Table of Contents
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1972 Sportster
Model Production Numbers
Colors
- Birch White or Hi-Fi Sparkling Blue.
Vehicle Identification
Frame VIN Numbers
Starting in 1970, the only numbers used for the purpose of identification are on the right neck and frame downtube.
- The frame is stamped with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)identification.
- There are still other stampings on the different parts of the frame combined with certain features that can be used to date the frame.
But the only numbers used to identify the entire bike for ownership purposes is the VIN number stamped in the right side neck. - In addition to the neck VIN, an identification label is located on the frame giving the VIN and date of manufacture.
This label was required by law for identification.3) - The serial number is the 3rd through the 7th digit. All serial numbers run consecutively regardless of model year. 4)
Click Here to view Ironhead Frame Identification in the Sportsterpedia for more information.
Click Here for more information on serial numbers and VINs in the Sportsterpedia.
VIN for 1972 Sportsters | |||
Sportster Model Code (first 2 digits) | Serial Number (next 5 digits) | Manufacturer (second to last digit) | Model Year (last digit) |
1C = XR-750 3A = XLH 4A = XLCH | 10,000 and up | H = Harley Davidson | 2 = 1972 |
Example: (3A13675H2) indicates a 1972 XLH and is stamped on the right side engine case and on the frame with the addition of a label on the steering head showing the VIN and date of manufacture. 5) |
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Example VIN Reads: 3A13675H2 | |||
3A | 13675 | H | 2 |
Engine Serial Numbers
The engine serial numbers were still stamped in the case but longer used for identification purpose of ownership on 1970-up model Sportsters.
- The engine VIN is stamped on the right side of the engine crankcase between the cylinders.
Specifications
Click Here for the main technical menu in the Sportsterpedia.
Also see the “Misc Resources” section on the bottom of that page for technical docs and information.
Model Designations
- XLH, XLCH
Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 6)
- XLH, 58-1/2 in / 148.59 cm
- XLCH, 58-1/2 in / 148.59 cm
- Overall Length:
- XLH, 87-1/4 in / 221.61 cm
- XLCH, 87-1/4 in / 221.61 cm
- Overall Width:
- XLH, 33 in / 83.82 cm
- XLCH, 32 in / 81.28 cm
- Overall Height:
- XLH, 40-1/2 in / 103 cm
- XLCH, 42 in / 106.7 cm
- Road Clearance:
- XLH, 6-3/4 in / 17.14 cm 7)
- XLCH, 6-1/2 in / 17.46 cm
Engine
- Engine type: 4 cycle Overhead Valves, 45 degree V2 8)
- Hemi-spherical style heads
- Displacement: 60.9 ci / 997.5 cc (1,000 cc advertised)
- Compression Ratio: 9:1
- Bore: 3.188 in / 81 mm
- Stroke: 3.8125 in / 96.8 mm
- Horsepower: 61 @ 6,200 RPM 9)
- Taxable Horsepower: 7.2
- Torque: 52 ft-lb @ 3800 RPM
- 4 Cams
- Gear driven type oil pump.
Oil pump pressure (gauge mounted in place of oil pressure switch):- Minimum: 3-7 psi (idle)
- Maximum: 15 psi (60 mph in high gear)
- Normal riding conditions: 4-15 psi
- XLH/XLCH Ignition: Breaker Point and Coil Ignition System (points are in the nose cone in the cam cover)
- Point Gap: .018“
- Dwell: 140° at 2000 RPM
- Ignition Timing
- Advanced: 40° (17/32”) BTDC
- Retarded: 10° (1/32“) BTDC
- Spark Plugs
- #4 for break-in.
- #5 for everyday use and hard service.
- Gap: .025”-.030“
- Fuel System: Bendix/ Zenith I6P12 carburetor.
- Starter
- XLCH: Kick Start only.
- XLH: Electric Start only (Prestolite).
Capacities
- Fuel Capacity: 10)
- XLH fuel tank 4 gal / 15.14 l
- XLCH fuel tank 2.2 gal / 8.328 l
- Reserve: .25 gal / .946 l
- Oil Capacity: 3 qts. / 2.83 l
- Transmission Capacity: 1.5 pints / .71 l
Clutch
- Multi-Disc wet clutch-pack with alternate steel and fiber friction plates.11)
Drivetrain
- Constant Mesh - right side foot shift 12)
- Speeds - 4 Forward
- Number of Sprocket Teeth (XLH / XLCH)
- Engine: 34
- Clutch: 59
- Transmission: 20
- Rear Wheel: 51
- Standard Gear Ratios (XLH / XLCH)
- 1st: 11.16:1
- 2nd: 8.08:1
- 3rd: 6.11:1
- 4th: 4.42:1
Tires
Starting in 1970, Harley Davidson partnered with Goodyear for a new “special” tires and rims for standard “high ground clearance” Sportster models.
Standard or Low Clearance models did not have the “special” rims and use standard tires.
Click Here for the Ironhead tires and wheels page in the Sportsterpedia for more information.
Tire pressure based on 150 lb rider. When weight is exceeded by 50 lbs or more, increase the rear by 2 lbs and front by 1 lb.
Repeat for each additional 50 lbs of weight. 13)
Tires: (both the Special Goodyear and the Yokohama tire brands are all obsolete now)
- Standard Sportster Models;
- Front 3.25/3.50 x 19
- Rear 4.00 x 18
- High Ground Clearance Sportster Models: 14)
- Low Ground Clearance Models:
- Front 3.25/3.50 x 19
- Rear 3.50 x 18
XLH 1000
What is the Current KBB Value? 17)
Engine
- Electric Start
XLCH 1000
- Kickstart
What is the Current KBB Value? 19)
1972 XLCH 1000 20) | 1972 XLCH 1000 21) |
1972 XLCH 1000- Only mods include:18 inch rear wheel, and shifter and seat 22) |