| MODEL | HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER 1000 XLCH 1972 |
| Year | 1972 |
| Engine Type | Air-cooled 45° V-twin, Ironhead, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 997 cc / 60.8 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 81 x 96.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 41.6 kW / 57 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Max Torque | 81 Nm / 60 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Ignition | Battery and coil, automatic advance |
| Induction | Bendix/Zenith carburettor |
| Start System | Kick |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | Dry sump |
| Gear Box | 4-speed, constant mesh |
| Clutch | Wet multi-plate, cable operated |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Steel double cradle |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork, 175 mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | Swingarm with dual shocks, 100 mm travel |
| Front Brakes | Drum, single leading shoe |
| Rear Brakes | Drum, single leading shoe |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 235 kg / 518 lb |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | — |
| Rear Tyre | — |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 9 Litres / 2.3 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | — |
For 1972 the Ironhead was bored out by almost 5 mm, taking the XLCH from 883 cc to just under 1000 cc, and the clutch moved to a wet design with much stiffer springs. It kept the kick-start-only, peanut-tank formula with buckhorn bars and a one-side dual exhaust. Testers liked the low-down pull and stable handling but criticised the drum brakes, cold starting and firm seat.
