2016 Roadster Is a ‘Striking Motorcycle,’ Say Critics

‘Striking’ Roadster offers ‘sportiest riding experience,’ says Overdrive.

Indian automotive website Overdrive‘s road tester, Shubhabrata Marmar, is clearly into the stripped-down look of the Roadster.

“The stance [of the motorcycle] is hunkered down and ready to go,” he says in his review of the 2016 Roadster, “and the lack of adornment works rather well with it.” The Roadster’s engine has the trademark vibration of a Harley. But, as Marmar points out, it won’t make the rider’s hands buzz even on long trips and feels smooth all the way up to 130-140 kmph (that’s 80-87 mph for us Americans).

‘If you want the sportiest riding experience from Milwaukee,
the Harley-Davidson Roadster is they way to go, no doubt at all.’

“On the whole, this is a striking motorcycle,” he adds. “…It looks good and in many ways [and] almost appears as if it is inviting you to do stuff, to customize it with bits. And the Sporster parts catalog, both Harley and otherwise, is vast.”

Marmar also praises the Roadster for its ability to take corners. Its mid-corner poise feels stable, and it drives well out of the corner. Its lean angles are good for a Harley. The brakes are surprisingly responsive, with the twin discs giving the Roadster a lot of stopping power, making it easier for the motorcycle to handle winding roads and control speed when approaching bends.

“If you want the sportiest riding experience to come from Milwaukee right now, the Harley-Davidson Roadster is they way to go, no doubt at all,” says the Overdrive reporter. “However, my sole caveat is that you must take a test ride before you decide — and see if the ride quality is something you can live with.”

Check out Overdrive‘s full review here.