Harley-Davidson Sportster S

PURE PERFORMANCE

The new Sportster generation combines high performance with state-of-the-art technology.

NEU-ISENBURG (July 13, 2021) – With the Sportster S, Harley-Davidson presents a brand-new factory custom bike with thrilling performance, heralding the latest chapter in Sportster history – with powerful performance on the open road and state-of-the-art technology for greater safety and riding enjoyment. The new Revolution Max 1250T V2 engine with 122 hp gives the Sportster S particularly rich acceleration from low revs. A taut, lightweight chassis and high-quality suspension elements ensure high agility and intuitive handling. From traffic light to traffic light and from one curve to the next, the new Sportster S offers the rider exactly the kick that has always distinguished the Sportster model family. At the same time, it sets new standards for this most traditional of all Harley-Davidson series.

The first Sportster S models will arrive at authorized Harley-Davidson dealers in fall 2021 and will be offered at recommended retail prices starting at €15,495 in Germany and €18,595 in Austria.

Sportster S Presentation by Harley-Davidson

„The Sportster S is the next completely new development based on the Revolution Max platform, setting new performance standards for the Sportster series,“ comments Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President, and CEO of Harley-Davidson. „This is a next-generation Sportster defined by power, performance, technology, and style. And it's part of our commitment to building motorcycles that align with our strategy: to increase desirability and continue the Harley-Davidson tradition.“

design

In profile, the new Sportster S appears flat and powerful. The tank and rear form a visual frame for the engine, which is the heart of the machine. The massive front tire evokes associations with the unadorned front ends of classic bobbers, while the rear, with its raised exhaust and slim solo seat, is reminiscent of the legendary Harley-Davidson XR750 flat track racer. A powerful upside-down fork at the front and wide rear tire are reminiscent of powerful sport bikes.

„Every visual design element of the Sportster S is an expression of power,“ explains Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Styling and Design. „This motorcycle is a wolf in wolf's clothing.“

The powertrain is accented with lightweight magnesium engine covers finished in Chocolate Satin. Textures, colors, surfaces, and details give the Sportster S the look of a custom-built show bike.

engine

The heart of the new Sportster S is the Revolution Max 1250T engine with a displacement of 1,252 cubic centimeters. The latest version of the newest liquid-cooled Harley-Davidson V2 is tuned for high torque in the lower rev range and a flat torque curve across the entire usable rev range. The power delivery allows for powerful acceleration and rich torque. At the same time, Harley is once again relying on the engine as a load-bearing chassis component to save weight. In addition, lightweight materials contribute to the good power-to-weight ratio. Ready to ride, the Sportster S weighs only 228 kilograms. The raised 2-in-1-in-2 exhaust system provides a pleasantly sonorous sound.

State-of-the-art technology for safety and driving pleasure

For a safe and intense riding experience in line with the latest trends, the new Sportster S offers the full spectrum of modern technology. Three pre-programmed riding modes (Sport, Road, and Rain) electronically determine both the performance characteristics of the engine and the intensity of the rider assistance systems. With two freely programmable modes, riders can tailor the riding experience even more precisely to their personal preferences or specific situations. Harley-Davidson Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements, a package of electronic assistance systems designed to provide support in difficult road conditions and dangerous situations, adjusts power delivery and riding dynamics during acceleration, coasting, and braking to match the available grip—both when riding straight ahead and when cornering.

A round, four-inch TFT display serves as the main instrument, showing all driving information and—in conjunction with a helmet headset—infotainment from the rider's Bluetooth-compatible mobile device. With the free Harley-Davidson app, the rider has music, navigation, and hands-free functions at their fingertips at all times. The vehicle lighting, which is entirely LED-based, includes a Daymaker Signature LED headlight for daylight-like, uniform illumination of the road without annoying hot spots. With its striking oval capsule, the headlight is also a distinctive design element of the vehicle's front end, allowing other motorcyclists and road users to recognize the Sportster S at a glance.

chassis

Since the drive train of the new Sportster S is designed as a load-bearing element, it eliminates the need for a classic frame. This saves weight and at the same time results in a very torsion-resistant chassis – crucial for precise handling. The welded steel tube swing arm with an upper and lower beam further stiffens the chassis and, with its unique look, is another distinctive design feature.

The front and rear wheels of the new Sportster S are guided by fully adjustable suspension elements: at the front, there is a Showa upside-down fork with a 43-millimeter diameter dip tube, and at the rear, a Showa central spring strut with integrated compensation reservoir. The spring preload at the rear can be conveniently adjusted hydraulically using a rotary control on the left side of the vehicle.

Light alloy cast wheels in a five-double-spoke design carry wide Dunlop/Harley-Davidson GT503 tires. The high-quality Brembo braking system is characterized by powerful and perfectly controllable deceleration. The front single disc with a diameter of 320 millimeters is actuated by a radially mounted Brembo monoblock fixed caliper with four pistons. A two-piston Brembo caliper is used on the rear wheel on a 260-millimeter brake disc.

A forward-mounted footrest system and flat handlebars ensure an engaged riding position on the Sportster S. With an unloaded seat height of 755 millimeters, almost every rider can safely reach the ground when stationary. The brake and clutch levers are adjustable. The Sportster S comes factory-equipped with wiring harness connectors for optional heated grips and separately available heated riding gear, as well as a USB-C charging port. An air temperature sensor displays a cold warning on the display in case of possible icy conditions. Cruise control and a security system with immobilizer are also standard. The steel tank has a capacity of 11.8 liters.

Paint colors: Vivid Black; Stone Washed White Pearl; Midnight Crimson

accessories

Harley-Davidson is already offering interesting accessories for the Sportster S through its Genuine Motor Accessories program, including:

• Centrally positioned footrest system

Moves the footrests and levers further back toward the center of the vehicle from their factory position at the front. This provides a sportier seating position and may also be beneficial for riders who find the standard footrests uncomfortable to reach.

• passenger seat

The passenger seat, passenger footrests, and a backrest for the passenger are available separately. The seat and backrest upholstery feature the same design as the driver's seat.

• „Sundowner“ solo seat

This seat features a deeper seat pan and a cover with a decorative motif. Extra-thick comfort foam padding guarantees maximum seating comfort on long journeys.

• Flat removable windshield

With its black bracket and matching screws, the tinted windshield perfectly matches the styling of the new Sportster S. Thanks to practical quick-release fasteners, the Sportster S can be ridden with or without a windshield, depending on your mood.

• tail bag

The rear bag, developed specifically for the Sportster S, offers a convenient way to carry important items while on the road. It is recommended that the tail bag be attached to the separately available passenger seat accessory. Its volume can be increased from 8.2 to 11.5 liters, and the maximum load capacity is 2.5 kilograms.

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

Sportster S Accessories Programm

Contribution to Sportster S as a podcast

Sportster S picture gallery