Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Nightster (XL1200N) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
1,202cc Air-Cooled 45° V-Twin EFI Evolution 1200 · Source: Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Nightster (XL1200N) (2007–2012) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Nightster (XL1200N) (2007–2012) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 2007–2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Nightster (XL1200N) (chassis XL1200N) requires 2.4 L (2.54 US qt) of SAE 20W-50 (JASO MA2, H-D 360 SAE 20W-50 / SYN3) engine oil for a drain-only change and 2.6 L (2.75 US qt) with filter service (HD 63798-99A / HF170B). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 207 kPa / 2.07 bar / 30 PSI front (100/90B19 57H) and 276 kPa / 2.76 bar / 40 PSI rear (150/80B16 71H), paired with 2× HD 6R12 (32362-04A) spark plug(s) and a HD 65958-04B / YTX14L-BS battery.
Drain only: 2.4 L (2.54 US qt)
R 276 kPa (2.76 bar)
Est. Range: ~245 km (152 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 20W-50 · JASO MA2 · H-D 360 SAE 20W-50 / SYN3 |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 2.4 L (2.54 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 2.6 L (2.75 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 2.8 L (2.96 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | HD 63798-99A / HF170B |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | At full operating temperature resting ON THE SIDESTAND (Jiffy Stand); thread dipstick in to read |
| Primary Chaincase Fluid | 946 ml (0.95 L) — H-D Formula+ Primary & Transmission Fluid (946 ml / 1.0 US qt shared primary + 5-speed gearbox) |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 100/90B19 57H · Rear: 150/80B16 71H (Tube-Type Spoke Rim) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 207 kPa / 2.07 bar / 30 PSI Rear: 276 kPa / 2.76 bar / 40 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 207 kPa / 2.07 bar / 30 PSI Rear: 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | HD 6R12 (32362-04A) × 2 (Gap: 0.97–1.09 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | HD 65958-04B / YTX14L-BS (12V 12.0Ah AGM (Reverse Left-Negative L Terminal)) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | Carbon/Aramid Reinforced Secondary Belt — Inspect belt deflection and pulley debris |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Air/Oil-Cooled Engine (No liquid coolant) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 1202 cc · 66 hp @ 5,750 rpm · 98 N·m (72.3 lb-ft) @ 3,200 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 676 mm (26.6 in) · 255 kg (562 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 12.5 L (3.3 US gal) · ~19.6 km/L → ~245 km (152 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,600 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 8,000 km / 8,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 24,000 km / 32,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 48,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Pioneering Dark Custom bobber styling from 2007 to 2012, the air-cooled XL1200N featured fork gaiters, chopped fenders, and tube-type laced wheels—unrelated to the 2022+ liquid RH975.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
An early EFI Evolution 2-Hole Sportster, inspect the rubber oil-tank drain hose for age cracking during every 2.6 L SAE 20W-50 engine and 946 ml primary fluid change.