Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two vs Harley-Davidson XL1200X Springer Forty-Eight (2016)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Twostacks up against the Harley-Davidson XL1200X Springer Forty-Eight. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHarley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-TwoHarley-Davidson XL1200X Springer Forty-Eight
Model year20162012
Price$11,099$10,499
Engine1201 cc1201 cc
Horsepower66 hp
Torque96 Nm107 Nm
Weight251 kg247 kg
Seat height29 mm26 mm
Fuel capacity2.1 L2.1 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 130/90-B16 / 150/80-B16

Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two vs Harley-Davidson XL1200X Springer Forty-Eight — which should you buy?

Picking between the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two and the Harley-Davidson XL1200X Springer Forty-Eight usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two brings 66 hp in a 251 kg package, while the Harley-Davidson XL1200X Springer Forty-Eight counters with its own power figure at 247 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson XL1200X Springer Forty-Eight has the lower MSRP.

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: