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2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two
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2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two

2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two

2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two

2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two

2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two

2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two

2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two

2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two

2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two

2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two Review

Authentic ’70s chopper attitude meets modern power and premium H-D styling in this bare-bones, lowrider-inspired radical custom

The Harley-Davidson® Seventy-Two motorcycle is a metal flake dream machine, a Sportster® motorcycle on a trip back to the days when the cool kids rode Sting-Ray bikes and the big boys parked choppers in a row on the curb. Those motorcycles were long and lean; candy-apple colour and gleaming chrome shimmering in hazy summer sunlight. From its Hard Candy Big Red Flake paint and ape bars to its narrow whitewall tires, the Seventy-Two model is a respectful nod to that era, and to the influence of the custom culture that still percolates today along Whittier Boulevard, the legendary cruising street in East Los Angeles, also known as Route 72. A new generation of custom builder is tapping into that era and making a fresh statement, not just in California but in garages across the country, even around the world.

“In creating the Seventy-Two [motorcycle], we were also inspired by the vibe of the early chopper era,” says Frank Savage, Harley-Davidson Manager of Industrial Design. “Those bikes were colourful and chromed, but also narrow and stripped down to the essentials. You look at period examples and they are almost as simple as a bicycle. It’s a custom style that’s very particular to America and that California scene.”

Metal flake, an iconic design element of the 70s, appeared in everything from dune buggy gel coat to vinyl diner upholstery, and on custom motorcycles. Harley-Davidson Motor Company brings the sparkle back on the Seventy-Two motorcycle with Hard Candy Big Red Flake paint. This new finish is created by applying a black base coat, followed by a polyurethane system that carries hexagon-shaped flakes that are more than seven times the diameter of the metal flake that is used in typical production paint. Each flake is coated with a thin aluminium film and then tinted red. Four applications of clear coat, combined with hand-sanding, create a smooth finish over the flakes.

“The final touch to the Hard Candy Big Red Flake paint is a logo on the tank top and pinstripe scallop details on both fenders,” says Savage. “Each was originally created by hand, and we recreated that art in a decal for production, so they still have the appearance of hand-applied graphics in that they are not exactly perfect. The graphics are then covered with a final clear-coat application.”

A solo seat shows off more of the paint exposed on the Seventy-Two motorcycle. The powertrain is finished in grey powdercoat with chrome covers and a new round air cleaner with a dished cover. A classic Sportster® 2.2-gallon “peanut” fuel tank adds a final period touch to the motorcycle.

Based on the Harley-Davidson Sportster platform, the Seventy-Two™ introduces Hard Candy Big Red Flake, a sparkling, metal flake color option applied to the fuel tank and fenders. A solo seat and side-mount license plate bracket leave much of the chopped rear fender – and more of that paint – exposed on the Seventy-Two. The Evolution® 1200 cc V-Twin powertrain is finished in Gray powdercoat with chrome covers and a new round air cleaner with a dished cover. A classic Sportster 2.1-gallon fuel tank, narrow white wall tires, Chrome Laced wheels, and high mini-ape handlebar complete a look that nods to chopper custom motorcycles of the 1970s.

 

2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two Model Highlights

• Paint color options: Hard Candy Big Red Flake with period pinstripe details on fenders and fuel tank, Black Denim, Big Blue Pearl
• Powertrain is finished in Gray powdercoat with chrome covers
• Chrome, eight-inch round air cleaner cover
• 2.1-gallon Peanut Tank with lightening hole mounting bracket
• Dunlop® white wall 21-inch (MH90-21) front and 16-inch (150/80B16) rear tires
• Chrome Laced wheels
• Stainless steel mini-ape handlebar, mounted on a two-inch high riser
• Chopped rear fender
• One-piece, Sportster® classic solo seat
• Side-mounted license plate
• Solo seat with black textured vinyl cover
• Handlebar-mounted speedometer with chrome cup
• Chrome rear fender struts
• Chrome coil-over pre-load adjustable rear shocks
• Forward foot controls

 

 

2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two Features and Benefits

The Seventy-Two motorcycle offers a classic Sportster® 2.1-gallon fuel tank, narrow whitewall tires, Chrome Laced wheels, and
high mini-ape handlebar that complete a look that nods to chopper custom motorcycles of the 1970s and to current trends in garage-built custom motorcycles.

• Air-cooled Evolution® 1200cc V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 73 ft. lbs. peak torque at 3500 rpm
• Rubber-mounted powertrain to reduce vibration
• 5-Speed Transmission
• Chrome, staggered, shorty dual exhaust with slash-cut mufflers
• Disc Breaks
• Optional factory-installed Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free, proximity-based security fob

 

RETRO AIR CLEANER COVER

This 8-inch, street legal, mirror-chrome air cleaner cover makes a powerful statement that recalls the glory days of old iron crossed with a clean, contemporary look.

WHITEWALL TIRES AND LACED WHEELS

Large (21-inch front) lace-spoked wheels with their bold brilliant white walls complete the old school low-rider look.

BIG FLAKE PAINT (OPTIONAL)

This radical, eye-catching tank paint recalls the radical style of ’70s choppers and shouts one-of-a-kind custom—but coming straight from Harley-Davidson, you know it’s nothing but pure premium-quality craftsmanship.

CLASSIC PEANUT FUEL TANK

First appearing on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle back in 1948, the small 2.1 gallon tapered peanut fuel tank holds strong today with its traditional styling and modern attitude. A low, powerful bulldog look that gives way for showcasing more engine, the peanut fuel tank is attitude and looks all balled up into one.

MINI-APE HANGER HANDLEBAR

Grab ahold of the stainless steel mini-ape hanger handlebar and put your fists up into the wind–it’ll take you back to the glory days of chopper cruising. And to keep the look cool and clean, the wiring is routed inside the steel.

CLASSIC REAR—MODERN FUNCTIONALITY

The chopped rear fender with side-mounted plate completes the Seventy-Two model’s long, low chopper look and keeps things classically clean and raw. The chrome bullet taillights combine this old school retro-styling with new school technology, packing stop beams, turn signals and running lights into each lamp.

EVOLUTION ENGINE HERITAGE

The Evolution® engine—known in certain crowds as the Blockhead—was first bolted to the frame of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle back in 1984. Born from legendary Shovelhead and Ironhead engines, the Evolution® engine broke new ground in displacement innovation while maintaining the hunger for power, durability and proven reliability that The Motor Company was built on.

EVOLUTION® ENGINE INNOVATION

Air-cooled and durable as hell, the 1200cc Evolution® engine is yet another nod to the unwavering work ethic that drives advancements in motor technology at Harley-Davidson. Aluminum heads and cylinders lighten the load of the bike and improve air-cooling efficiency. Electronic fuel injection says goodbye to carburetors and boasts increased reliability and less routine maintenance. Bottom line: the rubber-mounted Evolution® engine runs hard and rides smooth for thousands of miles so you can just worry about taking in the freedom of the open road.

PURE HARLEY-DAVIDSON STYLING

Feast your eyes on the 1200cc Evolution® engine and there’s no mistaking its roots. This is authentic Harley-Davidson style through and through with an attention to detail you won’t find from any other motorcycle company. Black powder-coated cylinders and cylinder heads are topped off with chrome rocker covers and an old school round air cleaner cover for a tough vintage Harley-Davidson attitude. It’s a jewel machined out of metal. Pure. Dripping with power. From the classic edge of the cooling fins to the clean lines of cases and covers—the 1200c Evolution® engine makes an ironclad statement to holding on to what’s right and staying true to what satisfies the rider.

ARTFULLY HIDDEN TECHNOLOGY

Harley-Davidson leverages the latest in technology without compromising style and function. That means we hide electronics. The whole wiring harness is skillfully routed behind the jewels of the bike—the tank, engine and all the other eye-popping features you want to see. It’s just another way The Motor Company goes the extra mile to give its bikes that premium, top-of-the-line fit and finish.

INTUITIVE CONTROLS

Hand controls on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle are incredibly intuitive. The turn signals are self-canceling and, based on the speed and angle of the motorcycle, they know how long to stay on. Engaging the controls quickly becomes second nature so you can focus less on turning off your signal and more on basking in the freedom of the ride.

H-D SMART SECURITY SYSTEM (OPTIONAL)

The factory installed next-generation security system features a hands-free fob that automatically arms and disarms the vehicle electronic security functions as you approach and walk away from the bike. Stick the fob on your ignition key ring and let it do all the work. It’s this attention to details and security that make Harley-Davidson® motorcycles unique.

TUNED TO BE RIDDEN

Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are different from any other bike out on the road. There’s a balance to them. The steering, the maneuverability—it’s all in concert. And each Harley-Davidson® model is tuned differently to create a unique riding experience for each individual no matter which bike they swing their leg over. Let’s face it, we didn’t get to where we are by being like everyone else.

FORWARD MOUNTED CONTROLS

With the custom forward-mounted controls, you can kick back a little and stretch your legs for the ultimate cruise through town or across the state line. It’s time to take in the open road the way you were meant to—on a two-wheeled machine that’s built to outdo the rest.

SEAT ENGINEERING AND DESIGN

The seat is home for Harley-Davidson® motorcycle riders. They want a seat that has unique style without sacrificing comfort. Because of that, Harley-Davidson invests a lot of time in researching, designing and testing seats so that every bike has just the right saddle.

 

 

 

 

 

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2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: Color Option $10,499; Hard Candy Big Red Flake Option $11,199 USD

DIMENSIONS
Length 89.4 in. (2270 mm)
Overall Width 36.0 in. (915 mm)
Overall Height 47.6 in. (1210 mm)
Seat Height:
• Laden2 26.6 in. (675 mm)
• Unladen 28.0 in. (710 mm)
Ground Clearance 4.7 in. (119 mm)
Rake (steering head) 30.1°
Fork Angle 30.1°
Trail 5.3 in. (135 mm)
Wheelbase 60.0 in. (1524 mm)
Tires (Dunlop® Harley-Davidson® Series, narrow whitewall):
• Front – D402F MH90-21 54H
• Rear – D401 150/80B16 71H
Fuel Capacity 2.1 gal. (7.9 L) (warning light at approximately 0.65 gal.)
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 2.8 qts. (2.6 L)
Transmission Capacity 1.0 qt. (.95 L)

Weight:
• As Shipped 545 lbs. (247.2 kg)
• In Running Order 555 lbs. (251.7 kg)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1000 lbs. (453.6 kg)
• Gross Axle Weight Rating
• Front 335 lbs. (152.0 kg)
• Rear 665 lbs. (301.6 kg)

ENGINE
Engine Air-cooled, Evolution® Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 3.5 in. x 3.812 in. (88.9 mm x 96.8 mm)
Displacement 73.3 cu. in. (1200 cc)
Compression Ratio 9.7:1
Fuel System3 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner Paper cartridge type
Lubrication System Dry-sump

DRIVETRAIN
Primary Drive Chain, 57/38 ratio
Final Drive Belt, 68/29 ratio
Clutch Multi-plate, wet
Transmission 5-speed Gear Ratios (overall): U.S.
• 1st 9.315
• 2nd 6.653
• 3rd 4.948
• 4th 4.102
• 5th 3.517

CHASSIS
Frame Mild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions
Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Front Forks 39 mm
Rear Shocks Coil-over; preload dual-adjustable
Wheels4: Chrome Steel Laced
• Front 21 in. x 2.15 in. (533 mm x 55 mm)
• Rear 16 in. x 3 in. (406 mm x 76 mm)

Brakes:
• Caliper Type Dual-piston front, single-piston rear
• Rotor Type (diameter x width): Patented, uniform expansion rotors
• Front 11.5 in. x .2 in. (292.1 mm x 5.1 mm)
• Rear 10.24 in. x .28 in. (260.1 mm x 7.1 mm)

Suspension Travel:
• Front Wheel 5.69 in. (145 mm)
• Rear Wheel 2.12 in. (54 mm)

PERFORMANCE
Engine Torque5 (per J1349):
• North America 73 ft. lbs. @ 3500 RPM (99 Nm @ 3500 RPM)

Lean Angle (per J1168):
• Right 28.6°
• Left 29.8°

Fuel Economy6
(EPA urban/highway test) 48 mpg (4.9 L/100 km)

ELECTRIC
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating)
Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 12 amp/hour, 200 cca
Charging Single-phase, 30-amp system (357W @ 13.5V, 2000 RPM, 405W max power @ 13.5V)
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
• Headlamp (quartz halogen) 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
• Turn Signal Lights 28W self-canceling
• Rear Tail/Stop/Turn Signal Lights 8W/28W per lamp
• Indicator Lamps: High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security
system7 (optional)

WARRANTY
Warranty8 24 months (unlimited mileage)
Service Interval9 First 1000 miles (1600 km), every
5000 miles (8000 km) thereafter

1 Vehicles depicted may differ from vehicles manufactured and delivered. Specifications and prices listed may differ from specifications and prices of vehicles manufactured and delivered. All product descriptions (including depictions, specifications, dimensions, measurements, ratings and competitive comparisons) are based on available information at the time of publication.
Although such descriptions are believed correct, errors and changes can occur and complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Harley-Davidson may make changes at any time to prices and specifications, and may change or discontinue models, without notice and without incurring any obligation. Attention: Vehicles in the configurations shown and many of the accessories described in this catalog may not be available for sale or use in some locations. Please check with your dealer for complete product details and the latest information. All models feature 6-speed transmission (V-Rod® models and Sportster® models are 5-speed) and carbon fiber belt final drive; multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath; and 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.
2 Measurement reflects 180 lb. (81.7 kg) operator weight.
3 Recommended 91 octane or higher fuel (R+M)/2.
4 Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region.
5 Values shown are nominal. Performance may vary by country and region.
6 The combined fuel economy numbers were derived using a combination of estimated city and highway values. Fuel economy estimates are derived from US EPA exhaust emission certification data on a sample motorcycle from the corresponding family under ideal laboratory conditions. Your actual fuel economy will vary depending on your personal riding habits, road and driving conditions, vehicle condition and maintenance, tire pressure, vehicle configuration (parts and accessories), and vehicle loading (cargo, rider and passenger weight). Break-in mileage may vary.
7 North America security system includes immobilizer; outside North America the security system includes immobilizer and siren.
8 See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details.
9 Inspections of certain systems and components are required at 2500 mile (4000 km) intervals. See Owner’s Manual for full details.

 

 

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2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two – Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: Color Option $11,919; Hard Candy Big Red Flake Option $12,719 CDN

Dimensions
Length 2,270 mm
Seat Height, Laden 675 mm
Seat Height, Unladen 710 mm
Ground Clearance 119 mm
Rake (steering head) (deg) 30.1
Trail 135 mm
Wheelbase 1,524 mm
Tires, Front Specification MH90-21 54H
Tires, Rear Specification 150/80B16 71H
Fuel Capacity 7.9 l
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 2.6 l
Weight, As Shipped 247.2 kg
Weight, In Running Order 251.7 kg
Luggage Capacity -Volume N/A
Luggage Capacity -Weight N/A

Engine
Engine Air-cooled, Evolution®
Bore 88.9 mm
Stroke 96.8 mm
Displacement 1,200 cc
Compression Ratio 9.7:1
Fuel System Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Drivetrain
Primary DriveChain, 57/38 Ratio
Gear Ratios (overall) 1st 9.315
Gear Ratios (overall) 2nd 6.653
Gear Ratios (overall) 3rd 4.948
Gear Ratios (overall) 4th 4.102
Gear Ratios (overall) 5th 3.517
Gear Ratios (overall) 6th N/A

Chassis
Exhaust Chrome, staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflers
Wheels, Optional Style Type N/A
Wheels, Front Type N/A
Wheels, Rear Type Chrome Steel Laced
Brakes, Caliper Type Dual-piston front, single-piston rear

Performance
Engine Torque Testing Method J1349
Engine Torque 99 Nm
Engine Torque (rpm) 3,500
Lean Angle, Right (deg.) 28.6
Lean Angle, Left (deg.) 29.8
Fuel Economy: Combined City/Hwy 4.9 l/100 km

Electric
Lights: (as per country regulation), Indicator Lamps 7High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Gauges: Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights

1Measurement reflects 180 lb. (81.7 kg) operator weight.
2Recommended 91 octane or higher fuel (R+M)/2.
3Values shown are nominal. Performance may vary by country and region.
4Standard and optional fuel systems may vary by country.
5Estimated from fuel economy tests on a sample motorcycle from the corresponding family conducted by Harley-Davidson under ideal laboratory conditions. Not all motorcycle models undergo fuel economy testing. Fuel economy and mileage may vary among motorcycle models within a family. Your mileage may vary depending on your personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length, vehicle condition and vehicle configuration and other conditions. Break-in mileage may vary.
6Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region.
7North America security system includes immobilizer; outside North America the security system includes immobilizer and siren.
8See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details.

 

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2012 Harley-Davidson XL883L Seventy-Two – United Kingdom Specifications/Technical Details
UK MSRP Price: Colour Option £8,695; Hard Candy Big Red Flake Option £8,895 GBP

Dimensions
Length 2,275 mm
Seat Height, Unladen 710 mm
Ground Clearance 120 mm
Rake (steering head) (deg) 30.1
Trail 134 mm
Wheelbase 1,525 mm
Tires, Front Specification MH90-21 54H
Tires, Rear Specification 150/80B16 71H
Fuel Capacity 7.9 l
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 2.8 l
Weight, As Shipped 247 kg
Weight, In Running Order 253 kg

Engine
Engine Air-cooled, Evolution®
Bore 88.9 mm
Stroke 96.8 mm
Displacement 1,202 cc
Compression Ratio 9.7:1
Fuel System Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Drivetrain
Primary Drive Chain, 38/57 Ratio
Gear Ratios (overall) 1st 9.315
Gear Ratios (overall) 2nd 6.653
Gear Ratios (overall) 3rd 4.948
Gear Ratios (overall) 4th 4.102
Gear Ratios (overall) 5th 3.517
Gear Ratios (overall) 6th N/A

Chassis
Exhaust Chrome, staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflers
Wheels, Optional Style Type N/A
Wheels, Front Type Chrome Steel Laced
Wheels, Rear Type Chrome Steel Laced
Brakes, Caliper Type Dual-piston front, single-piston rear

Performance
Engine Torque Testing Method EEC/95/1
Engine Torque 96 Nm
Engine Torque (rpm) 3,500
Lean Angle, Right (deg.) 28.6
Lean Angle, Left (deg.) 29.8

Electric
Lights: (as per country regulation), Indicator Lamps 6High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Gauges: Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights

1Measurement reflects 81.7 kg operator weight.
2Recommended 95 octane or higher fuel (R+M)/2.
3Values shown are nominal. Performance may vary by country and region.
4Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region.
5Availability of colours may vary from dealer to dealer and is subject to change without further notice.
6Security system includes immobiliser and siren.
7See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details.