2017 Sportster Superlow 1200t
Review of the Harley-Davidson SuperLow 1200T: Small but beautiful
Sportster-based tourer is aimed at lady riders – and guys with shorter legs
THINK of a Harley-Davidson touring bike and what comes to mind?
No doubt it's something along the lines of the Electra Glide, the Ultra Limited or the Street Glide – all big padded seats, huge fairings, armrests, panniers, topbox and surround-sound stereo.
The emphasis there is on size. Let's face it, we are talking about big beasts.
But it need not be so.
Enter the SuperLow 1200T – that's T for tourer, by the way.
Essentially this is a Sportster, but instead of the usual 883cc motor, the Harley techies have managed to squeeze in a 1200cc V-twin.
It's the famous air-cooled Evolution or Evo, which has been going strong in the Sportster since 1986, with fuel injection in 2007 the only major change since then.
First impressions of the bike are that it looks great – lots of shiny chrome, five-spoke cast aluminium wheels, teardrop fuel tank and high-quality paintwork and detailing.
The cockpit is a pleasingly basic affair, with a single, attractive chrome-surround speedo.
It's more clever than it looks, however, as clicking the trip switch allows you to access a gear indicator and a tachometer.
The bars are upswept and well-spaced and the hand controls feel natural and comfortable – it even comes with self-canceling indicators.
There's a touring-type screen, which can be detached without tools in less than a minute and two lockable, solid panniers.
With your "smart fob" safely in your jacket pocket, simply hit the start button and you're off.
There's plenty of low-down torque from the 1200cc lump – a hefty 71 lb-ft at just 3,500rpm.
Once you gets the revs up to around 5,000, the power does fall away, but then you simply shift up with a big, reassuring clunk and the engine delivers another thrust of torque.
The ratios across the five gears are sensibly spaced, meaning the bike is surprisingly responsive at low speeds and definitely most comfortable when cruising on the motorway.
Whenever I am a testing a Harley I inevitably receive some wisecrack along the lines of, 'Have you got used to your teeth rattling?' – essentially, how am I coping with all the vibration.
I do find this attitude rather irksome; one carried over from back in the day, but certainly not relevant for a good few years now.
But here's the rub – the 1200T did vibrate.
Whether it was just my test model I don't know, but there was a definite vibration through both boots at certain revs – and that's despite the rubberised extra-wide footpegs.
And that's not my only niggle.
This bike has clearly been designed with the smaller rider in mind, but at 5ft 11in, I don't consider myself to be excessively tall.
Yet I found the ride position cramped and slightly uncomfortable – especially with a pillion on board.
The seat itself is nice and soft, though and, at just 648mm from the ground, makes the bike perfectly comfortable and manageable for a man or woman with much shorter legs than mine.
Handling is great and the 1200T is surprisingly agile, thanks to its short wheelbase and steepish fork rake.
An easily adjustable rear preload enhances a pretty forgiving suspension set-up.
Brakes are single discs front and rear, but are sensitive and plenty powerful enough to haul up what is a relatively light tourer. ABS comes as standard.
So, does the 1200T do what it says on the tin?
Overall, I would say yes. It's affordable, easy to ride and performs well.
Would I want to load it up and head for the Continent?
Only if I could shave a couple of inches off my legs...
Image:
Fraser Addecott)Pillion Opinion with Miss W
What a great-looking bike – lovely paintwork and chrome.
The pillion seat is actually more comfortable than on a lot of Harleys. But I would definitely want the optional backrest if we were going to travel any distance.
Actually I'd rather be riding it myself – it is just right for me size-wise and I could easily get both boots on the ground.
The Facts
Harley-Davidson SuperLow 1200T
Engine: Air-cooled, 1202cc V-twin
Colours: Black; jade pearl/black; amber/black; blue
Price: £9,570 (standard black)
Gocompare bike insurance
Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/motoring/review-harley-davidson-superlow-1200t-small-5814884
