Seventy two
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I bought a '04 1200XLC new and rode it eight years. Two weeks ago I traded it in for a '12 72 in metalflake. The 72 is awesome. It's not quite as fast as the 04 yet, but it's in the works. It's amazing how much power a free flowing breather and non stock pipes (complete sexhaust sytem) will produce. ('04 =89hp and 88ft.lb) I've already ditched the cheasy reflector on the back along with the upper belt guard. Added python slip ons with 1/2 baffle cut off and added a 30in. sissy bar, pad and passenger pillion.
If i didn't already buy my 48, I'd probably buy a 72 just for the fact it already comes with the stuff I want to do/have done to my 48- white walls, mini-apes, metal flake paint
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
I've only sat on one and it fits my 6' frame better than any of the other Sportsters. I've been playing with the idea of adding one to go along with my Dyna. It's a bar hopper no doubt, and makes no apology for it. I'll take mine in denim black...
I rode several 72's multiple times at the Daytona demos too. I posted a reveiw in the main forum but there were no comments so I thought there was no interest in the 72.
As far as looks go you have to see this bike in person to appreciate how good it really looks. HD put a lot of detail in the 72. I like the grey powder coat on the cases with polished edges on the cylinder fins, and even though I don't care for chrome the rocker boxes, primary, and cam covers really show the classic lines of the motor with the grey cases. The small tank and round air filter show off the motor and make it stand out, They give it that just a seat on top of a motor between two wheels look that is a Sportster to me. I like the looks of the stock AC and pipes so much I would not change them.
I'm 6' with a 32" inseam and the seat, pegs, and bars were a perfect fit. I don't like foward pegs and I saw HD has a kit to move them back about 2". This may well be the perfect comprimise on this bike. The seat is a little small but I would not change it without giving my butt a chance to get used to it. I just wanted to try one because they were new, I did not expect to like the 72 as much as I did. The small tank would be a pain, I remember the 2.25 gal tank on my 2 Sportsters and my Panhead chopper I had back in the day. You have to be aware of your range. But the small tank looks so good I think I woukd just live with the limited range.
I always wanted to like the Nightster but the slammed suspension ruined the handling with the bone jarring ride and very limited cornering clearence. Not so with the 72, the shocks and forks work and have some travel. And the 21" front wheel lightens the steering and gives a little more clearence. It will still scrape on corners but not as bad as the Nightster.
That was my opinion FWIW. Lets hear some reveiws from some owners that have some more seat time. I know I'm interested in how you like the 72.
As far as looks go you have to see this bike in person to appreciate how good it really looks. HD put a lot of detail in the 72. I like the grey powder coat on the cases with polished edges on the cylinder fins, and even though I don't care for chrome the rocker boxes, primary, and cam covers really show the classic lines of the motor with the grey cases. The small tank and round air filter show off the motor and make it stand out, They give it that just a seat on top of a motor between two wheels look that is a Sportster to me. I like the looks of the stock AC and pipes so much I would not change them.
I'm 6' with a 32" inseam and the seat, pegs, and bars were a perfect fit. I don't like foward pegs and I saw HD has a kit to move them back about 2". This may well be the perfect comprimise on this bike. The seat is a little small but I would not change it without giving my butt a chance to get used to it. I just wanted to try one because they were new, I did not expect to like the 72 as much as I did. The small tank would be a pain, I remember the 2.25 gal tank on my 2 Sportsters and my Panhead chopper I had back in the day. You have to be aware of your range. But the small tank looks so good I think I woukd just live with the limited range.
I always wanted to like the Nightster but the slammed suspension ruined the handling with the bone jarring ride and very limited cornering clearence. Not so with the 72, the shocks and forks work and have some travel. And the 21" front wheel lightens the steering and gives a little more clearence. It will still scrape on corners but not as bad as the Nightster.
That was my opinion FWIW. Lets hear some reveiws from some owners that have some more seat time. I know I'm interested in how you like the 72.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 595
Likes: 6
From: Detroit, MI
The 72 is a great looking bike. I sat on one a month ago at BGHD when I was buying my 2004 883 Sporty. If I didn't already have my FXRT (I bought the 883 for a around town bike) I would have bought it that day, I love the paint and the look of the bike but when I sat on it, thats when really liked it.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Mesa
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