Harley-Davidson 72 review - Telegraph Other typical Seventies features include the large diameter, skinny front wheel and the overall stripped down look, and it's this very style that will convince people to buy. For cruising in the sunshine, the 1,202cc Sportster V-twin is in its element, thudding along in high gears in the relaxed manner essential for a general air of cool. You'll be enjoying it alone as the seat is a single, and you'll not be doing it for long as it's not very comfortable. Nor does the suspension help iron out potholed British roads as it's lightly damped with not a great deal of wheel travel - a bigger hole will jar through the seat into your spine, another reason to keep the speeds down. The brakes aren't inspirational but they do the job: a good stamp on the pedal hauls up the bike well. The engine is the visual and literal heart, with Harley's classic V-twin layout generating countless copies, and the modern version works very well in addition to looking good. It vibrates but in a way that communicates with the rider, and it's this which gives so many Harleys, including the 72, their character and appeal. It also sounds good, and used by a typical rider will return 55mpg without too much effort. And unlike custom copies such as the Headbanger machines featured two weeks ago, it won't leave a puddle of oil. In fact, Harley's engines are generally unstressed and durable, although it's hard to see many 72s clocking up big mileages. If you want a kitsch retro plaything for the occasional cobweb-blowing outing and a bit of urban posing, then the 72 is a supreme motorcycle. For anything else, it doesn't work so well. Harley-Davidson 72 Price/on sale: £8,695 (+£200 for metallic red paint) /now Torque: 71lb ft @ 3,500rpm Top speed: 110mph Fuel tank/range: 1.75 gallons/ 90 miles Verdict: Great - as long as you don't expect it to be an accomplished all-rounder Triumph Speedmaster, £6,999 Competent, but looks bland compared with the Harley. Its smaller engine isn't as powerful, while it will depreciate more. Needs better suspension and more character. Ducati Monster 1100 Evo, £9,250 Vastly superior handling and power. It's a valid rival - Monsters are a cult almost as strong as Harleys, many get personalised. For practicality with looks, it's streets ahead. Victory Vegas, £11,395 Victory's American V-twins are increasingly viewed as a Harley alternative: the Vegas is the closest to the 72. It costs a lot more than the Harley but a 1,731cc engine compensates.