Cruisers
2016Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two
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The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two is a retro-styled cruiser that appeals to riders seeking classic aesthetics with modern reliability. Known for its low-slung stance, whitewall tires, and vintage appeal, it delivers accessible power and manageable weight ideal for intermediate riders. The 730mm seat height and comfortable ergonomics make it suitable for a wide range of rider sizes and experience levels.
- Capacity
- 1201.3 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 251.0 kg
- Seat height
- 730 mm
- Power
- 65.7 HP (48.0 kW) @ 6000 RPM
What’s new for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two
vs the 2015| Spec | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Dry weight | 247.2 kg (545.0 pounds) | 251.0 kg (553.4 pounds) |
| Wet weight | 251.7 kg (554.9 pounds) | 257.0 kg (566.6 pounds) |
| Seat height | 676 mm (26.6 inches) | 730 mm (28.7 inches) |
| Fuel capacity | 8.00 litres (2.11 US gallons) | 7.90 litres (2.09 US gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1524 mm (60.0 inches) | 1540 mm (60.6 inches) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for laid-back boulevard cruising, short highway jaunts, and pure visual custom style with a fat front tire and blacked-out attitude.
- Built for
- A stripped-down, muscular custom cruiser that trades cornering agility and top-end speed for torque-rich low-rev grunt and unmistakable Sportster attitude.
- Not ideal for
- Not a good fit for riders wanting sharp cornering performance, serious long-distance touring comfort, or any kind of off-road capability.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 1201.3 ccm
- Power
- 65.7 HP (48.0 kW) @ 6000 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 114 CO2 g/km
- Torque
- 96.0 Nm (9.8 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Fuel consumption
- 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l)
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2618 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 88.9 x 96.8 mm
- Compression
- 10.0:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Lubrication system
- Dry sump
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Belt
- Clutch
- Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1540 mm
- Overall length
- 2275 mm
- Seat height
- 730 mm
- Dry weight
- 251.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 257.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 7.90 litres
- Ground clearance
- 130 mm
- Oil capacity
- 2.60 litres
Chassis & suspension
- Front suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- Twin shocks
- Rake (fork angle)
- 32.0°
- Trail
- 135 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.
- ABS
- Optional
- Front tyre
- MH90-21
- Rear tyre
- 150/80-B16
Other
- Color options
- Black Quartz
Specs last verified against published sources: .
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1201 cc | 1201 cc |
| Dry weight | 247 kg | 247 kg | 247 kg | 251 kg |
| Seat height | 676 mm | 676 mm | 676 mm | 730 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 8 L | 8 L | 8 L | 7.9 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two has a Capacity of 1201.3 ccm (73.31 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two have?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two has a Power of 65.7 HP (48.0 kW) @ 6000 RPM.
How many gears does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two have?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two has a Torque of 96.0 Nm (9.8 kgf-m or 70.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM.
How much does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two weigh?
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two has a Dry weight of 251.0 kg (553.4 pounds).
Shop this bike
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