2002 Harley-Davidson XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom Motorcycle reviews

After many years of owning Japanese bikes, I finally got my first Harley. Great choice for a first bike, one of the nicest sporsters I have ever seen. Tons of chrome, drag bars, forward controls, etc. Added some drag pipes and carb rejetting, a small sissy bar and now all the guys with their big Japanese cruisers are a bit jealous. Only problem with this bike is at speeds over 65 vibration can be a bit of a problem, but thats why the speed limit is 65 right? With 2 people on board bike is a bit small, so I'm looking at one of the Dyna models now to move up to. I want a bigger bike, but I will still keep my little Sportster, as there is no better around-town bike for the money. Show less

With 3300 miles on the clock and having just got back from a faultless 1243 miles across France in eight days, this bike is getting better and better. Perfect for crusing on French back roads at the 90kph speed limit. Only the bad vibes through the bars above 60 mph stop it being 5 stars. The first one was definately a Friday afternoon job! Show less

The first time I got my 2002 Sportster 1200 custom up to 75mph the left mirror broke off. Other than this small problem I have had nothin but fun owning a Harley Sportster, even standing 6'3. Show less

I have been riding my 2002 1200c sporty all summer and have no complaints. I get a lot of comments like "How much money did you spend on chrome?" I always answer " None, it came like that". People can hardly believe it. It is a head-turner for sure. After about 2,500 miles, the oil stopped leaking out of the air cleaner. I only get a small drop or two after each ride. Also the ride seamed to smooth out quite a bit. I really enjoy riding the bike and have had no problems whatsoever. I just wish it had a bigger tank. Harley finally made a bike i can afford a be proud of! Way to go harley! Show less

This is my first Harley and I've never been happier. I've had many other types of bikes, but they all fail in a comparison to this American muscle. Samson pipes, let everyone hear me coming and improves the look of the bike alot. Great bike and for those of you that don't like the vibration, I guess you don't know what American hot rods are like and should sound and feel like. Topeka Harley was great so if you want one, talk to them. It's worth the drive. Show less

Bought mine in May put 2500 miles on it in no time! Just Love it!! Put over $3000 of chrome and stuff...wow...now it's a crowd magnet. Great ride..should of bought one sooner... Show less

I bought a 2002 XL1200C for tooling around town since I already own a 2001 FLHT for longer rides. The Sportster handles well and is fun to ride below highway speeds, any faster and the vibrations can become bothersome. I have changed saddles, added tons of chrome, and added the stage 1 kit (hi-flow air cleaner, rejet, and Vance & Hines pipes). As is frequently the case it began to leak oil out of the air cleaner! This is not a rarity, in fact, the factory is aware of the problem and I was told by a customer service representative that it's quite common. They have been working with me (reluctantly!) to solve the problem, they have replaced just about every seal in the motor. The problem still exists!!! Rest assured this problem is real and it has nothing to do with too much oil in the bike!!! The new redesigned Sportster is due to arrive at the dealers as a 2004 model, if you want a XL it may be worth the wait. Show less

I got the Screaming Eagle air clear and carburetor rejet kit installed, and the baffles removed from my mufflers. It runs much better and sounds awesome. It actually runs smoother at highway speeds. The previous few reviews confirm what I said before, you either love it or you hate it. It's loud, rough, and flashy, and a lot of cheaper bikes are faster. But it has style. I think the ones that leak oil out the air cleaner may be being overfilled with oil ever so slightly. Show less

I have an older Sporty, a garage kept 1986 883 bored to 1200 with over 30k miles. It is a solid dependable bike, it has a solid ride though easily maneuverable. Vibratition is not much of an issue if you fill your handlebars half way with BBs to dampen the vibration. My only issue with high speed riding is wind noise and buffeting hitting my helmet. I have a small windshield which helps some. Over all its a cool bike thats fun to ride. Check out the pic below. Show less

First bike was a Honda Shadow Spirit 750. My wife and I are a combined 280lbs and this 750 was inadequate for comfortable highway riding. Went to the Honda dealer to look for a bigger engine. Went away riding a preowned '99 HD Sportster 1200 Custom. It had a great deal more vibration and it took a little getting use to. But know that I'm familiar with the extra power and transmission, this bike is amazing compaired to the Honda. The chrome is real, and the manuverability and power give us reassurance at highway speeds, which tend to be in the upper 70's or higher. Even at 90mph, a roll on the throttle is instantly realized with an aggressive but controlled lunge forward. The forward mounted controls are at just the right position for a comfortable cruising position. This bike is pleanty big for longer trips, expecially with the custom handle bars and seat. Show less