For 2008, Harley-Davidson offers its most diverse line of Sportster models in the 51-year history of the legendary XL platform. From the minimalist, retro-chic styling of the XL 1200N Nightster to the affordable performance of the XL 883 Sportster 883 and the glamorous power of the XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom, there’s a model to match the desires of any rider.
As the original American hot-rod motorcycle, the 1957 Sportster brought raw-boned aggression from the flat track to the street with an irresistible combination of power and agility. Over more than a half-century, the Sportster has evolved technologically while staying to its roots, offering riders no-nonsense V-Twin performance and nimble handling in a motorcycle that’s always a cool, fun ride.
All Sportster models are powered by the Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) XL Evolution V-Twin powertrain, rubber-mounted in the frame to reduce vibration and tuned to deliver a broad powerband for outstanding street performance. The transmission and engine share a common die-cast case. Final drive is via a clean, quiet and durable belt reinforced with carbon fiber. The Harley-Davidson Smart Security System is an available option on all Sportster models.
New on Sportster for 2008
New Graphics: New tank graphics are featured on the XL 883, XL 883 Low, XL 883C Custom, XL 1200R Roadster and XL 1200C Custom.
105th Anniversary Edition: A limited-edition, serialized XL 1200C Custom 105th Anniversary Edition and XL 1200L Low 105th Anniversary Edition will be available in 2008 (see separate release for details on the 105th Anniversary package).
XL 1200N Nightster
Stripped down and gritty, the Nightster reinterprets the Sportster legend with rugged, retro-rod styling. A solo seat and lowered suspension puts the rider just 25.3 inches above the pavement. Clipped front and rear fenders expose chunky tires. Wheel rims and hubs, forks and handlebar, hand and foot controls are finished in basic black. Fork gaiters and a bullet-hole belt guard come from the old-school book of style. Combination rear turn indicators/tail/stop lights and a side-mount license plate clean up the rear fender. The classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank is topped with a simple silver-satin cap. Muscular 1200 Evolution engine barks through new slash-cut chrome Staggered mufflers.
XL 1200N Nightster features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 cc engine
Medium Gray powder-coated engine with polished covers
Black laced steel wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
Black low-rise handlebar
Sportster Classic solo seat
Chrome Slash Cut Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
Black mid-mount foot controls
Lowest-Profile rear shocks
Lowest-Profile front forks
Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
Black front forks with gaiters
Bullet hole belt guard and front fender supports
Side-mount license plate holder
Combination rear brake/tail/turn lights
Lowered front and rear suspension
Optional Smart Security System
XL 883 Sportster 883
This most-affordable Harley-Davidson model offers the distinctive sound and performance of American V-Twin power in a package that’s narrow and easy to handle. From the classic “peanut” fuel tank to the chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust, the XL 883 maintains Sportster tradition.
XL 883 Sportster 883 features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 883 cc engine
Silver powder-coated engine with polished treatment
Silver 13-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
NEW tank graphics
Low-rise handlebar
Sportster Classic solo seat
Chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
Mid-mount foot controls
Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
Optional Smart Security System
XL 883L Sportster 883 Low
The 883 Low features a seat height of just 25.3 inches and an ergonomics package that offers precise handling for smaller riders or anyone who enjoys a narrow and agile motorcycle with classic Sportster style and Evolution V-Twin performance.
XL Sportster 883L features:
Rubber-mounted XL 883 cc Evolution engine
Silver powder-coated engine with polished treatment
Lowered front and rear suspension
NEW tank graphics
Silver 13-spoke Cast Aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
Wide reduced-reach polished handlebar
Reduced Reach solo seat
Chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
Mid-mount foot controls
Lowest-Profile rear shocks
Lowest-Profile front forks
Easy Reach sidestand
Classic 3.3-gallon fuel tank
Optional Chrome Laced Steel wheels
Optional Smart Security System
XL 883C Sportster 883 Custom
Forward foot controls and a 21-inch laced front wheel, a 4.5-gallon fuel tank, two-up seat, and pullback handlebar give the 883 Custom laid-back style. It’s an affordable custom with authentic American V-Twin performance.
XL 883C Sportster 883 Custom features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 883 cc engine
Silver powder-coated engine with polished treatment
Chrome Laced Steel 21-inch front wheel
NEW tank graphics
Silver Solid Disc Cast Aluminum 16-inch rear wheel
Chrome low-rise handlebar on pullback riser
One-piece, two-up Sportster Classic seat
Chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
Low-Profile rear shocks
Forward foot controls
4.5-gallon fuel tank
Optional Smart Security System
XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster
Built to rule the road, the 1200 Roadster features triple-disc brakes and a high-mount tachometer. Dirt-track handlebar and mid-mount foot controls put the rider in firm control of the 1200 cc Evolution V-Twin engine with wrinkle-black details.
XL 1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 cc engine
Black powder-coated engine and wrinkle-black treatment
Black 13-spoke Cast Aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
NEW tank graphics
Dirt Track polished handlebar
One-piece, two-up Sportster Classic seat
Chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
Mid-mount foot controls
Triple-disc brakes
High-mount tachometer
4.5-gallon fuel tank
Optional Smart Security System
XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low
The 1200 Low offers all of the performance of a fuel-injected 1200 cc Evolution V-Twin, with pull-back handlebar and a low 26.3 seat height for comfortable ergonomics and a 4.5-gallon fuel tank for increased range. Black 13-spoke Cast Aluminum 19-inch front wheel is only available on this Sportster model.
XL 1200L Sportster 1200 Low features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 cc engine
Black powder-coated engine with chrome treatment
Black 13-spoke Cast Aluminum wheels, 19-inch front / 16-inch rear
Wide handlebar on pull-back risers
One-piece, two-up Sportster Classic seat
Chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
Low-Profile rear shocks
Low-Profile front forks
Mid-mount foot controls
Integrated chrome gauge housing and handlebar clamp
Black fender strut covers
4.5-gallon fuel tank
Optional Steel Laced wheels
Optional Smart Security System
XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom
Sparkling chrome sets the 1200 Custom apart from other Sportster models. A chrome Laced 21-inch front and chrome Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum rear wheel, chrome engine highlights, chrome handlebar and headlight, and a polished fuel tank console give this model a custom gleam. Forward controls and a pull-back handlebar riser put the rider in a laid-back position that’s perfect for cruising.
XL 1200C Sportster 1200 Custom features:
Rubber-mounted XL Evolution 1200 cc engine
Black powder-coated engine with chrome treatment
Chrome Laced Steel 21-inch front wheel
NEW tank decoration and cloisonné
Chrome Slotted Disc Cast Aluminum 16-inch rear wheel
Wide polished handlebar on chrome pull-back risers
One-piece, two-up Sportster Classic seat
Chrome Staggered Shorty Dual exhaust
Low-Profile rear shocks
Forward foot controls
Chrome bullet headlight
Polished fuel tank console
4.5-gallon fuel tank
Optional Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced wheels
Optional Smart Security System
