| 2007-2010 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Sportster Custom |
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| Performance |   |
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| It'll get blown away by modern twins half its displacement, but gobs of torque will still keep you entertained. '07 and later fuelies are especially well mannered. |
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| Handling | |
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| Easy to maneuver around town, not at all nervous or punishing on the Interstate, and more capable in the twisties that most would expect. Genuinely narrow and compact in a way Japanese cruisers are not. A nice compromise all the way around. The only flaw is its less than state-of-the-art braking. |
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| Looks | |
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| The rear end looks saggy, thanks to too-short shocks. Other than that, perhaps the cleanest, most elemental Harley currently offered. And since it's a Harley, there's an aftermarket replacement for whatever bits you might not like. |
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| Reliability | |
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| A bit more maintenance-intensive than some Japanese bikes, but durable as a hatchet. |
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| Practicality | |
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| The modern rubber-mounted Sporty is a jack-of-all-trades that anybody can live with. The XL1200C adds decent fuel capacity. A legit option for anybody from neophytes to lifelong riders. |
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| Desirability | |
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| Big twins may look more menacing, but I'll take the 'fun' Harley, with showgirl looks and a sunny disposition. What's not to like? |
