RealClassic HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER
I feel I should start with an apology. I'm sorry. You've just turned the page of your favourite classic motorbike mag and – what's this? A Harley of all things, and what looks to be a fairly modern Harley to boot! But relax, be calm, make yourself a refreshing brew and settle into a comfy chair while I attempt to explain this impertinence, while at the same time convincing you that this very bike before you is indeed a genuine, bona fide RealClassic.
I would also like to take this opportunity to reassure you, gentle reader, that I have never owned any of the following: chaps, mirrored shades, tasselled jacket, cowboy boots, leather waistcoat or fingerless gloves. I would like to further assure you that none of these things are in any way compulsory should you decide to explore the idea of Harley ownership further.
First off, what is it exactly?What you're looking at here is a 2004 Sportster XL 1200 Custom. As everyone and his dog must know by now, the Sportster was introduced to the HD range in 1957, and gradually evolved (see what I did there?) into the EVO engined version in 1986, which ran in various forms until 2022. Some will argue that only early Sportsters can be considered‘classic'. Some will go further and say none are
