Regan Brown
The Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two is a minimalist bike inspired by the early '70s chopper scene on Route 72 in East L.A. The bike features an 838 mm (33-inch) wide mini-ape handlebar and a low 710 mm (28-inch) seat height. The Seventy-Two's fuel tank, known as the peanut fuel tank, has a capacity of 7.9 litres or 2.2 gallons. While this tank size is iconic for the Sportster, some owners opt for larger tanks, such as the 3.3-gallon or 4.5-gallon options, to increase their range and reduce the frequency of refuelling stops.
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What You'll Learn
The Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two has a 7.9-litre tank
The Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two is a minimalist bike inspired by the lean choppers of the early '70s. Its name is derived from Route 72, a highway in East L.A. that was known for its custom-culture cruise nights. The Seventy-Two's low 710 mm (28 in.) seat height and anorexic appearance make it a distinct motorcycle. Its 838 mm (33 in.) wide mini-ape handlebars also stand out.
The Seventy-Two features a classic peanut fuel tank, a signature of the Sportster's heritage. This tank has a capacity of 7.9 litres, which is significantly smaller than the average fuel tank. As a result, the Seventy-Two may need to stop at gas stations more frequently. The low-fuel light comes on at around 95 kilometres, and the estimated range per tank is only 132 kilometres.
Due to the small fuel tank, the Seventy-Two may not be ideal for long-distance travel. However, its classic styling, small stature, and powerful engine make it well-suited for cruising and running errands around town. The Seventy-Two is also notable for its eye-catching paint scheme, which features bold metal-flake livery.
Owners of the Seventy-Two have discussed options for larger fuel tanks. Some have opted for a 3.3-gallon tank, which does not significantly alter the bike's appearance and allows for more kilometres between fill-ups. Others have chosen a 4.5-gallon tank, which offers even greater fuel capacity while still maintaining a stylish look. These larger tanks can be purchased from various retailers and installed as replacements for the original tank.
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Owners seek larger tanks due to frequent fill-ups
Owners of a Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two, also known as the Sportster, often seek larger fuel tanks due to the inconvenience of frequent fill-ups. The Seventy-Two's small ""peanut" fuel tank has a capacity of only 7.9 litres or 2.1 gallons, resulting in fill-ups every 80 to 95 kilometres (52 to 98 kilometres per 5.83 litres).
This limited range can be inconvenient, especially for those who use their Harley for commuting or longer rides. As a result, many owners explore options for larger fuel tanks, aiming for increased capacity without significantly altering the bike's appearance.
One popular option is to upgrade to a 3.3-gallon tank, which offers a noticeable improvement in range. Owners report being able to get through their work week without refuelling, with the fuel light coming on around 82 miles. This option only slightly impacts the bike's aesthetics, making it a favoured choice.
For those seeking even greater capacity, a 4.5-gallon tank is available, providing a substantial increase in range. However, some owners express concern about the potential impact on the bike's appearance, as well as the expense of such modifications.
Additionally, Harley owners discuss the inaccuracy of fuel gauges, with some finding that their bikes can go beyond the indicated range. This adds a layer of complexity when planning rides and refuelling stops.
Overall, the desire for larger fuel tanks among Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two owners stems from the inconvenience of frequent fill-ups, with owners seeking a balance between increased range and preserving the iconic style of their motorcycles.
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A 3.3-gallon tank is a popular upgrade
The Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two is a minimalist bike with a low 710 mm (28 in.) seat height. The bike's name is derived from Route 72, a highway running through East L.A. that was the scene for legendary custom-culture cruise nights. The Seventy-Two is powered by a torquey engine and has a small stature, making it perfect for cruising around town.
The Seventy-Two's fuel tank capacity is a concern for some owners, as the classic "peanut" fuel tank has a capacity of only 7.9 litres or 2.1 gallons. This small tank size can be inconvenient, requiring frequent fill-ups and limiting the bike's range.
A popular upgrade for the Seventy-Two is a 3.3-gallon fuel tank, which offers a significant increase in fuel capacity without altering the bike's appearance significantly. Owners who have installed a 3.3-gallon tank report being able to get through a week of commuting without needing to refuel. The fuel light comes on at around 82 miles, and there is usually around 3/4 to 1 gallon of fuel left in the tank at that point.
The 3.3-gallon tank is available from various aftermarket sources, such as HCmotorku, which offers a 12.5L (3.3-gallon) fuel tank compatible with the Harley Sportster XL883N 72 models from 2007 to 2023. This tank is made of high-quality thickened iron and has a bare steel finish that can be customised with paint.
While the 3.3-gallon tank is a popular option, some owners opt for even larger tanks, such as the 4.5-gallon tank offered by Harley-Davidson, which provides an even greater range but does alter the bike's appearance more noticeably. Ultimately, the choice of fuel tank size depends on the rider's priorities and preferences.
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The bike's name is derived from Route 72
The Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two is a minimalist bike inspired by the lean choppers of the early 1970s. Its name is derived from Route 72, a highway in East Los Angeles that was once a hub for custom-culture cruise nights. This route is also known as South Carolina Highway 72 (SC 72), a 124.860-mile (200.943 km) state highway traversing the South Carolina Piedmont region. SC 72 begins in Athens, Georgia, and ends in Rock Hill, South Carolina, connecting smaller communities outside major metropolitan areas.
Route 72 also appears in other states, such as Alabama, where it parallels the Tennessee River and enters towns like Muscle Shoals and Florence. In Muscle Shoals, US 72 Alternate splits from the mainline, which then turns north to cross the Tennessee River. The route continues through farmland towards Huntsville, where it intersects with Interstate 65 (I-65).
In Huntsville, US 72 follows several mountain valleys towards Scottsboro and then takes a northeasterly path similar to the Tennessee River as it re-enters Tennessee. The route is paired with unsigned State Route 2 (SR 2) throughout its journey in Alabama.
As for the Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two, its fuel tank capacity is a topic of discussion among riders. The classic "peanut" fuel tank on the Sportster model holds 7.9 litres or 2.2 gallons, resulting in frequent fill-ups. Riders have explored options like the 3.3-gallon tank from the 883 model, which offers increased range without significantly altering the bike's appearance. Some have even considered larger tanks, such as the 4.5-gallon option, for improved fuel capacity during longer rides.
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The Sportster's heritage includes a peanut fuel tank
The Harley-Davidson Seventy-Two is a minimalist bike inspired by the lean choppers of the early '70s. Its name is derived from Route 72, a highway in East L.A. that was known for its custom-culture cruise nights. The Sportster's heritage includes a peanut fuel tank, which is a classic feature of this traditional Sporty model.
The Seventy-Two's small stature is accentuated by the iconic peanut fuel tank, which holds 7.9 litres of fuel. This limited fuel capacity can be inconvenient, requiring frequent fill-ups and leaving riders wishing for more range. The tank's design, while aesthetically pleasing, prioritises style over function, and its compact size contributes to the bike's overall anorexic appearance.
To address this, riders have explored options for larger fuel tanks that can extend the bike's range. Aftermarket solutions, such as the XL1200C tank and the Custom 4.5-gallon tanks, offer increased fuel capacity without significantly altering the bike's appearance. These modifications can provide riders with the convenience of fewer fuel stops and greater peace of mind when venturing beyond city limits.
Additionally, the Frisco Sportster Peanut Gas Tank by Throttle Addiction offers a stylish alternative that maximises fuel capacity. This tank features a low "Frisco" tunnel, ensuring that every last drop of fuel can be utilised. It maintains the stock shape and size of the Harley-Davidson Sportster tanks from the '70s to the early 2000s, providing a custom look while carrying sufficient fuel for your journeys.
For those seeking a balance between form and function, the Extended Classic Peanut Style Gas Tank for Sportsters by Zodiac presents an appealing option. This tank extends the original peanut style while adding fuel capacity, holding 3.25 gallons (12.2 litres) of fuel. It seamlessly integrates with the motorcycle's design, maintaining the classic "Peanut" profile and ensuring that it doesn't resemble an oversized bolt-on accessory.
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Frequently asked questions
The fuel tank size of a 72 Harley is 7.9 litres or 2.2 gallons.
Yes, there are bigger fuel tank options available for the 72 Harley. Some options include a 3.3-gallon fuel tank and a 4.5-gallon fuel tank.
The fuel economy of a 72 Harley is approximately 47-50 mpg, with an estimated range per tank of about 130-180 miles.
