The seat is pretty low on the 1200L. When we looked at the OL's at the dealer, she could sit flat footed on it in her street shoes.

 

I have a 07 xl1200 custom. I am 5'6 and the bike fits like a glove. It has forward controls that are very comfortable. My feet are flat on the ground with the stock seat but I opted to buy the new sidekick which actually puts me a little lower. I think the center of gravity is slightly higher than a softtail that I rode but the sportster definitely handles more nimbly, especially in the Atlanta traffic. It's a great first HD for me. Jack