The manager at my local dealer told me the 48 is being replaced by the new Roadster and won't be produced again next year. He then said the 72 has also been cancelled and won't be produced again next year.

I believe what he said about the 48 because the new Roadster is a better version of the 48, but i can't find any news on the 72 being discontinued too?

Has anyone else heard this?

 

Not certain of that's truth but imo I don't see the roadster as an improved 48, just a different model sportster. The 48s seem quite popular on the streets/dealers/and on the forums, I'd be surprised if they discontinued it, the 72 doesn't to be as popular but it's different enough that I think it has its appeal. August time we should be getting news on nexts years models

 

I can see them dropping a model after a few year runs and coming out with something similar.

Writing that, I do not see how a roadster is a better version of the 48, they do not directly compete with eachother, they are two entirely different styles of riding.

 

I liked the 72 , it's a cute little bike.

 

7 sportsters is a a lot! I think the 2.2 tank really limits their appeal, it stopped me. But with a 3.3 tank I just may have bought one rather than my street Bob last June.

 

If we are to believe that sales have dropped in recent years then it makes sense that the MoCo will reduce the model range hence costs, but also try something new. I read yesterday on HDF that dealers are trying to clear their salesroom floors of '16 models, ready for the new model year, as if there is a special effort being made. We'll see before too long!

 

Local dealer still has a 2015 48 on the floor, but sold 3 2016 48s. I have seen only one 72 there, that was 4 months ago.
I am hoping to buy a new 48 this Fall, the test ride pretty much sold it. They ride nice.

 

To me, the new Roadster and the 48 have very similar looks and appeal, plus the new Roadster has the 3.3 gallon tank. I love the 72s - I owned one and they are the only stock chopper-like bike on the market that I can think of. If it weren't for my Iron, I'd still have my 72. Having said that, the manager told me he's only sold 3 72s in the past year - that's not a lot. He said he can't keep the Iron and 1200 Custom in stock - they sell so fast.

I honestly don't mind losing the 48 because of the new Roadster - which is a fun bike to ride, btw - but I hope he's wrong about the 72 - I'd love to see it stick around.

 

Harley Davidson is a big ship and big ships steer slowly. The improvements made to the 2016 model 48 didn't just happen overnight on a whim, it was planned and deliberate. I would be surprised if the mother ship drops a model that they just spent development $ on. The model designation may change but I would hazard a guess that the basic form of the 48 will continue.


I don't think that the slammed 48 and high rise Roadster are the same at all. I worked in a HD shop and I can tell you this, HD HQ does not tell it's dealers what's happening with new models until it's happening. People can't keep a secret.

 

I knew the 72 wasn't coming back since February. Guess I can keep a secret.

72 vacation confirmed.

As for the 48, that's probably bull. My guess, 48 is staying. No confirmation though.

Roadster is not an "improved 48" as you said, it's a Roadster. Classic XL brought back from the dead.

Back on the 72, I'm sad to see it go, I loved my 12.