  Sportster soul are still intact. Check out the old school fork gaiters. The drilled metal pieces. The  rear fenders is chopped and clean, thanks to new stop-turn tail lights and a side-mount license plate.

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A low suspension puts the seat at just over 25″, right for prowling back alleys. And because a clenched fist hits only as hard as the muscle behind it, the Nightster gets the 1200cc Evolution V-Twin engine. Rubber-mounted in the narrow, nimble Sportster frame and finished with shades of dark. In other words, it’ll put the edge back on a blade.

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Key Features

• Pull-back handlebar
• One-piece chrome handlebar clamp/speedometer housing and chrome 1-in. risers
• Two-up seat with narrow nose, low forward profile, small pillon, and rear “Sportster” embroidery
• Black painted fender strut covers
• Mid-mounted controls

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SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions

• Length: 89.1 in.
• Seat Height-Laden: 26.3 in.
• Seat Height-Unladen: 28.0 in.
• Ground Clearance: 4.4 in.
• Rake Steering Head/Trail: 29.6° / 4.70 in.
• Wheelbase: 59.7 in.
• Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal.
• Oil Capacity: 2.8 qt.
• Dry Weight: 557.0 lbs.
• Running Order: 581.0 lbs.

Powertrain

• Engine: Air-cooled, Evolution®
• Displacement: 73.4 cu. in.
• Bore x Stroke: 3.50 in. x 3.81 in.
• Engine Torque: 79.0 ft. lbs. @ 4000 rpm
• Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
• Miles per Gallon-ESPFI: 57 hwy / 42 city
• Primary Drive: Chain, 57/38 ratio
• Gear Ratio (overall) 1st: 9.315
• Gear Ratio (overall) 2nd: 6.653
• Gear Ratio (overall) 3rd: 4.948
• Gear Ratio (overall) 4th: 4.102
• Gear Ratio (overall) 5th: 3.517

Wheels/Tires

• Front Wheel: Black, 13-Spoke Cast Aluminum
• Rear Wheel: Black, 13-Spoke Cast Aluminum
• Front Tire Size: 100/90-19 57H
• Rear Tire Size: 150/80B16 71H

Electrical

• Instruments: Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights
• Indicator Lamps: High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warnings, low battery, security system

Chassis

• Brakes: Dual-piston front, single-piston rear
• Lean Angle (per SAEJ1168): 31.0° / 29.0°
• Exhaust System: Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers

Color Options
Vivid Black; Dark Blue Pearl; Flame Blue Pearl (New); Red Hot Sunglo (New); Two-Tone White Gold Pearl/Pewter Pearl; Two-Tone Black Ice/Blue Ice;

Optional Equipment
Security System Option

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Cool-Motorcycle reviews Harley-Davidson XL1200N Sportster 2008