HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORTSTER S – DRIVE AND TECHNOLOGY

Revolution Max 1250T engine, riding modes, infotainment display, and cornering assist package from Harley-Davidson

NEU-ISENBURG (July 13, 2021) – With the Sportster S, Harley-Davidson presents a brand-new and powerful factory custom bike, heralding the latest chapter in Sportster history – with a dynamic experience on the open road and state-of-the-art technology that forms a successful synthesis of safety and riding pleasure.

Revolution Max 1250T

The new Sportster S is powered by the Revolution Max 1250T engine, a liquid-cooled V2 that is tuned for power from the bottom end. The torque curve remains flat across the entire rev range – delivering beefy power for dynamic acceleration from a standstill and rich torque in the mid-range.

• Displacement: 1,252 cm³
• Bore x stroke: 105.0 mm x 72.3 mm
• Power: 90 kW (122 hp)/7,500 rpm
• Maximum torque: 125 Nm/6,000 rpm
• Rotational speed: 9,500 rpm
• Compression ratio: 12.0:1

The Revolution Max 1250T is derived from the Revolution Max 1250 engine found in the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 models, from which it differs mainly in the following features:

• Cylinder heads with smaller valves, narrower channels, and a modified combustion chamber ensure increased flow velocity and thus rapid gas exchange and optimal cylinder filling, which increases torque in the lower and middle speed range between 3,000 and 6,000 rpm.
• The new combustion chamber geometry also requires a modified piston design.
• Intake funnels with new lengths and shapes, as well as an optimized airbox volume, ensure the best possible performance across the entire usable speed range.
• Optimized cam profiles and timing of the variable valve control also contribute significantly to the desired performance characteristics.

Revolution Max 1250T – Highlights

• V2 architecture: A longitudinally mounted V2 engine with a 60-degree cylinder angle features a narrow design that allows the masses for active handling to be grouped close to the center of gravity without compromising leg and foot space. Two throttle bodies in a streamlined downflow arrangement between the cylinders minimize turbulence and flow resistance in the intake tract.

• Weight-optimized design: With its low weight, the engine also helps to keep the overall vehicle weight down. This benefits acceleration, agility, braking performance, and fuel consumption.

• The finite element method and modern optimization techniques used in the development of the engine help to reduce the mass of cast and molded components.
• Weight-saving design features also include one-piece light alloy cylinders with an electroplated nickel-silicon carbide coating.
• The valve and primary drive covers are made of a lightweight magnesium alloy.

• Drive as a load-bearing chassis component: The Revolution Max 1250T is also integrated as a load-bearing part in the chassis of the new Sportster S.

• The engine fulfills two functions: it serves as a drive and is also a structural element of the chassis.
• By dispensing with a conventional main frame, the chassis is particularly lightweight and offers exceptionally high torsional rigidity.
• A front frame element, a middle segment, and the rear frame are bolted directly to the engine.
• The motor is designed to be particularly robust and rigid so that it can effectively fulfill its function as a component of the chassis.
• The advantage for the driver lies in optimized driving characteristics thanks to significant weight savings, high torsional rigidity, and masses centralized directly at the center of gravity.

• Liquid cooling: Liquid cooling ensures a stable, controllable engine temperature for consistent performance in a wide range of environmental conditions and in all driving situations—whether in cold or warm weather, at high speeds or in traffic jams, when driving in a relaxed or sporty manner. The engine oil temperature is also regulated by a cooling system, which ensures optimum lubrication and long oil change intervals even under the toughest operating conditions.

• Four-valve cylinder heads: Cylinder heads with four valves each allow for particularly large valve cross-sections. Harley-Davidson has optimized the gas flow through the combustion chamber to achieve the desired power delivery.

• Two overhead camshafts per cylinder (DOHC) and variable valve timing (VVT): The Revolution Max 1250T features a separate intake and exhaust camshaft on each cylinder. This DOHC design allows for independent, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (VVT, Variable Valve Timing), optimized for the front and rear cylinders respectively. VVT contributes to a wider usable speed range and improves torque delivery as well as fuel consumption. This results in powerful acceleration from low revs, thrilling responsiveness, and high peak performance. The hydraulic valve clearance compensation contributes to the low mechanical noise of the engine. At the same time, this eliminates the need for complex regular maintenance, which in turn saves on inspection costs.

• Light metal forging piston:

• The piston crowns are milled to achieve a precise compression ratio of 12.0:1. The engine achieves its rated power with fuel of at least 91 octane, but can also run on gasoline with a lower octane rating if necessary, with the engine management system automatically preventing damage from knocking or pinging via a knock sensor.
• A coating on the piston skirt helps to reduce frictional resistance.
• For high power output, piston rings with low preload reduce friction.
• The piston rings are coated for increased service life.
• Two spray oil nozzles directed from below onto the piston heads assist in dissipating the heat of combustion.

• Balancing shafts: Integrated balance shafts help to reduce engine vibrations, improving riding comfort and durability. The balance shafts are designed to allow just enough vibration to make the motorcycle feel alive.

• Clutch and transmission: The engine and six-speed transmission share a common housing in the new Revolution Max. The clutch is operated via a large-diameter Bowden cable for smooth operation with consistent disengagement and low friction. Its anti-hopping function prevents the engine from revving too high when downshifting and suppresses rear wheel bounce.

Sportster S: Instruments

The new Sportster S is equipped with a round 4.0-inch TFT display for all display and infotainment functions.

• All display functions are operated using buttons on control panels on the right and left sides of the handlebars, both when stationary and while riding.
• The low-reflection display is easy to read even in unfavorable lighting conditions. Harley-Davidson has optimized the color scheme and design specifically for maximum readability.

Standard display:

• The large speedometer display in the center is framed by a circular tachometer display.
• Turn signals and warning lights appear at the top edge.
• Pop-up displays for incoming calls and warnings such as „Low Fuel,“ „Side Stand Down,“ or „Low Temperature“ appear below the speed display.

Bike status display:

This display allows the driver to see status information in large format on the screen, while a smaller speed display appears in the upper section. Status information includes tire pressure, engine temperature and oil pressure, battery voltage, and engine management diagnostic codes.

infotainment

The Sportster S display can show infotainment information from the rider's Bluetooth-compatible mobile device. The motorcycle itself is not equipped with an infotainment system or speakers. Most infotainment functions require a separately available Bluetooth headset with speakers inside the helmet.

Music

Using a headset, both stored music files and music streamed from a mobile device can be played via the system. The name of the artist and the song title appear on the display. The rider can scroll and adjust the volume using buttons on the handlebars.

hands-free function

The driver can control the telephone functions of their mobile device via voice guidance through the headset. Caller data for incoming calls can be displayed on the screen.

Navigation

For navigation, riders can use the free Harley-Davidson app for iOS and Android, which must be installed on their mobile device beforehand. When the navigation function is activated, an automatically scrolling road map or turn-by-turn directions can be displayed, supplemented by audio instructions via the headset.

• In road map mode, speed, turn signal indicators, and similar information are displayed above the moving map.
• The map can be moved and zoomed using the buttons on the handlebars.
• The Harley-Davidson app's features include route recommendations, tour planning and recording functions, riding challenges, and point-of-interest databases with Harley-Davidson dealers, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, motorcycle events, and numerous other attractions.
• A mobile phone connection is required for the navigation function; the motorcycle itself is not equipped with a GPS receiver. However, if necessary, the rider can create the entire route in advance, download it, and save it locally for offline navigation.
• Software updates are performed automatically by the Harley-Davidson app.

Sportster S: Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements

The new Sportster S is equipped with Harley-Davidson Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements, a package of electronic assistance systems that prove helpful in difficult road conditions and dangerous situations. They are electronically controlled and based on state-of-the-art chassis, brake, and drive control technology.

The Sportster S has a sensor system (inertial measurement unit, IMU) that consists of several inertial sensors on six spatial axes and continuously measures the lean angle while riding. The cornering-optimized electronic assistance systems take into account that there is less tire grip available for braking or accelerating in corners than when riding in a straight line, and adjust their control interventions accordingly.

• Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking during braking and helps the rider maintain control during emergency braking in a straight line. It controls the front and rear brakes independently of each other. The cornering anti-lock braking system (C-ABS) also takes the lean angle into account in this control. When cornering, not all of the road grip is available for transmitting braking force. C-ABS automatically takes this into account. The integrated wheelie control (Rear-Wheel Lift Mitigation, RLM) counteracts the rear wheel lifting during heavy braking in order to optimally match the deceleration forces to the rider's braking commands.

• Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS)

Traction Control System (TCS) prevents excessive rear wheel slip during acceleration, thereby supporting the driver, particularly in situations where tire grip is limited, such as in wet conditions, on suddenly changing road surfaces, or on unpaved roads. Cornering Traction Control System (C-TCS) also takes the current lean angle into account. In the pre-programmed riding modes, the interventions of the cornering traction control vary in intensity. In the freely programmable riding modes, the rider can preselect the intensity of the C-TCS interventions in three stages.

In addition, C-TCS can be deactivated in any driving mode when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running. When switching to Rain mode, C-TCS is automatically reactivated, but can then be deactivated again. C-TCS can be switched off by pressing a button on the right-hand side of the handlebar.

TCS also includes wheelie control (Front-Wheel Lift Mitigation, FLM), which limits the height and duration of a lifting front wheel during acceleration. The strength of this intervention also varies between the different driving modes, with Rain being the most restrictive mode and Sport/Off-Road having the weakest intervention. When traction control is deactivated, the FLM function is also deactivated.

• Cornering Enhanced Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS)

The cornering traction control system (C-DSCS) serves to reduce excessive slip at the rear wheel and prevent the rear wheel from locking up due to drive influences. This can otherwise occur, for example, when abruptly downshifting or closing the throttle on slippery roads.

When C-DSCS detects such a driving situation, it automatically adjusts the circumferential speed of the wheel to the driving speed by regulating the engine torque. At the same time, the system also takes the lean angle into account.

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Correct tire pressure is just as crucial for the handling of the motorcycle as it is for the service life of the tires. The TPMS tire pressure monitoring system displays the tire pressures on the color display and warns the rider if the tire pressure is too low.

Sportster S: Riding modes

The Sportster S offers five selectable riding modes that electronically control the bike's riding dynamics and determine the intensity of electronic intervention. Three of these are pre-programmed, and two can be customized. Each mode affects power delivery, engine braking, cornering ABS (C-ABS), and cornering traction control (C-TCS).

The rider can select the riding mode using the mode button on the right-hand side of the handlebar, with a few exceptions, both when stationary and while riding. The selected mode is indicated by a symbol on the color display.

With the exception of Road mode, the driver can deactivate the driving modes in the Settings menu of the display. The freely configurable modes can only be selected during operation using the Mode button once they have been activated in the Settings menu.

• Road mode: The balanced Road mode is designed for everyday use and commuting. The engine delivers less peak power than in Sport mode, and C-ABS and C-TCS intervene earlier. In the event of a malfunction, the driving mode system automatically switches to Road mode.
• Sport mode: Sport mode offers the most unfiltered interaction possible between rider and machine. The rider experiences the full performance potential of the motorcycle directly and with maximum precision, with unlimited peak power and full revving pleasure. C-TCS operates at the lowest level still reasonable for road use and with increased engine braking effect when coasting.

• Rain mode: This mode was developed for rain or other conditions where traction is reduced. This also makes it ideal for riders who are still getting used to the motorcycle. Engine speed and power are significantly reduced in favor of controllable acceleration, as is the engine braking effect, while C-ABS and C-TCS operate at their highest levels.
• Custom mode: The Sportster S offers two freely programmable riding modes that allow the rider to configure characteristics tailored specifically to their personal preferences or situations. Within certain limits, the rider can set the engine characteristics, engine braking effect, and revving characteristics as desired, as well as the intensity of the C-TCS and C-ABS interventions. For example, it is possible to combine the powerful performance of Sport mode with reduced engine braking.

Further information about the new Harley-Davidson Sportster S can be found at www.harley-davidson.com.