Harley Softail Slim and Seventy-Two - Motorbikes Reviews, News & Advice

Harley-Davidson has released two new models in its home market – the Softail Slim and Seventy-Two. And both will eventually be heading downunder.

The Slim is powered by the Twin Cam 103 engine – or “modern power with old iron attitude” according to Harley-Davidson.

There are also retro-inspired 1940s handlebars, a gloss black headlamp cover, “cat eye” console, chopped fear fender (and narrow tyre), and there are horizontal shocks “hidden in the guts”. The solo seat is also a low-slung number.

Meanwhile, the large 21-inch spoked front wheel dominates the Seventy-Two, as well as the tapered peanut fuel tank. There’s also a chopped rear fender, chrome bullet taillights and forward-mount controls.

The latest incarnation of the rubbed-mounted 1200cc Evolution engine features lighter aluminium heads and cylinders, which also improves air-cooling efficiency. Electronic fuel injection says goodbye to carburetors.

Both Harleys will be released as 2013 models in Australia, which means an on-sale date of around September, 2012. Pricing is yet to be announced.

But the Bikesales Network should be riding them before that, with launches planned for late April (Softail Slim) and Seventy-Two (August).

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