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2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Overview
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two is a custom / cruiser motorcycle built around 1201.25 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a V2, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.7:1. The bore and stroke measures 88.9 x 96.8 mm. 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two delivers 98.99 Nm @ 3500 of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 45 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2013 Sportster Seventy-Two tips the scales at 251.7 kg, carries a 7.95-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 676 mm and spans a 1,524 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2013 Sportster Seventy-Two - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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Accessible seat height: At 676 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: As with any used Sportster Seventy-Two, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
Sportster Seventy-Two - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Sportster Seventy-Two should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any Sportster Seventy-Two. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. The sump holds 2.60 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The Sportster Seventy-Two's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used Sportster Seventy-Two. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two have?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two uses a V2, four-stroke engine with 1201.25 cc of displacement.
What is the top speed of the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two has a factory-quoted top speed of 45 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two weigh?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two weighs 251.7 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two make?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two produces 98.99 Nm @ 3500 of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two has a 7.95-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two suitable for shorter riders?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two has a seat height of 676 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two have?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two uses Single disc. Dual-piston at the front and Single disc. Single-piston at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two use?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two runs MH90-21 front and 150/80-B16 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
How much oil does the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two take?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two takes 2.60 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.
Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Spec Evolution
The Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two was produced across 4 model years (2013-2016). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
| Wet Weight |
251.7 kg / 555.0 lbs |
251.7 kg / 555.0 lbs |
251.7 kg / 555.0 lbs |
257.0 kg / 566.6 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
247.2 kg / 545.0 lbs |
247.2 kg / 545.0 lbs |
247.2 kg / 545.0 lbs |
251 kg / 553.4 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
Air-cooled, Evolution® |
Air-cooled, Evolution® |
Air-cooled, Evolution® |
Evolution® engine, rubber-mounted. Aluminum heads and cylinders. |
| Seat Height |
676 mm / 26.6 in. |
676 mm / 26.6 in. |
676 mm / 26.6 in. |
730 mm / 28.7 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons |
7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons |
7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons |
7.90 litres / 2.09 gallons |
| CO2 |
113.7 CO |
113.7 CO |
113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Ground Clearance (in.) |
4.7 inches |
4.7 inches |
4.7 inches |
5.1 inches |
| Ground Clearance (mm) |
119 mm |
119 mm |
119 mm |
130 mm |
Key Specifications
Torque
98.99 Nm (10.1 kgf-m or 73.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
251.7 kg / 555.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons
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Full 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two Specifications
Comments
North America security system includes immobilizer; outside North America the security system includes immobilizer and siren.
Colours
Hard Candy Lucky Green Flake, Hard Candy Coloma Gold Flake, Hard Candy Big Red Flake, Chrome Yellow Pearl, Big Blue Pearl, Black Denim.
Ground Clearance (mm)
119 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
4.7 inches
Seat Height
676 mm / 26.6 in.
Wheelbase
1,524 mm / 60.0 in.
Height
1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length
2,271 mm / 89.4 in.
Width
1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Oil Capacity (Quarts)
0.17 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)
2.60 litres
Dry Weight
247.2 kg / 545.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons
Wet Weight
251.7 kg / 555.0 lbs
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine Type
V2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)
73.30 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
1201.25 cc
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.5 x 3.8 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
88.9 x 96.8 mm
CO2
113.7 CO
Engine Detail
Air-cooled, Evolution®
Fuel System
Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio
9.7:1
Engine Lubrication
Dry sump
Exhaust
Chrome, staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflers
Fuel Consumption
4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final Drive
Belt
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
Primary chain, 57/38 ratio
Suspension - Front
Independent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Suspension - Rear
Independent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rake
30.1°
Trail
135 mm / 5.3 in.
Instrumentation
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
Lighting system
High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Brakes - Front
Single disc. Dual-piston
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. Single-piston
Rims
Chrome Steel Laced
Tyres - Front
MH90-21
Tyres - Rear
150/80-B16
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