Vehicle Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners, and professional mechanics working on Harley-Davidson XL1200C models.
Competitors:
Other cruiser motorcycles of similar displacement from brands like Indian, Victory, and some Japanese manufacturers.
Vehicle Appeal:
Iconic styling, V-twin engine character, customization potential, strong brand loyalty.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential, factory-authorized information for maintaining and repairing the specific model, ensuring longevity and performance.
Engine Mechanical:
Disassembly, assembly, inspection, repair of cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, and timing.
Fuel And Ignition:
Carburetor (if applicable for the specific model variant, though 2009 XL1200C likely has fuel injection) or EFI system, fuel pump, injectors, ignition system, spark plugs, ignition timing.
Exhaust System:
Mufflers, pipes, catalytic converter (if equipped), and mounting.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, gearbox disassembly and assembly, primary drive, final drive (belt drive).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator/stator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), lighting system, instrumentation, ignition switch, security system.
Brake System:
Front and rear brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, pads, rotors, bleeding procedures.
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork (telescopic) overhaul, rear shock absorber replacement, steering head bearings.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing replacement, tire mounting and balancing, spoke wheel maintenance (if applicable).
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, fuel tank removal and installation, fenders, seat, handlebars, controls.
Maintenance:
Routine checks, lubrication, filter replacement, fluid changes, spark plug replacement, belt tension adjustment.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts for common problems, fault code retrieval (if applicable to EFI), component testing.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Overhaul:
Complete engine, transmission, and fork overhauls.
Adjustments:
Clutch adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, brake lever adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics.
Detail Level:
Includes detailed diagrams, exploded views, torque specifications, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Evolution V-Twin
Displacement:
1200cc (73.3 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.50 in x 3.81 in (88.9 mm x 96.8 mm)
Valve Train:
Overhead Valves (OHV) with pushrods, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approximately 65-70 HP (estimated, actual figures vary)
Torque:
Approximately 70-75 lb-ft (estimated, actual figures vary)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) - Standard for 2009 XL1200C
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RM)
Crash Safety:
Motorcycles are not typically subject to standardized crash ratings like automobiles. Safety relies on design, rider skill, and protective gear.
Brakes:
Dual-action, front and rear disc brakes.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, LED taillight, front and rear turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel frame and swingarm construction.
Ergonomics:
Designed for rider comfort and control, with forward-mounted controls and a low seat height.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, indicator lights. Often includes a trip odometer and clock.
Audio System:
Not typically standard on this model. Aftermarket audio systems are common.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on many Harley-Davidson models, including the XL1200C for this year. Availability would depend on the specific bike's configuration.
Security System:
Factory-installed H-D Smart Security System with proximity-based fob is often standard or optional.
Initial Service:
Approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 km) - typically includes oil change, primary chain adjustment, inspection.
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or annually - includes engine oil and filter change, check belt tension, inspect brakes, chassis lubrication, etc.
Major Service Intervals:
Refer to manual for specific intervals for valve adjustments, spark plug replacement, and other major component checks.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (20W-50) or equivalent motorcycle-specific oil meeting HD-2 specification.
Primary Chain Case Fluid:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (20W-50) or HD-1 specification motorcycle oil.
Transmission Fluid:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (20W-50) or equivalent motorcycle specific transmission oil.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, tires, drive belt, fork seals, wheel bearings.
Potential Issues:
EFI sensor issues (e.g., Throttle Position Sensor, Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor), voltage regulator failure, early model transmission seal leaks (though less common by 2009).
Brand History:
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a history dating back to 1903, renowned for its V-twin engines and cruiser styling.
Sportster Lineage:
The XL series, or 'Sportster', is one of Harley-Davidson's longest-running model lines, evolving from a sporty, lightweight machine to a more substantial cruiser.
Xl1200C Evolution:
The XL1200C Custom model, introduced in the mid-1990s, focused on classic styling cues like chrome, spoked wheels, and a lower seat height, becoming a popular configuration.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (primarily Kansas City, Missouri and York, Pennsylvania)
Key Updates 2009:
The 2009 model year saw updates including potentially revised styling, improved EFI calibration, and possibly minor chassis or suspension tweaks. The manual would reflect these specific changes.