About to pull the trigger on a 72 ...
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 303
Likes: 3
From: dixon il
gotta tell you. I passed on the 72 because of the small tank. ended up buying a heritage and I regret it. my heritage was everything i need but the 72 was everything i want. I absolutely hate how harley comes out with "custom" bikes straight from the factory floor. the rocker was the gayest harley ever made or atleast tied with the v-rod. crossbones was not as bad but still lame because it only looked custom. it defeats the purpose. but Ive come to the realization I cant afford to custimize a bike and make the monthly payments and the 72 is exactly what I would want a sportster to look like if i was gonna customize it. I cant help it I love it. and as far as the paint goes the red is honestly the only real choice there is and you know it!lol interetingly enough my local harley shop said they thought the 72 was gonna be huge but they havent sold a single one.
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 4
From: EastCoast
Stopping for a refuel after an hour is choice to me. It keeps me alert, prevents my lazy habits, and besides I keep a cheap siphon pump on the bike just in case. More fuel=more weight IMO unless touring.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
Now that I have a 3.3 on my 48 I still stop at least every 60 miles. Not because Im uncomfortable but because I want to stop and smell the roses.........................oh yeah...............and burn one 
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 382
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
I commute on my 48 which has the 2.2 tank also. I get about 60-65 miles before the light comes on and within about 10 miles of the light I am filling up.
My commute is about 20 miles a day all residential and city streets (max speed limit i see posted is 45 MPH).
My commute is about 20 miles a day all residential and city streets (max speed limit i see posted is 45 MPH).
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
Eww. Not a fan. I hate that 4.5 more than I dislike the 3.3.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 9
From: 3rd Stone From The Sun
I have about 1000 miles on my 72. At 70 miles the reserve warning light comes on and there is .7 of a gallon in the tank when I fill. So, if you do the math, at 101-110 miles you are walking. No worries for me as the Sporster is my beat around town bike, I take the RKC for longer stuff. But, if it is your only bike and you are doing a lot of interstate stuff, you may have an issue.
This is my experience as well except my low fuel light comes on around 50-60 miles, probably because I'm not topping the tank off all the way when I fill up. I also have RK for long hauls on the interstate so the 100 mile tank on the 72 is not an issue for me either.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 770
Likes: 1
From: Coeur d' alene, Idaho
The fuel tank is not as big an issue for me as a seat. The stock seat was like sitting a bed of nails. I put on a HD spring solo and it is better but still about a 70 mile at a time thing. Does anyone have any seat suggestion that will not ruin the bobber style look of the bike and deals with butt discomfort?
