Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom vs Harley-Davidson XR1200X (2016)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Customstacks up against the Harley-Davidson XR1200X. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark CustomHarley-Davidson XR1200X
Model year20162012
Price$11,799
Engine1201 cc1201 cc
Horsepower66 hp
Torque96 Nm100 Nm
Weight251 kg250 kg
Seat height29 mm29 mm
Fuel capacity2.1 L3.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed5-speed
Front brakesSingle disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.Single disc. Dual-piston
Rear brakesSingle disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.Single disc. Single-piston
TiresMH90-21 / 150/80-B16 120/70-ZR18 / 180/55-ZR17

Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom vs Harley-Davidson XR1200X — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom and the Harley-Davidson XR1200X usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Dark Custom brings 66 hp in a 251 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XR1200X counters with its own power figure at 250 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: