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Cruisers

2016Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom

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The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom is a cruiser that appeals to riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Known for its minimalist dark aesthetic, low 730mm seat height, and manageable 257kg weight, it delivers accessible performance ideal for both cruiser enthusiasts and riders transitioning to larger motorcycles. The bike excels at combining retro charm with practical electronic features including ABS capability and comprehensive onboard diagnostics.

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
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom

vs the 2015
Spec20152016
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 710 mm (28.0 inches) 730 mm (28.7 inches)
Fuel capacity 8.00 litres (2.11 US gallons) 7.90 litres (2.09 US gallons)
Front brakes Single disc. Optional ABS. Dual-piston Single disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.
Rear brakes Single disc. Optional ABS. Dual-piston Single disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.
Other years 2013 2014 2015 2016

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 35Agility 40Comfort 55Off-road 5Touring 35Road manners 60
Off-road & trail5%
Cornering30%
City riding60%
Daily riding55%
Touring35%
Two-up30%
Track10%
Best for
Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and style-focused short rides rather than outright performance or distance-eating touring.
Built for
A classic blacked-out custom cruiser with punchy low-end V-twin torque, deep exhaust note, and a relaxed, chopper-inspired stance meant to be seen as much as ridden hard.
Not ideal for
Not the right choice for riders wanting sharp cornering agility, high-speed touring comfort, or any 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 us
At 730mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Based 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.

Full specifications

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.
Front brakes diameter
292 mm
Rear brakes
Single disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.
Rear brakes diameter
260 mm
ABS
Optional
Front tyre
MH90-21
Rear tyre
150/80-B16
Other
Color options
Black

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 2013201420152016
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 710 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.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom has a Capacity of 1201.3 ccm (73.31 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom have?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom has a Power of 65.7 HP (48.0 kW) @ 6000 RPM.

How many gears does the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom have?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom 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 Dark Custom weigh?

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom has a Dry weight of 251.0 kg (553.4 pounds).

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