After the news of Harley-Davidson’s no-show at the upcoming Auto Expo in Delhi (Oh come on!), there’s finally some good news for its admirers :- The all-new Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom has just been launched in India. With the Sportster 1200, the company is all set to extend its Sportster range in the Indian cruise bike domain with a new and bigger model. It will replace the entry-level Sportster 883 and now Harley’s Sportster range consists of SuperLow, Iron 883, Forty-eight and the Sportster 1200 Custom.
An interesting tidbit: The history of the Sportster series motorcycles stretches nearly 70 years, with the very first Sportster being made in 1957. Since then, the Sportster has been showing up, and has redefined how motorcycles are made and have evolved over time. Simply this fact earns our respect!
The American cruise maker has decided to discontinue the production of Sportster 1200’s predecessor, the Sportster 883. Its designed is inspired by the 883, although it is quite larger in size. On this one, Harley has got rid of everything that is not Sportster. The seat is just 28 inches from the ground level and there’s an optional mini-ape handlebar for the pillion to hang onto.
Its otherworldly 1200cc, 45-degree V-twin engine is inspired by the Forty-Eight, and is enough to rocket you to the moon! The engine is air-cooled and produces 96 Nm of torque at 3750 rpm, transmitted to the rear wheel via a 5-speed gearbox. Driving at breakneck speeds of 150 kmph and above should be quite comfortable, thanks to the rubber engine mounts. All this power comes with safety as well; front as well as rear disk brakes are provided with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) as standard.
Harley-Davidson will assemble the Sportster 1200 Custom in India itself, and it will cost you Rs. 8.9 lakh(ex-showroom, New Delhi) to be its proud owner. The direct rival for this model will be the Indian Scout, which is expected to be showcased at the Auto Expo in Delhi. So we can say the Indian has got one over Harley-Davidson, for now. The Sportster attracts quite a few admirers and it is easy to see why. Simply put, this one is not for the faint hearted. Powerful and luxurious – Isn’t that what Harley-Davidson is all about?
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