The Sportster S is a radical redesign that has earned the rave reviews it's received thus far.
Positive Response
Despite many rumors circulating over the last couple of years suggesting the Sportster wasn't long for this world, the long-running model isn't going anywhere. In fact, Harley-Davidson recently revealed the latest model in its entry-level lineup - the Sportster S - to rave reviews. And, as it turns out, there are some good reasons for that positive response, as Cycle News recently pointed out.
Photos: Harley-Davidson
Totally Unexpected
The process of redesigning the Sportser wasn't an easy one, of course. "Any time you try to reinvent an icon, it's very daunting," said Harley-Davidson's VP of Styling and Design, Brad Richards. "The Sportster has been such a versatile bike for the Motor Company and there are so many people who have an idea of what it is supposed to be. Therefore, we wanted to create something undefinable. We went in a direction no one was expecting."
Photos: Harley-Davidson
>>Join the conversation about the Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Dare to be Different
That last bit is certainly true - no one saw the Sportster S coming, at least not as a bike wearing the Sportster name. The new S is not the type of two-wheeler we've come to expect from MoCo, with its radical design and powerful 1250 Revolution Max mill cranking out 121 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque with double overhead cams and liquid cooling. But that's a good thing, it turns out.
Photos: Harley-Davidson
>>Join the conversation about the Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Hammer-like Precision
Cycle News was blown away by the Revolution powerplant, which it says "absolutely hammers." "I've ridden plenty of Harley motors in standard form and none (aside from the immediate rush of torque the electric LiveWire gives you) have as much punch as the Sportster. Initial throttle response, if you’re used to traditional Harley-Davidsons, feels almost Japanese in its precision."
Photos: Harley-Davidson
>>Join the conversation about the Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Awkward Position
Out test rider also found the gearbox to be a huge improvement over past models, saying it's "much smoother, lighter and more precise than any Harley I’ve ever ridden." The only qualm is the forward-mount controls and high position of the shift lever, which means that you've got to have pretty big feet to reach it with ease.
Photos: Harley-Davidson
>>Join the conversation about the Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Few Gripes
Another common complaint we've seen regarding the Sportster S is the high-mounted exhaust, which tends to roast one's inner thigh at slow speeds or while sitting at a traffic light, but we imagine that the exhaust will be the first thing most people rip off, anyway. Meanwhile, two inches of rear suspension travel isn't enough for some, but it's also quite common in this segment.
Photos: Harley-Davidson
>>Join the conversation about the Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Singular Purpose
While it may not be a bike you'll want to take on long rides (because of that rear suspension), The S delivers precisely where it should - performance. "Harley wants to inject the sport back in Sportster, and for that, they’ve done a good job," our reviews notes. "Get the S out in the flowing canyons and the ride is a sweet one. It carves a line smoothly, brakes adequately and is then met with that sensational Revolution Max motor on corner exit."
Photos: Harley-Davidson
>>Join the conversation about the Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
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