2014-1/2 Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow 1200T | FIRST LOOK

PHOTOS: Harley-Davidson

For the 2014 model year, Harley-Davidson lavished a massive amount of development effort on the so-called Project Rushmore bikes, its popular FL touring rigs. Now it’s the Sportster’s turn. The result? The SuperLow 1200T.

Combining the SuperLow chassis—one built around providing a very low seat height—with the Sportster 1200cc V-twin engine for the first time, Harley’s laid solid underpinnings for this pint-sized touring machine. (Remember that the previous versions of the SuperLow had the 883cc engine.) The remainder of the chassis is familiar, using the Sportster’s standard rubber engine mounts, short-travel suspension, and nicely highlighted cast-aluminum wheels.

For touring duty, Harley adds a 14-inch, quick-detachable windscreen and a pair of hard-shell, lockable saddlebags covered in “durable black vinyl with chrome badges.” Docking points on the rear fender rails accommodate accessory racks and backrest. The two-up touring saddle is, obviously, different from the current SuperLow’s solo saddle, and results in a slightly higher 26.1-inch seat-height measurement. However, Harley is quick to point out that the 1200T’s seat has been designed for smaller riders, moving the seating pocket forward and providing a narrow nose section to make it feel lower than it is.

MSRP for the 2014 Sportster SuperLow 1200T starts at $11,799.

For more: www.harley-davidson.com