Considering a Sportster S as a second bike
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 65
Likes: 17
From: Marietta, GA
Considering a Sportster S as a second bike
My other bike is a Street Glide and my second is a Ninja H2SX. I like the H2SX but as age hits me the riding position is getting tougher. I am in my 60's. I typically have a touring bike and a sport bike. I know I know I am privileged. I am thinking a sport/power cruiser might be the way to go. I am also considering the Lowrider S. I have always looked at the S as a cool bike but said no because of the suspension. Reading the forum I realized the really upgraded the suspension in 2025. I am 5'11" 190 average guy longer torso than legs. Kind of funny when I ask about the Sportster S my sales guy goes riding position. I sit on one an don't think its that bad. Just looking for opinions on how you like the S or possibly regretted it? thanks in advance.
Last edited by upwgdrb; May 2, 2026 at 05:37 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 757
Likes: 365
From: Winnipeg
Ive got a 2023- stock suspension- im 6-1 ,215 lbs. The bike fits me well, the only adjustment ive made (besides adjusting the rear shock and front forks per the manual), is moving the shifter lever to a higher position so i can get my foot under it easier.
They also have a mid- control kit if you find the forwards are too far- but they work great for me.
The power is amazing in sport mode- you can scare yourself if you want!
Liquid cooling is great in super hot weather, if you are ever concerned about overheating your air cooled bikes in traffic (like i am on my air cooled bikes- i have a 2016 48, and a 92FLHS) , it will alleviate those concerns- but the fan will blow hot air on your leg, but its got to go somewhere!
Heated grips are an easy DIY upgrade- although you need to flash the ecm at the dealer to activate (stupid).
The bike is surprisingly easy to work on - oil changes are a one hole affair.
all in all- i love the bike- it can get you in trouble easily with hooligan behavior, and speed.
But it makes me laugh and smile when i crack the throttle- and thats what bikes are for....FUN!
ride both bikes- and find what you think is more fun for you.
They also have a mid- control kit if you find the forwards are too far- but they work great for me.
The power is amazing in sport mode- you can scare yourself if you want!
Liquid cooling is great in super hot weather, if you are ever concerned about overheating your air cooled bikes in traffic (like i am on my air cooled bikes- i have a 2016 48, and a 92FLHS) , it will alleviate those concerns- but the fan will blow hot air on your leg, but its got to go somewhere!
Heated grips are an easy DIY upgrade- although you need to flash the ecm at the dealer to activate (stupid).
The bike is surprisingly easy to work on - oil changes are a one hole affair.
all in all- i love the bike- it can get you in trouble easily with hooligan behavior, and speed.
But it makes me laugh and smile when i crack the throttle- and thats what bikes are for....FUN!
ride both bikes- and find what you think is more fun for you.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 4,335
Likes: 3,758
From: Florida
So I have several buddies with SportsterSs & one with the Nightster. Ride and test both. The Nightster is more comfortable in my opinion, not that the SportS is bad.
They have been great bikes. My one buddy, his SportS, is his sole transportation. He put 60k on it and ran into a tranny issue, Harley 100% replaced his motor/tranny free of charge and restarted his warranty.. so his 2023 now has a brand new 2026 drivetrain. Cant ask a company to do more than that.
They have been great bikes. My one buddy, his SportS, is his sole transportation. He put 60k on it and ran into a tranny issue, Harley 100% replaced his motor/tranny free of charge and restarted his warranty.. so his 2023 now has a brand new 2026 drivetrain. Cant ask a company to do more than that.
Last edited by Rains2much; May 3, 2026 at 10:32 AM.
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 65
Likes: 17
From: Marietta, GA
Ive got a 2023- stock suspension- im 6-1 ,215 lbs. The bike fits me well, the only adjustment ive made (besides adjusting the rear shock and front forks per the manual), is moving the shifter lever to a higher position so i can get my foot under it easier.
They also have a mid- control kit if you find the forwards are too far- but they work great for me.
The power is amazing in sport mode- you can scare yourself if you want!
Liquid cooling is great in super hot weather, if you are ever concerned about overheating your air cooled bikes in traffic (like i am on my air cooled bikes- i have a 2016 48, and a 92FLHS) , it will alleviate those concerns- but the fan will blow hot air on your leg, but its got to go somewhere!
Heated grips are an easy DIY upgrade- although you need to flash the ecm at the dealer to activate (stupid).
The bike is surprisingly easy to work on - oil changes are a one hole affair.
all in all- i love the bike- it can get you in trouble easily with hooligan behavior, and speed.
But it makes me laugh and smile when i crack the throttle- and thats what bikes are for....FUN!
ride both bikes- and find what you think is more fun for you.
They also have a mid- control kit if you find the forwards are too far- but they work great for me.
The power is amazing in sport mode- you can scare yourself if you want!
Liquid cooling is great in super hot weather, if you are ever concerned about overheating your air cooled bikes in traffic (like i am on my air cooled bikes- i have a 2016 48, and a 92FLHS) , it will alleviate those concerns- but the fan will blow hot air on your leg, but its got to go somewhere!
Heated grips are an easy DIY upgrade- although you need to flash the ecm at the dealer to activate (stupid).
The bike is surprisingly easy to work on - oil changes are a one hole affair.
all in all- i love the bike- it can get you in trouble easily with hooligan behavior, and speed.
But it makes me laugh and smile when i crack the throttle- and thats what bikes are for....FUN!
ride both bikes- and find what you think is more fun for you.
Go for it.
My other bike is a Street Glide and my second is a Ninja H2SX. I like the H2SX but as age hits me the riding position is getting tougher. I am in my 60's. I typically have a touring bike and a sport bike. I know I know I am privileged. I am thinking a sport/power cruiser might be the way to go. I am also considering the Lowrider S. I have always looked at the S as a cool bike but said no because of the suspension. Reading the forum I realized the really upgraded the suspension in 2025. I am 5'11" 190 average guy longer torso than legs. Kind of funny when I ask about the Sportster S my sales guy goes riding position. I sit on one an don't think its that bad. Just looking for opinions on how you like the S or possibly regretted it? thanks in advance.
Go for it-I had a '22 as I'm older now, but the suspension was brutal -went to a Fat Boy. Have had several other models in between. Last year they redid the suspension, much improved ride-acceptable is the word I would use. So traded in the Low Rider ST on a black '25. My build/weight is similar to yours, so it is a bit of a reach to the bars. On the '22 I put the reach handlebars. On the '25 I put a riser-Kemimoto-nicely done and quick install. All cables seem to be okay. Also from them, tip over bar, side stand extender, and rear fender. From Harley-Windshield, swing arm bag and swing arm covers. Incoming Saddleman Profiler seat, 2 up for the look and maybe as it's thinner it will take a little weight off the wrists we will see.
Bottom line go for it.
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