2012–2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution 1200 (XL1200V Seventy-Two)

Of course. Here is a full article about the 2012–2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Evolution 1200 (XL1200V Seventy-Two), written in the requested style and format.

Key styling elements include:
Hard Candy Custom Paint: The model was often showcased with “Hard Candy Custom” paint, a finish that incorporated large metal flakes in a deep, clear coat, mimicking the custom paint jobs of the era. Colors like Hard Candy Coloma Gold Flake and Hard Candy Big Red Flake were prominent.
“Peanut” Fuel Tank: The bike featured the classic 2.1-gallon (7.9 L) Sportster “peanut” tank. While iconic, its small capacity limited the motorcycle’s range, reinforcing its identity as a boulevard cruiser rather than a long-distance tourer.
Ape Hanger Handlebars: Mini-ape hanger handlebars were mounted on a two-inch riser, which placed the rider’s hands high and created a distinctive chopper silhouette.
Wheels and Tires: A large, skinny 21-inch laced front wheel and a 16-inch laced rear wheel, both wrapped in narrow whitewall tires, were crucial to its vintage look.
Ergonomics: The combination of forward-mounted foot controls and a low, solo seat (with a laden seat height of just 26.6 inches) created a stretched-out, relaxed riding position typical of choppers.
* Minimalist Fenders:** The rear fender was chopped, exposing more of the rear tire, while a minimal front fender maintained the bike’s stripped-down appearance. Extensive use of chrome on the powertrain, exhaust, and other components completed the retro-custom look.

Powertrain and Chassis of the XL1200V Seventy-Two

At the heart of the Seventy-Two is the air-cooled, 1200cc Evolution V-twin engine. This rubber-mounted powertrain was equipped with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and produced a significant amount of low-end torque, which is a signature trait of Harley-Davidson engines. The engine was mated to a 5-speed transmission and utilized a belt final drive.

The chassis is the standard Sportster frame, known for its relative agility and lean profile. The suspension was basic, with non-adjustable front forks and preload-adjustable dual shocks at the rear. Braking was handled by a single disc brake on both the front and rear wheels. The motorcycle’s lean design and relatively light weight (for a Harley-Davidson) made it a capable urban and backroad machine, though its handling was characterized by its chopper-style ergonomics and skinny front tire.

Market Position and Model Differences

The XL1200V Seventy-Two was introduced alongside another popular factory custom, the XL1200X “Forty-Eight.” While both were built on the same Sportster 1200 platform, they offered distinctly different styling interpretations. The Forty-Eight projected a more modern, aggressive “bulldog” stance with its fat 16-inch front tire, low-slung drag-style handlebars, and under-slung mirrors.

In contrast, the Seventy-Two was a deliberate homage to a bygone era. Its skinny 21-inch front wheel, mini-ape hangers, and generous use of chrome and flake paint set it apart. Compared to the standard Sportster 1200 Custom (XL1200C), the Seventy-Two was far more stylized and less practical, sacrificing fuel range and passenger capability (it came standard with a solo seat) for a pure, custom aesthetic. Production of the Seventy-Two ceased after the 2016 model year as Harley-Davidson began to streamline its Sportster lineup.

Specifications Table