Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two-Softail Slim in the test

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Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two / Softail Slim

Basically, the Harley guys just reached back to the shelf and remixed a few pieces. But this mix works: Welcome Sportster Seventy-Two and Softail Slim. Two models that are guaranteed to attract the envy of your neighbors.

Warmth. Finally. While the Siberian cold hits its claws in snowy Europe, presents Harley-Davidson under the Andalusian sun two new models. Then you stand in a T-shirt and are amazed. The parts shelf in Milwaukee appears to be go along than the equator. And, how could it be otherwise, of course there are also new names: The Sportster family is being expanded to include the Seventy-Two, and Harley’s Softail series is being expanded to include the Slim model. But let’s not linger by name, but jump straight into the saddle.

Already driven

Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two / Softail Slim

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Harley Davidson Seventy-Two (XL 1200 V).

If you want to go one step further in terms of range, cubic capacity and coolness, you should get the new Softail Slim. However, Harley is really paying for that: At 18,795 euros, the Slim is 8,000 euros more expensive than the Seventy-Two. But in the end you can’t even begin to compare these two cool bikes. The Sportster models are seen by Harley as attractively priced entry-level bikes, the Softails have always been in the premium class. With the Slim, Harley builds on the bobber style of the 1940s and 1950s. Steps, the shape of the individual seat and the handlebars, narrow fenders and a huge headlight, which can also be used as a wash basin for on the go, underpin this reminiscence. And once you’ve dropped into the saddle, which is only 650 millimeters deep, it doesn’t matter anyway. This bike is great because it has the spirit of two generations. The boomerang-shaped handlebar with a central strut is great in the hand, the seat position and presentation beam the rider 70 years back. But at the latest when you engage the clutch and the 1690 cubic V2 sends its 132 Nm over the timing belt to the rear wheel, you think you’re back in the modern era. Because it rocks. Although the engine only produces 79 hp, it practically never needs speeds above 3000 rpm. Cruising in style? Sixth gear, 100 km / h, 2100 rpm. It doesn’t take more. The Slim is a mighty bike. When you stand next to her. When you sit on it. Just not if you follow suit. From the rear, the Slim is more reminiscent of a 250 with its narrow fenders and tires. Hence her name. In general: The new one rolls at the front (130s) and at the back (140s) on almost identical tire dimensions.

Despite this peculiarity, the Slim drives well. Regardless of the fat front tire, it steers with some accuracy, even if it is worlds away from the handiness of a Seventy-Two. Anyone who sits in their saddle – deep, full, inviolable – quickly gets the feeling of being able to casually pierce through all the stones and boulders lying on the path of life with this motorcycle. The mix of low seating position, powerful torque and, above all, the old-school design in connection with attachments, which are mostly in deep black, makes the machine special. She comes across as cooler, especially timeless, than her sister Fat Boy. And it actually only has two downsides: its running boards severely limit the lean angle. And for optical reasons, the front brake has been dispensed with with a double disc. The ABS-assisted stoppers are not always able to cope with the combat weight of over 300 kilograms. In Germany, 480 Seventy-Twos and 240 copies of the Softail Slim will be on sale in the shop windows this year. You feel like an easy rider on both new Harleys. And the neighbor is easy to envy.

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Please, go: The Seventy-Two shines in the sunset in the new color "Hard Candy Big Red Flake".

Harley Seventy-Two (XL 1200 V) 

engine

Air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 45-degree V-engine, four underneath, gear-driven camshafts, two valves per cylinder, hydraulic valve lifters, bumpers, rocker arms, dry sump lubrication, injection, Ø 45 mm, uncontrolled catalytic converter, alternator 357 W, battery 12 V / 12 Ah, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, five-speed gearbox, toothed belt , secondary ratio 68:30.

Bore x stroke 88.9 x 96.8 mm

Cubic capacity 1202 cm³

rated capacity 49.0 kW (67 hp) at 5950 rpm

Max. Torque 96 Nm at 3500 rpm

landing gear

Double loop frame made of steel, telescopic fork, Ø 39 mm, two-arm swing arm made of steel, two spring struts, adjustable spring base, front disc brake, Ø 292 mm, double-piston floating calipers, rear disc brake, Ø 260 mm, single-piston Floating saddle.

Spoked wheels with steel rims

2.15 x 21; 3.0 x 16

Tires 80/90 H 21; 150/80 H 16

Dimensions + weights

Wheelbase 1525 mm, steering head angle 60.0 degrees, caster 134 mm, spring travel f / r 145/54 mm, seat height 710 mm, empty weight 253 kg, tank capacity / reserve 7.95 / 3.0 liters.

Two year guarantee

Colors black, blue, red

price 10795-11095 euros

Additional costs 350 euros


Harley-davidson

Softail Slim, pimped: The swing saddle, tool bag and black chrome-plated parts from the Harley accessories program give the basic machine a real upgrade.

Harley Softail Slim (FLS)

engine

Air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 45-degree V-engine, transverse crankshaft, two balance shafts, two lower, gear / chain-driven camshafts, two valves per cylinder, hydraulic valve lifters, bumpers, rocker arms, dry sump lubrication , injection, Ø 46 mm, regulated catalytic converter, Alternator 489 W, battery 12 V / 19 Ah, mechanically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, toothed belt, secondary ratio 66:32.

Bore x stroke 98.4 x 111.1 mm

Cubic capacity 1690 cm³

rated capacity 58.0 kW (79 PS) at 5250 rpm

Max. Torque 132 Nm at 3250 rpm

landing gear

Double loop frame made of steel, telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm, triangular swing arm made of steel, two spring struts, adjustable spring base, front disc brake, Ø 292 mm, four-piston fixed caliper, rear disc brake, Ø 292 mm , double-piston floating caliper, ABS.

Spoked wheels with steel rims

3.00 x 16; 3.00 x 16

130/90 H 16 tires; 140/85 H 16

Dimensions + weights

Wheelbase 1635 mm, steering head angle 59.0 degrees, caster 147 mm, spring travel f / r 130/109 mm, seat height 650 mm, empty weight 318 kg, tank capacity / reserve 18.9 / 3.8 liters.

Two year guarantee

Colors red, black

price 18795-18995 euros

Additional costs 350 euros

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