14 August. Friday 2026
Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster - 2012 Specifications and Reviews
The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster is a lightweight cruiser designed for riders seeking classic Harley styling with manageable ergonomics and nimble handling. Its 1200cc engine, low 25.7-inch seat height, and compact 562-pound curb weight make it ideal for new riders and those preferring a more accessible platform. Known for its stripped-down, minimalist aesthetic and iconic laced steel wheels, the Nightster delivers authentic Harley character without unnecessary complexity.
2012
General information | |
| Category | Custom / cruiser |
| Year | 2012 |
| Model | Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Exhaust system | Chrome, slash-cut exhaust with dual mufflers |
| Greenhouse gases | 113.7 CO |
| Fuel consumption | 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg) |
| Driveline | Chain primary drive, 57/38 ratio |
| Clutch | Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath |
| Transmission type,final drive | Belt |
| Gearbox | 5-speed |
| Cooling system | Air |
| Lubrication system | Dry-sump |
| Fuel system | Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Bore x stroke | 88.9 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches) |
| Compression | 9.7:1 |
| Torque | 107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000 |
| Engine details | Air-cooled, Evolution |
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
| Capacity: | 1201.25 ccm (73.30 cubic inches) |
| | |
Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels | |
| Wheels | Black, Laced Steel wheels with chrome spokes and black hubs |
| Rear brakes diameter | 260 mm (10.2 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Single-piston |
| Front brakes diameter | 292 mm (11.5 inches) |
| Front brakes | Single disc. Dual-piston |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 150/80-B16 |
| Front tyre dimensions | 100/90-B19 |
| Rear suspension travel | 41 mm (1.6 inches) |
| Rear suspension | Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions, MIG welded swing-arm. Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable shocks. |
| Front suspension travel | 92 mm (3.6 inches) |
| Front suspension | 39 mm |
| Trail | 117 mm (4.6 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 30.5° |
| Frame type | Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Oil capacity | 2.60 litres (0.17 quarts) |
| Fuel capacity | 12.49 litres (3.30 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,519 mm (59.8 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 99 mm (3.9 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,179 mm (85.8 inches) |
| Seat height | 653 mm (25.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 254.9 kg (562.0 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 247.2 kg (545.0 pounds) |
| | |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Color options | Vivid Black, Black Denim, Midnight Pearl/Cool Blue Pearl, Midnight Pearl/Brilliant Silver Pearl |
| Factory warranty | 24 months, unlimited mileage. |
| Seat | Sportster Classic solo seat |
| Electrical | Sealed lead acid battery, maintenance-free, 12V, 12 amp/hour, 200 cca. |
| Light | 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam |
| 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 |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
5.2s
0-60 mph (est.)
Best For
Track10%
City62%
Cornering42%
Daily Riding58%
Touring40%
Passenger30%
Rider Profile
| Best For | Suits riders from confident beginners to experienced cruiser fans who want a torquey, low-slung V-twin without excessive weight or complexity. |
| Purpose | Built for relaxed street cruising, short urban hops, and weekend backroad rides where style and low-end torque matter more than outright speed. |
| Rider Fit | The low 653mm seat height and manageable dry weight around 247kg make it accessible to shorter riders, though the stretched-out cruiser stance can tire wrists and lower backs on longer rides. |
| Character | A stripped-down, muscular-looking Sportster with classic Evolution V-twin thump, offering attitude and low-speed grunt over refinement or high-rev excitement. |
| Not Ideal For | Not the right choice for riders seeking sharp cornering performance, long-distance touring comfort, or any kind of off-road capability. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
Rider Reviews
Add a Comment
Related Motorcycle Specifications
More Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
- Motorcycles in database: 45863
- Technical specifications: 1490298
- Images of motorcycles: 72681
- Videos: 339
- Manufacturers: 501
Please Login or Register if you would like to leave a comment.