🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Sportster 1200 Low

Year:

2009

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Cruiser Motorcycle Segment, entry-level to mid-range Harley-Davidson offerings.

Target Audience:

Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Low owners, independent repair shops, motorcycle technicians.

Competitors:

Other cruiser motorcycles in the 800cc-1200cc range from brands like Indian, Victory (historically), Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki.

Vehicle Appeal:

Accessible Harley-Davidson styling and V-twin experience, comfortable low seat height, agile handling for a cruiser.

Value:

Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the 2009 Sportster 1200 Low, enabling DIY maintenance and informed professional service.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Overhaul

Secondary Coverage:

Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Maintenance

Estimated Page Count:

Highly comprehensive, likely 500+ pages (typical for H-D service manuals)

Type:

Service Manual / Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain

Chassis:

Frame, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires

Electrical:

Ignition, Lighting, Instrumentation, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, EFI System

Bodywork:

Body Panels, Fairings, Seats, Controls

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Lubrication, Tune-ups

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom Analysis, Diagnostic Codes (if applicable for EFI models)

Repair Overhaul:

Engine Rebuild, Transmission Service, Suspension Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement

Assembly Disassembly:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and troubleshooting procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Digital PDF, typically searchable text with high-resolution diagrams.

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, Evolution V-twin

Displacement:

1200cc (73.4 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

3.500 in x 3.812 in (88.9 mm x 96.8 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Valvetrain:

Overhead valves (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder

Fuel System:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Ignition System:

High-performance electronic ignition with knock sensor

Horsepower Estimated:

Approximately 65-70 HP (at crank, depending on dyno and conditions)

Torque Estimated:

Approximately 70-75 ft-lbs (at crank, depending on dyno and conditions)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane recommended

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Constant Mesh, Sequential Gearbox

Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific ratios (typically 1st: 3.003, 2nd: 2.070, 3rd: 1.507, 4th: 1.213, 5th: 1.000)

Clutch:

Multi-plate, wet-clutch

Drive Type:

Carbon fiber reinforced belt drive

Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 90 gear oil)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 88.0 inches (2235 mm)

Width:

Approx. 32.5 inches (825 mm)

Height:

Approx. 49.3 inches (1252 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 60.0 inches (1524 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 4.2 inches (107 mm)

Seat Height:

Approx. 25.8 inches (655 mm) - unladen (key feature of the 'Low' model)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 570 lbs (258.5 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 960 lbs (435.4 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

4.4 US gallons (16.7 liters)

Oil Capacity:

3.0 US quarts (2.8 liters) with filter change

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Compliant with US EPA, CARB, DOT, and relevant motorcycle safety standards.

Braking System:

Hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear. Dual-piston caliper front, single-piston caliper rear.

Suspension Front:

41mm fork with coil-over springs, telescopic front suspension.

Suspension Rear:

Coil-over shock absorbers, adjustable preload rear suspension.

Lighting:

Halogen headlamp, LED tail/stop light, amber incandescent front turn signals, clear lens rear turn signals.

Tires Front:

130/90B16 67H BW

Tires Rear:

150/80B16 77H BW

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Analog speedometer with LCD odometer, tachometer (often optional or integrated), fuel gauge, engine diagnostic indicator lamp, oil pressure light, turn signal indicators, high beam indicator.

Aids:

No electronic rider aids like ABS or traction control standard on this model year. ABS was an option on some Harley models, but less common on Sportsters of this era.

Features:

N/A (No Bluetooth, smartphone integration, or advanced connectivity features).

🔧 Maintenance

First Service:

1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first) - typically includes oil change, primary chain adjust, and inspection.

Subsequent Service:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months for routine checks, oil changes, and filter replacements. More detailed checks at 10,000 miles and beyond.

Engine Oil:

Harley-Davidson SYN3 (or equivalent SAE 20W-50 synthetic motorcycle oil meeting Harley-Davidson specifications).

Primary Chain Case Oil:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 90 gear oil).

Transmission Oil:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 90 gear oil).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4, Harley-Davidson Heavy Duty DOT 4 Brake Fluid (or equivalent).

Coolant:

N/A (Air-cooled engine)

Common Wear Items:

Clutch friction plates, brake pads, wheel bearings, fork seals, drive belt.

Electrical Considerations:

Potential for charging system issues (stator, regulator), battery degradation. Check all connections.

Engine Considerations:

Evolution V-twin is generally robust; proper oil changes and avoiding over-revving are key. Cam bearing wear can occur over high mileage.

Suspension Considerations:

Fork seals are a common leak point. Rear shock absorbers may lose damping over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its V-twin engines and cruiser lifestyle.

Sportster Lineage:

The Sportster line debuted in 1957 and has been a cornerstone of Harley-Davidson's offerings, evolving from its initial 'K-model' roots. The 'Low' variant specifically caters to riders seeking a more accessible seat height and comfortable ergonomics.

Manufacturing Location:

United States (e.g., Milwaukee, Wisconsin or Kansas City, Missouri)

Model Year Introduction:

The 'Low' variant of the Sportster 1200 was introduced to provide a factory-customized, lower-slung option.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Accolades:

While specific awards for the 2009 Sportster 1200 Low are not widely publicized, the Sportster line consistently receives praise for its accessible performance, iconic styling, and strong brand loyalty.

Customer Satisfaction:

Generally high customer satisfaction within the cruiser segment, particularly for riders valuing the Harley-Davidson experience and customization potential.