When it comes to 1200cc motorcycles, there are simply tons of options out there. It can be quite hard to pick just a few and call them the best, but that is exactly what I’m going to try to do here. Motorcycles with engines this size are some of the best out there.
What makes the best 1200cc motorcycles is really the rider. Everyone is going to have something different that they want, so in the below list, you will see a variety of bikes selected. That said, I truly do believe these are the best motorcycles in this category.
This is kind of a sweet spot in the market because a motorcycle with this size engine can really do anything. It’s perfect for everyday uses but has plenty of power for going on longer rides or more spirited rides. With all this said, here are my picks.
1. Indian Motorcycle FTR Rally
The Indian Motorcycle FTR Rally is the latest addition to the Indian FTR lineup and takes the flat track-inspired motorcycle to new levels.
It’s more of an adventure motorcycle than the standard model, making the bike great for a wide variety of types of riding. The motorcycle features a 1,203cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine that makes 120 hp and 87 lb-ft of torque.
2. Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS
The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS is a pretty sporty machine. It’s the latest iteration of the Speed Triple and boy is this a great machine.
It’s better than the Speed Triples that have come before it but it still has all of the positives that you’re looking for in a Speed Triple. The bike features a 1,160cc, liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder engine that makes 178 hp and 92 lb-ft of torque.
3. Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE
The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE is the more extreme version of the Scrambler from Triumph.
The motorcycle is basically a retro-styled adventure machine. This motorcycle is a great option for anyone who loves old-school style and genuinely wants to go off the beaten path. This motorcycle features a 1200 cc, liquid-cooled, 8-valve, SOHC, 270-degree crank angle parallel-twin engine that makes 89 hp.
4. Harley-Davidson Sportster S
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is the sharp end of the Sport lineup for Harley. The motorcycle is a power cruiser through.
The bike features a 1,252cc V-twin engine that makes a powerful 93 lb-ft of torque and the bike looks good doing it too. It has a low, feet-forward riding position, but don’t let that fool you. This thing can thrill you like no other. It’s also one of the most affordable Harley’s in the lineup, making it a true gem.
5. Ducati Diavel V4
The Ducati Diavel V4 isn’t for everyone. This power cruiser is a scary Italian beast of a motorcycle that some riders wouldn’t want, but that doesn’t stop it from being a fantastic bike.
The bike gets an engine that is absolutely state of the art, and that alone makes this work owning. The engine is a 1,158 cc liquid-cooled V4. It makes 168 hp and 93 lb-ft of torque. If you want something different than what you’ll see elsewhere on the road, this is it.
Are there other 1200cc Motorcycles?
You bet! There are several other 1200cc motorcycles out there, and if you know of one that you love and you don’t see it listed here, leave me a message in the comments. Otherwise, take a look at the bikes above and think about them.
These motorcycles are top-notch machines, and while there are TONS of other bikes out there with 1,200cc engines, these all hold a special place in my heart.
