Harley-Davidson's air-cooled Sportster was last released in December 2021 with the Forty-Eight Final Edition. Can you still buy the popular air-cooled Sportster as a new car? The CUSTOM V1200 Stormbreaker, which looks so much like the popular air-cooled Sportster, will be launched in Europe in September 2023.
Soon to be launched in China under the name "Ashige".
The Sportster with an air-cooled 45-degree V-twin engine, introduced in 1957, was discontinued in Japan in 2021. After 2022, they will be replaced by the liquid-cooled 60-degree V-twin engine Sportster S and Nightster, and the air-cooled Sportster can no longer be purchased as a new vehicle.
At such a time, Italy's SWM announced an air-cooled cruiser named Custom V1200 at the Milan Show in November 2022. The style is similar to the stretch-tank Sportster series. The displacement of the air-cooled V-twin engine was also announced to be 1202cc, the same as that of the Sportster.
The pinch angle of the V-bank and valve drive system have not been announced, but if it is modeled after the Sportster's Evolution engine, it is believed to be a 45-degree OHV 2-valve.
With a maximum output of 60 kW (81 PS) and a top speed of 200 km/h, performance is likely to be high.
The V1200 was developed by China's Shineray Motorcycle, which acquired SWM in 2014, and is expected to go on sale soon in China as the Asige 1200. In Europe, it is scheduled to go on sale in September 2023, and it is believed to be compliant with Euro 5 emission regulations, so it is possible that it will be introduced to Japan as well.
CUSTOM V1200 Stormbreaker [SWM] A new cruiser styled like a sportster. It is amazing that an air-cooled V-twin is released as a new model in this era.
1200 [Shineray], a white horse with brown or other hair, is said to have been the favorite horse of Houfu of Chuxi. The image of Harley = iron horse probably exists in China as well.
The double cradle frame and the lower part of the engine that looks like rubber mounts seem to be exactly the same configuration as the air-cooled Sportster. The bore 88.9mm x stroke 96.8mm is also identical.
The engine is an air-cooled V-twin 1202cc, the same as the XL1200. From the exterior, it appears to be an OHV system. The shape of the crankcase cover and the position of the bolts are also similar to that of the Evolution engine.
This is the Sportster Evolution engine. This is from 2004 when it was converted to a rubber mount. The engine was converted to FI in 2008.
The headlight uses up-and-down LEDs. Is the sporty design, contrary to the classical appearance, appropriated from a sports bike?
The drivetrain uses a belt drive. The Sportster has been using a belt drive since 1993, and this system has been followed by the Sportster.
SWM Custom 1200V Major Specifications
Overall length x width x height: 2165 x 830 x 1110 mm
Seat height: 715mm
Weight: 250 kg (dry)
Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke V-twin 1202cc
Maximum output: 81 PS
Fuel tank capacity: 14 liters
Transmission: 5-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=disc
Tires: F=130/90B16, R=150/70B16
