![2016 Harley Roadster](http://www.aimag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016-Harley-Roadster.gif)
Highlights of the 2016 Sportster Roadster XL1200CX include a new 43mm inverted fork, emulsion shocks, dual discs on the front, lowered handlebars and chopped fenders.
The Harley-Davidson Dark Custom lineup has a new addition. With a minimalist, fastback design inspired by classic racing motorcycles, the nimble Harley-Davidson Roadster will inspire a new generation of riders to take to the streets.
“Since its introduction in 1957, the Harley-Davidson Sportster has proved capable of constant reinvention, and the Roadster writes a new chapter in that story,” said Harley-Davidson Director of Styling Brad Richards. “We’ve watched our customers take the Sportster in so many different directions. The Roadster is a mash-up of styling genres, but the intent was to build a rider’s motorcycle, a Sportster that’s lean and powerful and connects the rider to the road.”
Roadster stars in “Cut Loose,” the third commercial in Harley-Davidson’s ‘Live Your Legend’ global marketing campaign that shows how riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle can enable riders to create deeper bonds and share richer experiences with friends and family. ‘Live Your Legend’ campaign ads include snapshots of life-enriching moments, as well as the unique and unforgettable bonds of friendship that riders develop by riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
As the newest member of the Dark Custom lineup, Roadster combines modern performance and retro-inspired styling with premium suspension components, an air-cooled 1200cc V-Twin engine that delivers a strong pulse of mid-range torque and a profile reminiscent of vintage racing motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s.
“We wanted to give the Roadster some DNA from the high-performance KHR models of the mid-50s, and later Sportsters tuned for the drag strip,” said Richards. “Those bikes had fenders cut to the struts, the small fuel tank, and were stripped to their bare essentials to achieve a singular performance purpose.”
The 19-inch front and 18-inch rear Offset-Split 5-Spoke cast aluminum wheels were designed specifically for the Roadster and contribute to its balanced, athletic stance. The Roadster puts its rider in an aggressive posture with a new low-rise handlebar and mid-mount foot controls that center the rider’s weight over the classic profile of the 3.3-gallon Sportster fuel tank.
![2016 Harley Roadster](http://www.aimag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016-Roadster.jpg)
The 2016 Sportster Roadster will be offered in four color choices: Vivid Black with a charcoal denim pinstripe; Black Denim with a red pinstripe; Velocity Red Sunglo with a red pinstripe; and two-tone Billet Silver/Vivid Black with a burgundy pinstripe.
“The wheels were inspired by classic laced wheels, and are the most intricate cast wheel we’ve ever created,” said Harley-Davidson Industrial Designer Ben McGinley. “The interlacing spokes shoot outward toward opposite sides of the wheel, creating a dramatic visual effect. These wheels are also very light for their size, which contributes to the Roadster’s handling performance.”
Roadster’s suspension is enhanced by new 43mm inverted single-cartridge forks with tri-rate springs gripped in robust triple clamps and rear suspension featuring gas-charged emulsion coil-over shocks and tri-rate springs with adjustable pre-load that offers greater suspension travel than any other Sportster model – 4.5 inches in front and 3.2 inches in the rear. Outstanding stopping power is achieved with dual 11.8-inch floating rotors on the front wheel. The Roadster is available with optional ABS.
In keeping with its stripped-down styling, the Roadster’s rear fender has been clipped 1.5 inches shorter than previous bobbed Sportster fenders. The slotted belt guard and muffler shields mimic the lightening holes drilled in race-bike components, and a single four-inch diameter instrument tucked low in front of the triple clamp features a sweeping analog tachometer with an inset digital speedometer. Rear turn signals mounted directly to the fender struts, a side-mount license plate and fastback seat design give the rear of the bike a tight and uncluttered look.
“The seat’s profile flows into the very short rear fender,” said McGinley. “The cover features a series of pads inspired by an armored leather jacket, and the rear of the seat is designed as a passenger pillion, to give the Roadster added versatility.”
The Roadster model will be offered in four color choices: Vivid Black with a charcoal denim pinstripe; Black Denim with a red pinstripe; Velocity Red Sunglo with a red pinstripe; and two-tone Billet Silver/Vivid Black with a burgundy pinstripe.
To test ride a Roadster or any of the 2016 motorcycles, visit a Harley-Davidson authorized dealership or schedule a test ride online at H-D.com.
NEW IN 2016
• Premium emulsion technology rear shocks with screw style pre-load adjustment
• 43 mm inverted front forks with premium cartridge dampening technology and triple clamp design
• Optimized steering geometry for a responsive, confidence-inspiring ride
• Two-up seat with ribbed detail and minimalist styling
• Lightweight, Offset-Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels; 19-inch front, 18-inch rear
• Lowered handlebar
• Extreme chopped rear fender
• Finned cast timer cover
• Custom tank graphics
2016 Roadster Unique Features
Style
• Blacked-out powertrain with gray oval air cleaner
• Shorty-dual exhaust with chrome tapered mufflers and laser cut black heat shields
• 43mm front fork with massive triple clamps
• Slammed drag-style handlebar and gauges
• Black headlamp bucket with chrome trim ring
• 3.3 gal “walnut” gas tank
• Black, top-mounted mirrors
• Side-mounted license plate (U.S. configuration)
Fit
• Two-up seat optimized for maximum comfort
• Lowered handlebar
• Forward riding position with mid-mounted controls
Function
• Dual-disc front brakes
• 4-inch Dual speedometer/tachometer gauge, integrated into handlebar clamp
• Includes digital odometer, clock, dual trip meter, miles to empty, gear indicator (1-5), and analog RPM output
• Blade key ignition; fork lock common with ignition key
• Single, push button hazard warning
• 19-inch front, 18-inch rear cast aluminum wheels
• Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series radial blackwall tires designed specially for the XL1200XR to
achieve excellent ride, handling and maneuverability performance
• Closed loop exhaust system meets worldwide emission standards
Performance
• Rubber-mounted, Air-cooled, 1200 cc Evolution engine
• Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) with heated O2 sensors
• 5-speed transmission
• Confidence-inspiring front-end geometry
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (factory installed option)
• Smart Security System with hands-free, proximity based security fob and keyless ignition
(factory installed option)
![2016 Sportster Roadster](http://www.aimag.com/wp-content/uploads/16-Sporster-Roadster.jpg)
Harley says the 19-inch front and 18-inch rear Offset-Split 5-Spoke cast aluminum wheels were designed specifically for the Roadster and contribute to its balanced, athletic stance.
2016 Harley Roadster XL1200CX Specs
DIMENSIONS
Length – 86 in. (2186 mm)
Overall Width – 33.1 in. (841 mm)
Overall Height – 42.6 in. (1082 mm)
Seat Height:
• Laden – 29.5 in. (749 mm)
• Unladen – 30.9 in. (785 mm)
Ground Clearance – 6 in. (152 mm)
Rake – (steering head) 28.9°
Fork Angle – 27.4°
Trail – 5.5 in. (140 mm)
Wheelbase – 59.3 in. (1505 mm)
Tires (Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series, radial blackwall front and rear):
• Front – 12070R-19 M/C
• Rear – 15070R-18 M/C
Fuel Capacity – 3.3 gal. (12.5 L) (warning light at approximately 0.8 gal.)
Oil Capacity (w/filter) – 2.8 qts. (2.6 L)
Transmission Capacity – 1 qt. (.95 L)
Weight:
• As Shipped – 549 lbs. (249 kg)
• In Running Order – 568 lbs. (258 kg)
ENGINE
Engine Air-cooled, Evolution
Valves – Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke – 3.5 in. x 3.811 in. (88.9 mm x 96.8 mm)
Displacement – 73.4 cu. in. (1202 cc)
Compression Ratio – 10:1
Fuel – System Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
DRIVETRAIN
Primary Drive – Chain, 38/57 ratio
Final Drive – Belt, 29/68 ratio
Clutch – Multi-plate, wet
Transmission 5-speed
Gear Ratios (overall):
• 1st 9.315
• 2nd 6.653
• 3rd 4.948
• 4th 4.102
• 5th 3.517
CHASSIS
Frame – Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions
Swingarm – Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Front Fork – 43 mm inverted
Rear Shocks – Variable rate spring over 36 mm piston nitrogen gas-charged emulsion
style shock with thread style preload adjustment
Wheels: Offset-Split 5-Spoke
• Front – 19 in. x 3 in. (482.6 mm x 76 mm)
• Rear – 18 in. x 4.25 in. (457.2 mm x 108 mm)
Brakes:
• Caliper Type – Dual-piston front, dual-piston rear
• Rotor Type – Front floating, Rear uniform expansion rotor
• Front (dual floating) – 11.8 in. x .2 in. (300 mm x 5 mm)
• Rear – 10.24 in. x .28 in. (260 mm x 7 mm)
• Anti-lock Braking System Optional
Suspension Travel:
• Front Wheel – 4.5 in. (115 mm)
• Rear Wheel – 3.2 in. (81 mm)
PERFORMANCE
Engine Torque:
• 76 ft. lbs. @ 3750 rpm (103 Nm @ 3750 RPM)
Lean Angle:
• Right – 30.8°
• Left – 31.1°
Fuel Economy – 48 mpg (4.9 L/100 km)