2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight Specifications

Name: 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight
Brand: Harley-Davidson

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight Overview

The 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight is a sport motorcycle built around 1202 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits an Evolution®, four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 10.0:1. 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight delivers 96 Nm @ 3500 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2016 XL 1200X Forty-Eight tips the scales at 252 kg, carries a 7.9 L fuel tank, offers a seat height of Unladen 710 mm and spans a 1495 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 49.3 kg heavier than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2016 XL 1200X Forty-Eight - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: The Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Accessible seat height: At Unladen 710 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
Low-maintenance final drive: Belt final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.

Considerations

Modest fuel capacity: The 7.9 L tank means more frequent fuel stops on longer rides, which is worth planning around on touring routes.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

XL 1200X Forty-Eight's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI). Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Brake disc and pad wear

The Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the XL 1200X Forty-Eight runs Front forks with cartridge dampening technology and Emulsion technology rear shocks with 50 mm range of pre-load adjustability and an under-seat, rear shock suspension adjustment wrench at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by belt - lower maintenance than chain with no lubrication needed, but tension and tooth wear should still be checked at service intervals.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Handling the weight at a standstill

At 252 kg, the XL 1200X Forty-Eight is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.

XL 1200X Forty-Eight - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained XL 1200X Forty-Eight should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any XL 1200X Forty-Eight. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The XL 1200X Forty-Eight's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight have?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight uses an Evolution®, four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 1202 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

How much does the 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight weigh?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight weighs 252 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight make?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight produces 96 Nm @ 3500 rpm of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight has a 7.9 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 131-158 km between stops.

Is the 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight suitable for shorter riders?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight has a seat height of Unladen 710 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight have?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight uses Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers at the front and Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight use?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight runs 130/90 B16 73H front and 150/80 B16 77H rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight have?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.

Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight Spec Evolution

The Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight was produced across 9 model years (2010-2021). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2017	2019	2021
Wet Weight	257.2 kg / 567 lbs	257.2 kg / 567 lbs	257.2 kg / 567 lbs	257.2 kg / 567 lbs	257.2 kg / 567 lbs	257.2 kg / 567 lbs	252 kg / 556 lbs	252 kg / 556 lbs	252 kg / 556 lbs
Engine Detail	Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.	Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.	Evolution®, four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.	Evolution, four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder	Evolution, four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Seat Height	Laden 660 mm / 26.0 in Unladen 681 mm / 26.8 in.	Laden 660 mm / 26.0 in Unladen 681 mm / 26.8 in.	Laden 660 mm / 26.0 in Unladen 681 mm / 26.8 in.	Laden 660 mm / 26.0 in Unladen 681 mm / 26.8 in.	Laden 660 mm / 26.0 in Unladen 681 mm / 26.8 in.	Laden 660 mm / 26.0 in Unladen 681 mm / 26.8 in.	Unladen 710 mm / 28.0 in.	Unladen 710 mm / 28.0 in	Unladen 710 mm / 28.0 in
Fuel Capacity	13.7 L / 3.6 US gal	13.7 L / 3.6 US gal	13.7 L / 3.6 US gal	13.7 L / 3.6 US gal	13.7 L / 3.6 US gal	13.7 Litres / 3.6 US gal	7.9 L / 2.1 US gal	7.9 Litres / 2.1 US gal	7.9 Litres / 2.1 US gal
Displacement	1199 cc / 73.2 cu in.	1199 cc / 73.2 cu in.	1199 cc / 73.2 cu in.	1199 cc / 73.2 cu in.	1199 cc / 73.2 cu in.	1199 cc / 73.2 cu in.	1202 cc / 73.4 cu in.	1202 cc / 73.4 cu in	1202 cc / 73.4 cu in
Brakes - Front	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single 300mm disc, 2 x 38mm piston calipers	Single 300mm disc, 2 x 38mm piston calipers
Wheelbase	1520 / 59.8 in	1520 / 59.8 in	1520 / 59.8 in	1520 / 59.8 in	1520 / 59.8 in	1520 / 59.8 in	1495 mm / 58.9 in.	1495 mm / 58.9 in	1495 mm / 58.9 in
Brakes - Rear	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single 300mm disc, 2 x 38mm piston calipers	Single 300mm disc, 2 x 38mm piston calipers

Key Specifications

Engine

Evolution®, four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.

Power

Not published by manufacturer

Torque

96 Nm / 9.8 kgf-m / 70.8 ft/lbs./ @ 3500 rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

252 kg / 556 lbs

Fuel Capacity

7.9 L / 2.1 US gal

Full 2016 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight Specifications

Year 2016 - 17

Make Model Harley Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight

Seat Height Unladen 710 mm / 28.0 in.

Wheelbase 1495 mm / 58.9 in.

Ground Clearance 110 mm / 4.3 in

Length 2210 mm / 87.0 in

Fuel Capacity 7.9 L / 2.1 US gal

Oil Capacity 2.6 L / 0.69 US gal

Wet Weight 252 kg / 556 lbs

Max Torque 96 Nm / 9.8 kgf-m / 70.8 ft/lbs./ @ 3500 rpm

Displacement 1202 cc / 73.4 cu in.

Engine Detail Evolution®, four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.

Bore x Stroke 88.8 x 96.8 mm

Compression Ratio 10.0:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Exhaust Shorty-dual exhaust with blacked out mufflers

Fuel Induction Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Ignition Digital CDI

Starter Electric

Final Drive Belt

Gear Ratios 1st 9.004 / 2nd 6.432 / 3rd 4.783 / 4th 3.965 / 5th 3.400:1

Primary Drive Ratios 38/57 ratio

Transmission / Drive 5 Speed

Frame Type Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded

Suspension - Front Front forks with cartridge dampening technology

Suspension - Rear Emulsion technology rear shocks with 50 mm range of pre-load adjustability and an under-seat, rear shock suspension adjustment wrench

Lean Angle 27.1°

Rake 29.6°

Trail 132 mm / 5.2 in.

Brakes - Front Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers

Brakes - Rear Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers

Tyres - Front 130/90 B16 73H

Tyres - Rear 150/80 B16 77H

Wheels - Front Cast aluminium, 9 double spoke, black, machined highlights

Wheels - Rear Cast aluminium, 9 double spoke, black, machined highlights

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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