Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two vs Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster (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 XL1200N Nightster. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two | Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 2016 | 2012 |
| Price | $11,099 | $9,999 |
| Engine | 1201 cc | 1201 cc |
| Horsepower | 66 hp | — |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Weight | 251 kg | 247 kg |
| Seat height | 29 mm | 26 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 2.1 L | 3.3 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Single disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS. | Single disc. Dual-piston |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS. | Single disc. Single-piston |
| Tires | MH90-21 / 150/80-B16 | 100/90-B19 / 150/80-B16 |
Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two vs Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster — which should you buy?
Picking between the Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two and the Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster 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 XL1200N Nightster counters with its own power figure at 247 kg. On price, the Harley-Davidson XL1200N Nightster 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: