The new Harley-Davidson Sortster S model delivers seamless performance

The new generation of Sportster motorcycles combines top performance with today’s most advanced technology.

The Harley-Davidson® Sportster® S model is an all-new custom sport motorcycle designed to deliver an exhilarating riding experience and usher in a new era of Sportster performance. A 122-hp Revolution® Max 1250T V-Twin engine puts the Sportster S rider in control of constant, always-available torque. A stiff, lightweight chassis and premium suspension provide responsive, intuitive handling. From stoplight to stoplight and corner to corner, the Sportster® S offers riders extraordinary power and performance and sets a new standard for the longest-running model in Harley-Davidson history.

The Sportster S, is being added to the 2021 Harley-Davidson model lineup and will arrive at Harley-Davidson dealerships this fall with a base price of €16,800.

“The Sportster S is the latest all-new motorcycle built on the Revolution Max platform and sets a new performance standard for the Sportster family,” said Jochen Zeitz, 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 introduce motorcycles that align with our strategy to increase desirability and further the Harley-Davidson legacy.”

A style that communicates power

In profile, the Sportster S appears crouched and powerful. The fuel tank and rear section frame the engine as the predominant centerpiece of the motorcycle. The huge front tire recalls the fenderless front end of a classic bobber, while the rear section, high-exit exhaust and slender single-seat are inspired by the Harley-Davidson XR750 flat tracker. The thick inverted fork and wide-profile tires suggest a high-performance sportbike.

“Every design element of the Sportster S is an expression of the bike’s raw power,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson vice president of style and design. “It’s a wolf in wolf’s clothing.”

The engine stands out with a Chocolate Satin finish on its lightweight magnesium covers. Textures, colors, finishes and details have been selected to give the Sportster S model the look of a custom concours bike, but one that can still be ridden on public roads in the hands of its owner.

Better performance

The 1250cc Revolution Max 1250T engine is the mechanical heart of the Sportster S. This new version of Harley-Davidson’s latest liquid-cooled V-twin engine is tuned for huge torque at low revs, with a curve that stays flat throughout the powerband – engine performance designed to deliver strong acceleration from zero and plenty of power throughout the mid-range. To minimize the overall weight of the motorcycle, the engine is integrated into the vehicle as a structural part of the chassis. The use of lightweight materials helps to achieve a desirable power-to-weight ratio. In running order and with a full 11.7-liter fuel tank, the Sportster S weighs only 227 kg. A high-output exhaust is designed to produce a pleasant low-frequency tone.

Technology that improves piloting

The Sportster S is equipped with a number of technologies designed to enhance the riding experience. Three pre-programmed and selectable riding modes (Sport, Road and Rain) electronically control the motorcycle’s performance characteristics and level of technology intervention. The rider can also use two customizable modes to create a set of performance characteristics to suit personal preferences or special situations. Harley-Davidson® Enhanced Cornering Riding Assist systems, a suite of technologies designed to increase rider confidence in unexpected situations or adverse road conditions, are designed to match the motorcycle’s performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking, in a straight line or in a curve.

A 4.0-inch-diameter round TFT instrumentation displays all relevant information and supports multimedia functions generated by the rider’s Bluetooth®-equipped mobile device and helmet headset, including music, incoming and outgoing calls and navigation provided by the Harley-Davidson® app. Full LED lighting includes a Daymaker® Signature LED headlight designed to produce a more even beam of light, eliminating annoying “hot spots” of excess illumination. The headlight has a distinctive oval capsule shape, which adds style to the front end and will identify the Sportster® S to other riders and drivers.

Optimized cycle part

The engine acts as a structural element of the chassis, eliminating the traditional tubular frame that supports the engine, resulting in a design that significantly reduces the weight of the motorcycle and produces a very rigid chassis that contributes to very precise handling. A welded steel-tube swingarm features a trellis-type design that adds even more rigidity to the chassis, while its shape adds distinctive styling to the bike.

The Sportster® S is equipped with premium, fully adjustable front and rear suspension: a 43mm SHOWA® inverted cartridge fork up front and a SHOWA® rear shock with separate reservoir at the rear. The rear suspension features hydraulic preload adjustment via a convenient knob on the left side of the bike. Lightweight cast-aluminum wheels with a five-arm staggered design are mounted on wide Dunlop®/Harley-Davidson® GT503 tires. High-quality Brembo braking components produce outstanding braking feel and performance. The 320 mm-diameter front brake disc is chewed up by a new Brembo four-piston radial-mount monobloc caliper. The rear brake consists of a two-piston Brembo caliper and a 260 mm diameter disc.

The forward-positioned foot controls and low handlebars place the Sportster S rider in an aggressive riding position. Unloaded seat height is 755 mm, low enough for most riders to put both feet on the ground at a stop. The brake and clutch levers are reach-adjustable to better suit the rider’s hand size or preference. The Sportster S is already pre-installed for the future fitment of accessory heated grips for increased comfort in cold weather, and is equipped with two dedicated sockets for two heated riding kits (heated grips and heated clothing kit, sold separately). It also features a USB-C port for charging a phone or other device. An ambient temperature sensor and an ice hazard warning alert the driver to changes in weather conditions. Cruise control and a keyless security system are standard equipment. The steel fuel tank has a capacity of 11.7 liters.

Accessories

Sportster S accessories available at launch through Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories include these key items:

  • Intermediate Mount Handle Conversion Kit

Relocates the footpegs and foot controls from the original equipment’s forward position to a mid-mounted position on the bike. This provides a sportier riding position and also makes it more accessible for riders who cannot comfortably reach the forward controls.

  • Passenger accommodation

A passenger seat kit, passenger footpeg kit and passenger backrest kit (each sold separately) can be installed. The passenger seat and backrest are upholstered to match the rider’s seat.

  • Sundowner seat monkey

This seat offers an improved profile and spherical foam padding, which enhances comfort on long rides and offers an improved shape for a sportier ride. Sealed seams prevent water from penetrating the foam and leaving the rider with wet clothing. Upholstery finish details enhance overall styling.

  • Compact removable windshield

The black mounting hardware and brackets, as well as the dark tinting of the windshield, match the style of the motorcycle. The windshield mounts to the fork using quick-release clamps, and can be installed or removed quickly and easily.

  • Sportster® S cross bowl

This rear bag is specifically designed for a perfect functional and aesthetic fit on the Sportster® S, and offers the rider a convenient luggage option for small travel essentials. Installation of this bag over the optional passenger seat (purchased separately) is recommended. The luggage carrying capacity is 2.3 kg. The main compartment volume is expandable from 8.2 liters to 11.5 liters.

More information in www.harley-davidson.com