1997 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom

“I stopped into Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City, South Dakota, to grab a souvenir T-shirt, and I impulsively ended up with this gorgeous two-tone Sportster instead,” he recalls. He was apparently smitten by the Yellow and Maroon two-tone factory special-order limited color. The bike also wears a full catalog of Harley accessory chrome trim pieces, including the “Live to Ride” collection badging on the air cleaner, battery cover, mirrors, and other parts.

For more bark and bite, it’s got the Screamin’ Eagle cylinder heads and exhaust system, along with a K&N Hi-Flo air filter. The 15-inch-tall acrylic windshield comes with the bike, along with leather OEM saddle bags. The seller also indicates new Avon tires.

POWERTRAIN The 45-degree, 1,199-cc air-cooled OHV V-twin was rated at 58 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 64 lb-ft of peak torque by the manufacturer when new and unmodified. The seller does not report any issues with the engine starting or running but indicates “small overnight pavement droplets under the engine. ” He says the five-speed transmission has the “slight but typical clunk from neutral into first gear but shifts smoothly.

Like its larger siblings, this Sporty used a belt final drive. EXTERIOR As photos show, the bike is well accessorized in chrome, from engine and transmission covers down to the choke knob and Eagle Wing taillight visor. There is also a chrome luggage rack.

The seller states that the Sportster’s yellow and maroon paint “is still vivid and reflects a good shine. ” He indicates a 2-inch scratch on the oil tank, a rock chip on the front of the frame next to the oil cooler, and a crack on the plastic air cleaner trim plate. The acrylic windshield is still clear with some minor road wear but no yellowing, he states.

He reports minor corrosion on a small area where the paint chipped on the front section of the frame. (See photos. ) All lights and signals are affirmed to work properly.

SEAT AND CONTROLS According to the owner, the black vinyl aftermarket Mustang two-up saddle with backrest pad has no tears, cracks, or scuffs. The speedometer, tachometer, odometer, oil lamp, high beams, turn signal indicator and neutral indicator are all fully functional and clearly visible, he states. All hand and foot controls are affirmed to work properly.

CHASSIS The seller says that fork was lubed within the past two years and is still smooth, and he affirms the adjustable rear shocks are functioning properly. The bike’s Avon Cobra tires (AV71 in front and AV72 in rear) tires are said to be one year old, though the DOT manufacturing dates could not be seen in the provided photos. He says the front wire-spoke wheel is true, with bright chrome.

He reports that the alloy rear slotted wheel is “balanced, clean, bright, and blemish-free,” and that the steering has no issues. The front and rear single disc brakes function as designed. DOCUMENTATION The seller states that this motorcycle will be sold on a clean Colorado title in his name.

Though bought on an impulse by its second owner, this 1997 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom did not just sit in a garage, as many impulse bikes often do. The seller says he enjoyed corner carving on curvy Colorado Rocky Mountain roads, but now he can no longer ride it. It is presented for its next rider with no needs.