This forum as been great with information on new and upcoming bikes, engines and models the past few years so I figured I'd check with all you.
I have a buddy that is the head tech for a local dealer....he asked me to see if any of you heard anything about a new sportster model getting released soon.
He is sportster guy and drag races them on the side. He said they are starting to hear rumors but no information yet
Something is going on. The 2018 sportster line up was unchanged outside of moving the pegs on the custom. Rumblings of the roadster disappearing. 100 new models to come over the next 10 years... we are at about 11 or so.
I'd like to see a new engine and some progress on the sportster. It is currently so far behind the market in most areas of performance. You'd need to spend at least ~$2k to get a stock 1200 to perform at the level of the competition.
The Sportster just feels so perfect to me as is, well with a stage 1 and better shocks, I'd hate to see any fundamental changes. I know everything marches on, but I love it's simplicity and consistent nature. We've had the latest and greatest in our garage off and on, but I always prefer the Sporty 99% of the time over Ducs, Triumphs, Beemers...even Hondas of the past and most HDs...they are all fun to ride but the sporty is perfect to me.
I agree it is fine the way it is..But from seeing what HD did over the past few years..I would guess they tkae the 750 street motor and up to 1200 or so and build the new sportster around it
Emissions is the big headache for the future, that means a liquid cooled Sportster.
Maybe use Street technology and increase the engine size to 1 liter?
The 48 is about as close to a factory Bobber as you are going to get.
I loved my ‘15 48. In the end, stopping for gas so much with the 2.1 gal tank got old, and even with suspension upgrades, I just couldn’t get it as comfortable as I needed it. The other thing was balance: the bike was pretty top heavy.
That being said, Harley did improve the 48 starting in ‘16, and is supposed to ride better. I have my eye on a ‘18 Deluxe right now, but if I was in the market for a Sporty, I’d prob buy a new 48.
In my opinion the Sportster is behind the current competition. It needs to have at least 100 hp in its top engine. It desperately needs a much better suspension and a 6 speed. It also should she'd about 60 lbs of weight. If ABS isn't currently standard, it should be.
That thing is awesome and will smoke my stg 4 sporty.... for the same price as a xl1200. The build quality has improved on the scouts too.
hd has to step their game up here. It just getting sad and folks have to pay sizable amounts to attain similar, reliable, moco warrantied outputs to the competition.
the 2016 roadster was a step in the right direction but they hobbled it by not having it stage 4 stock. Yet most of hds promo pictures are of a stage 4 roadster... wtf?
11-29-2017, 09:05 AM
New Sportster Being Released ?
