Inspired from the radically styled '70s choppers, the 2012 Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two boasts a classic custom design with miniature ape-hanger handlebars. This glorious and bodacious new member of the Sportster family will turn plenty of heads... and maybe even encourage American cruiser enthusiasts to grow a mustache!

Chrome everywhere, Big Red Flake paint (in typical '70s fashion), raised handlebars, solo rider's seat, wraparound rear fender with taillights/turn signals, side-mounted license plate, lowered suspension – all key ingredients for a memorable trip back in time.

Inspired from the radically styled '70s choppers, the 2012 Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two boasts a classic custom design with miniature ape-hanger handlebars. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.TV)

''In creating the Seventy-Two, we were inspired by the vibe of the early chopper era. Those bikes were colourful and chromed, but also narrow and stripped down to the essentials,'' says Frank Savage, Manager of Industrial Design at Harley-Davidson.

Modern powerplant
Primarily designed for cruising on long boulevards, the 2012 Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two still proves nimble from the get-go and easily jumps forward thanks to a torquey 1,200cc engine. This is a fairly smooth V-twin that never rears an ugly head, instead opting for a linear power delivery.

The electronic fuel injection system is certainly no stranger to that, much like the brilliant camshaft that was specially developed for massive low-end torque. The engine comes alive at just 1,500 rpm and continues strong all the way to 3,500 rpm, where peak torque (73 lb-ft) is achieved.

While it fails to impress, this powerplant never produces a dull moment. Actually, it's got that genuine Harley character with a harsh yet charismatic sound. Its flexibility and docility also become precious allies in the city, not to mention byroads with a speed limit of 70 km/h.

The transmission offers sharp and crisp gear shifts in typical Harley fashion. It feels solid and nicely calibrated to make the most of the generous mill.

The engine got that genuine Harley character with a harsh yet charismatic sound. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.TV)