One British YouTuber Claims the Sportster S is the Loudest Bike He’s Ever Ridden
A U.K.-based reviewer gives us the pros and cons of a 1250cc Revolution Max-powered Sportster S
As someone who frequently travels to Europe, I always find the international point-of-view on vehicles interesting. A few weeks ago, one review gave us a lackluster synopsis of the 750cc Nightster, which was deemed fine if not spectacular in any one area. With its extra 500cc displacement over the Nightster, will the 2024 Sportster S elicit greater enthusiasm from across the pond? Like the old saying goes, there’s no substitute for cubic inches, er, centimeters.
Strikes a negative tone at first
Our intrepid reviewer for this outing is EnglishBikeDan, who’s a self described “biker, photographer, and professional faffer.” The latter sounds kinda dirty, but apparently, it’s similar to American procrastinating. Anyway, right off the bat, Dan doesn’t like the Sportster’s color. “It’s not really my cup of tea,” he says. “In fact, it looks like really strong tea,” Dan continues. Actually, it’s called “Red Rock” and yours truly sorta likes it. However, Dan might actually be onto something, since Red Rock has been replaced with more conventional “Brilliant Red” for the 2025 model year.
Another perceived con is the lack of a passenger seat pillion. In fairness, you can buy one from both Harley-Davidson and the aftermarket. However, you’ll also need to purchase passenger foot pegs, which are absent. H-D sells an entire six-piece set with everything necessary to carry that passenger for an $832.25 upcharge to the price of a 2024 model. Finally, the stiff suspension of the Sportster S is criticized until Dan locates the preload adjustment knob under the seat.
But the aftermarket pipes are a hit
On a more positive note, Dan loves loves loves the Dr. Jekill and Mr. Hyde exhaust system. With the touch of a button, you can adjust the exhaust tone from setting off car alarms to keeping your neighbors happy late at night. Do note that this feature is a pricey aftermarket item and not factory Harley. That’s something our reviewer might not realize, it seems.
At any rate, Dan also likes the 1,250 cc Revolution Max liquid-cooled v-twin that makes 121 hp and 93 lb.-ft. of torque. Likewise. the handling gets complimented with a rhetorical question, “Does it go around corners? Yes it does.” Finally, the electronic gauge binnacle seems to get high praise from all reviewers. It’s highly functional while maintaining a reasonable size, not like an iPad between the risers.
While EnglishBikeDan readily admits, “I do enjoy these new Harleys,” that’s hardly a popular sentiment here in the United States. Especially now that production of the Revolution Max-powered bikes is moving offshore to Thailand. In the comments section of the video, one person sums up comparing the Sportster S to the iconic, discontinued iron-head Sportster. “It’s kind of like Ford calling the Mach E a Mustang, it’s a cool vehicle, but you’re putting it the line up of a timeless classic.”
Photos: EnglishBikerDan/YouTube
You must be logged in to post a comment.