2020 Iron 1200 is Riding Stripped To Its Bare Essence

Simple and direct, the Iron 1200 is an edgy factory-custom bobber.

By Bruce Montcombroux - July 21, 2020
2020 Iron 1200 is Riding Stripped To Its Bare Essence
2020 Iron 1200 is Riding Stripped To Its Bare Essence
2020 Iron 1200 is Riding Stripped To Its Bare Essence
2020 Iron 1200 is Riding Stripped To Its Bare Essence
2020 Iron 1200 is Riding Stripped To Its Bare Essence
2020 Iron 1200 is Riding Stripped To Its Bare Essence
2020 Iron 1200 is Riding Stripped To Its Bare Essence
2020 Iron 1200 is Riding Stripped To Its Bare Essence

Modern Throwback

The Harley-Davidson Sportster lineup is still going strong after sixty-three years. From flat track and drag racing, land speed records, street riding or cross-country, the Sportster is “the machine that has done it all.” Now in its third year of production, the 2020 XL1200NS Iron is ahead of the pack, with dark modern finishes and bold throwback styling.

Custom Cruiser

The Iron 1200 is pitched to “riders looking for an edgy factory-custom chopper.” As the big brother to the ever-popular Iron 883, the Iron 1200 borrows its Dark Custom style from the 2007 XL1200N Nightster. From the classic 'peanut' tank, café-style solo seat, mini-ape handlebars, headlight cowl, and nine-spoke wheels, the blacked-out Iron 1200 is a pure custom cruiser.

>>Join the conversation on the 2020 Iron 1200 right here at HDForums!

Design Nostalgia

The Iron 883 might be the original urban brawler, but the Iron 1200 brings more punch to the street fight — so claims the advertising. Mechanically unchanged from 2019, the Iron 1200 starts at $9,999 and is offered in Vivid Black, Barracuda Silver and Billiard Blue. The simple tank graphics are steeped in 1970s nostalgia and reflect an overall move away from complex designs.

>>Join the conversation on the 2020 Iron 1200 right here at HDForums!

Motor Legacy

The Iron 1200 is a simple, bare-knuckle style motorcycle with a legendary powerplant. Backed by staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflers is the tried-and-true Evolution engine. The air-cooled, push rod motor has been a staple since 1986. First introduced in 883cc and 1,110 displacements, the 1200cc format followed in 1988. The motor's overall design legacy dates back to the 1957 Ironhead.

>>Join the conversation on the 2020 Iron 1200 right here at HDForums!

Iron Tailor

The Motor Company is savvy to custom motorcycle trends. The Iron 1200 is a prime example of this, and it can be further tailored with genuine Harley-Davidson accessories. Brad Richards, Vice President of Styling & Design explains, “What we’ve done to create the new Iron 1200...is what Sportster owners have been doing with their own bikes for generations.”

>>Join the conversation on the 2020 Iron 1200 right here at HDForums!

Legal Bobber

The Iron 1200 is geared towards riders looking for a stylish machine with the power to spare. Shown here in Vivid Black and striking AMF-era stripes, the Iron 1200 oozes classic bobber-styling. A staple DIY modification, the factory-chopped rear fender does away with the need for an angle grinder. A side-mounted license plate and an LED taillight keep everything legal.

>>Join the conversation on the 2020 Iron 1200 right here at HDForums!

Cool Extras

While the Iron 1200 is a no-frills bike, add-on options are available. Adding the Harley-Davidson Smart Security System will cost an additional $395, while anti-lock brakes push the price up by $795. Offering just a touch of wind deflection, a stock gloss black bikini fairing pairs nicely with the mini-ape handlebars. With a modest rise, the setup makes for a cool fist-in-the-wind riding stance.

>>Join the conversation on the 2020 Iron 1200 right here at HDForums!

Character Appeal

The Iron 1200's garage-built bobber aesthetics is the culmination of a popular legacy. With sales ending in Europe, and the Revolution Max platform set to take center stage, the Sportster could soon become part of the history books. Whatever the case, the retro-styled 2020 Iron 1200 is the perfect combination of power and character — something that translates to a timeless appeal.

>>Join the conversation on the 2020 Iron 1200 right here at HDForums!

For maintenance and repair guides for your Harley, browse our technical How-to articles right here on HDForums.

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