Harleysite Blog - The new Sportster S

After Harley-Davidson now finally the first model from the new Sportster series, let's take a look at the opinions in the community.

The first impression of the opinions in the social media is quite positive and in some cases unusually relaxed and confident. Of course there is also criticism, but compared to previous presentations, it has been a lot friendlier 🙂 . We don't often see this when Harley-Davidson presents something new, and we're talking here about a machine that is intended to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Sportster series. What is probably clear to everyone is that we won't be hearing the Evolution sound again. It is well known that the Sportster series has been scrapped on the European market due to the required Euro standard, which means that the successor will have to comply with new regulations. The Sportster is still available in the USA, but even there the clock is running against the legend.

The Sportster S with the 1250 T engine

Two months ago I was told by Harley-Davidson that the Revolution Max 1250 engine will not be the Sportster successor. When the „Evolution to Revolution“ campaign was launched and the Revolution Max engine was shown, there were a few question marks hanging in the air. Sure, the company is quick to change strategies, but it's often the little things that make the difference when you first look at it that make all the difference.

It's about the „T“, the Revolution engine installed in the Sportster S is the Revolution Max 1250T engine and it is different. Different cylinder heads, with modified valves and changes in the camshaft area, give the 1250T engine a different engine characteristic; it delivers power via torque rather than speed. You can find detailed information on this in the report on the Sportster S technology.

However, the price of €15,495 (Austria €18,595) plus bodywork fee does not have much to do with the well-known Sportster in the first Sportster version. It is clear that the Sportster S is the first version of a whole series, with a smaller Motorvision, it will also be offered in the lower price segment. It is not yet known when we can expect it, but I assume that a lot will happen in this area in January.

But as we all know, price isn't everything. I've heard that they've tried everything to keep the price attractive, but everyone has had to cut back. Not only the company, but also the dealers have to cut back. Not to forget, the punitive tariffs are also included somewhere, but it looks like they will continue to be paid directly from Milwaukee.

You can't buy happiness, but you can buy a safe Harley.

Harley-Davidson calls it the Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements, these are the important assistance systems. Of course, it would be good if you never needed them, but the systems working in the background provide good back-up for inexperienced riders in particular. Especially when you are driving on wet roads and in poor road conditions. Unfortunately, bad roads are becoming increasingly common.

Fortunately, they haven't skimped on the equipment; if you need heated grips, you can retrofit them, the connection cables are already provided. The real pound starts with the Showa suspension that they have installed, plus an upside-down fork, which they could have done with simpler means, but they probably didn't want to.

In addition, Brembo brakes and they have changed to Dunlop tires on the new Sportster S. However, the choice of tires is often a matter of faith, I have only had good experiences with Dunlop on the 80%. The Michelin Scorcher also always performed very well on dry roads, but the opposite in the wet. On the Pan America, the Michelin cuts a good figure in all disciplines, but it doesn't achieve an exhilarating mileage, because power also costs rubber when the tire is softer.

What is really good is that they have installed the electronic assistance systems. The command center is a 4.0-inch TFT display, where all the information is housed. In conjunction with the cell phone and the Harley APP, you have everything with you, whether it's music via headset or navigation. These are things that are simply part of it today, especially if you want to inspire young people. Sound is only available via headset, which is probably a solvable problem today.

It has two individually configurable driving modes

Two configurable modes make it exciting to find your own tuning, today a lot is possible via the electronic control.

The exhaust and the sound will probably be a big issue, it is very dominant and has often been the topic. We will have to change the sound, the 60° V2 engine will be different. One of its advantages is that it is very narrow, so smaller people in particular will find it easier to get a grip on the ground. accessories.

It looks very compact, I'm sure it will find its fans. Much more exciting will be how the new Sportster story will be continued, what will come next to continue the legend story?

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EY7n5IrL3ms&width=860&height=484&rel=0[/embedyt]