The 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S cruiser motorcycle represents a seismic overhaul of a long-lived bike family that dates back to the '50s.
The previous motorcycle – the Sportster 1200 – can trace its heritage back to the Model K, with the latest version continuing to receive updates since the introduction of the Evolution engine in 1986. But who cares? That is ancient history now.
Harley-Davidson is bringing us a new motorcycle, even a new concept, that throws everything but the Harley Sportster name in the dustbin. Following the Harley-Davidson Pan America, the Sportster S eschewed air conditioning, non-existent electronics, and 'feel over performance' in favor of modern engineering, less show, and more ride.
If this were a competing product, like the Honda Rebel 1100, I'd praise its ride while complaining about how it doesn't have that Harley-Davidson je ne sais quoi but the Sportster S doesn't. one.
Like the Pan America, the Harley Sportster's Revolution motor puts pressure on the chassis, helping to significantly reduce weight, which is felt on the road.
The Sportster S changes direction much better than the old machine but the rounded front tires offer little resistance. The first 20 degrees of incline or so is fine, but after that, you have to give the bar an excellent push to get it to go any further.
Mid-corner changes, especially if things get tighter, can be just as challenging. Fat Bob has the same problem, so all fingers point to that giant front tire. Ground clearance is also much better with the old skirt at every roundabout long forgotten. Elsewhere in the chassis is a new suspension which, unlike the old model, is fully adjustable, while Brembo now provides the brakes.
Both of them worked pretty well considering they were disabled from the start. The suspension for example is just 92mm at the front and 37mm at the rear – the ride is good, considering how little the Showa has to work with, but you feel another inch at either end would have done wonders. There's also a remote preload adjuster, with 40 clicks to use, located under the left side of the seat.
The same goes for the brakes – the Brembo four-pot up front is capable of stopping 228kg of metal plus who knows what the rider is doing, but another disc/caliper wouldn't hurt.
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is powered by a 1,252cc V-twin engine nicknamed the Revolution Max 1250T. Just like the Revolution Max installed on the Pan America 1250, the engine is a 60-degree water-cooled V-twin with DOHC and VVT system but there are some changes.
The overall displacement, including bore and stroke, is the same, but there's a new top end with smaller valves, a different velocity stack, and a changed cam profile.
The result is less peak power and torque (claimed 120bhp versus 150bhp on the Pan and 92lb. ft instead of 95lb. ft) but an increase in torque elsewhere in the rev range with 10% more torque from 3000 to 6000rpm. The results on the road were very pleasing.
The Harley Sportster motor pulls straight from the bottom without shaking or vibrating, producing just usable torque. Unlike the old bike, which only shook violently from the midrange onwards, the Sportster S cruises smoothly to the redline, rewarding the rider with a decent amount of power right up top.
It's also well equipped with second gear delivering most city tasks and third gear comfortably ranging from the low 30s to 'How are you, officer?'.
The only complaint about the engine is that it doesn't have the drama you'd expect from a Harley – the bike doesn't shudder at the lights, it doesn't roar with the sound of induction. Harley also really needed a louder pipe, but this isn't Harley's fault - it's a Euro5 regulatory product that everyone has to comply with. Sure, there's a bit of pop on overrun but it doesn't feel like grunting 1,200cc American muscle. On the Pan America, where subtlety is the essence of the game, you won't notice it, but on the cruiser, where you want a certain air, it leaves you feeling a little flat.
The Sportster S may come from a long line of Harley Sportster models but this version is completely different from previous generations. The 1250T engine has just been released and it's too early to conclude long-term reliability - especially since we don't have any owner reviews at this time. The standard warranty is two years but can be extended by a further three years.
The fit and finish of the parts are generally good but we noticed some bare threads on the rusted frame.
Our Harley Sportster owner reviews don't reveal any concerns at this time. However, it's still early days, and Pan America doesn't seem to be doing well in this regard.
Harley launched the Sportster S as the 'top' of the model line, with cheaper options in the future. Joined in 2022 by the Harley-Davidson Nightster, which replaces the old entry-level Sportster 883.
But sticking with the flagship 1250, its position at the top of the range (and price) means it competes with everything from India's Scout Bobber to Italy's muscular Ducati Diavel V4 and everything in between.
As a replacement for the Harley Sportster, it's so different it's almost incomparable. Rather than attracting owners of previous Sportster models, this is more likely to tempt BMW R nine T drivers to buy into the brand. It's also worth considering the Sportster S if you're in the market for an Indian FTR although Harley may struggle to live up to the road handling of the sportier 17" wheel FTRs in the range.
Like other motorcycles, the Harley Sportster's electronics have also seen major improvements over the old model with three riding modes (Road, Sport, and Rain) plus two custom modes as well as cornering ABS and tilt-sensitive traction control. which this tester found worked very well in one of the particularly slippery corners.
All of this is controlled via a 4” round TFT display, which also houses other functions of the Harley-Davidson app such as navigation.
Along with the new dashboard, there are many other new features including LED lighting, cruise control, new multi-function switchgear plus the obligatory styling complete with a high-level flat track-inspired exhaust.
Like every Harley, there are plenty of options including center-mounted footpegs if you feel the front end is a bit wide. We tried them out and found them to be a bit narrow and they also made the sidestand more difficult to deploy. Unless you hate the look of strikers, at over £600 a set (plus fitting) we'd give them a miss.
You can also install a pillion seat, pegs, and backrest, which comes with a rear fender extender to protect the back of your passenger.
Specification
Engine size 1252cc
Revolution Max 1250T engine-type water-cooled 60-degree V-twin with DOHC and VVT
Frame type High strength low alloy steel trellis frame with pressure members; stamped, cast, and forged joints; MIG welded; aluminum forged center structure
Fuel capacity 11.8 liters
Seat height 753mm
Bike weight 228kg
Front suspension 43 mm inverted fork with compression, rebound, and spring preload adjustment
Linkage-mounted piggyback Monoshock rear suspension with compression, rebound, and hydraulic spring preload adjustment
Front brake Single caliper 4 piston monobloc mounted radially 320 mm
Rear brake 260mm floating single-piston caliper
Front tire size 160/70x17
Rear tire size 180/70x16
Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption is 49mpg
Annual road tax £111
Annual service fee -
New price £13,995
Used price £10,500 - £14,000
