Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two 2016 — Specifications

After transporting us back to 1948, would the Sportster 1200 like to take us to 1972? Not at all! Although Harley strives to offer numerous versions of its models, tinged with the past and nostalgia, the Sportster Seventy-Two does not look back at the 1960s. Its mini ape-hanger handlebar, abundance of chrome, seat carved from a plank, and forward controls are inspired by the atmosphere of the first choppers. The spirit that runs through the metal and chrome is that of California. And the 72 is the name of a road in Los Angeles, 25 km long, especially known for its gatherings of custom culture enthusiasts.

New suspensions appear in 2016. The forks feature a new cartridge and 3-way damping. The emulsion rear shocks can be adjusted for preload. The redesigned seat should improve rider comfort.

Like the vast majority of Sportsters, the 72 offers increased safety for the Sportster 48 since 2014: the manufacturer has added its HD Smart Security system, allowing keyless starting and ABS as standard. Quite a few braking modifications are also present. New calipers bite a larger front disc (300 mm) but unchanged at the rear (260 mm). The aluminum master cylinder is also new, for less friction and more feel. The Sportster also features a new electrical system, redesigned controls with a switch on the left to navigate the screen of the new speedometer. We should also note the evolution of the exhaust and oil tank.

Sparkling, full of flair, the Sportster Seventy-Two is a breath of light in the Harley-Davidson universe. What a look! The front escapes into lightness, the rear hugs the road, while the engine seems to want to live its debauchery in solitude. Besides the omnipresent metallic reflections, the 72 lacks nothing in style effects, such as its spoked rims with white stripes on the tires, the peanut tank with a ridiculous capacity, the minimalist fenders, its very flat solo seat and its handlebar 1.10 meters from the ground. To move its quarter of a ton, the Sportster relies on its 1202 cm3 twin delivering almost 10 mkg of torque. A 30-year-old block that has gently evolved to offer the biker the typical Milwaukee flavor.

Main features of the Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two

- 1,202 cc air-cooled Evolution V-Twin engine with sequential port fuel injection (ESPFI) developing a maximum torque of 96 Nm at 3,500 rpm. - Transmission with gray finish with chrome accents. - Fuel tank capacity of 7.9 liters. - Dunlop white-wall tires of 21 inches at the front (MH90-21) and 16 inches at the rear (150-80B16) and chrome spoked wheels. - Mini-Ape handlebar mounted on a riser. - Round air filter cover with a raised cover integrating a central mounting screw. - Chopped rear fender highlighting the rear tire. - Double stacked exhaust with chrome mufflers. - Solo seat covered in black textured vinyl. - Speedometer mounted on the handlebar with a chrome nacelle. - Chrome rear fender supports. - Chrome concentric rear shocks adjustable for preload. - Advanced foot controls. - 2014: ABS as standard, 300 mm front disc, 34 mm pistons (+36%) in the front caliper and 38 mm in the rear caliper, new electrical system. - 2016: improved suspensions and redesigned seat.

M.B - Manufacturer photos