2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S | First Look

[@1motomanic]

He almost sounded like someone was holding a gun to his head when he said "Alright...sounds pretty good."

[@nefronik]

And that someone was EURO 5 emission standards. :D

[@mrvwbug4423]

@@nefronik The trick with euro 5 is they build them to have a nice induction sound so it sounds good to the rider, but is really quiet when not sitting on the bike. Not sure if HD is doing that trick with the Revolution max motor, but I've experienced it on a Yamaha MT-09 (2021 version so has euro 5) and they pulled it off well on that bike, sounds really good when you're sitting on it, but it's whisper quiet to passers by.

[@Ritalie]

@@mrvwbug4423 On all high performance motorcycles, the intake induction sound is what you hear, and it's super loud, as loud as the stock exhaust pipes. The induction goes through an enormous hollow air box and usually some air scoops, and it gives a scary intake roar. My favorite part of motorcycles, is the intake roar.

[@DTSK371]

Fr lmao

[@opmike343]

@@mrvwbug4423 My 2021 Multistrada has some serious intake roar. It's a very clever approach for sure without making the bike sound obnoxious. Intake noise are an overlooked design element in bikes and cars.

[@johnnyfortpants1415]

The Vance & Hines guys will be working a lot of overtime to improve that exhaust note...

[@jdabel1]

I don't think they'll need to work too hard to improve that sound.

[@mrvwbug4423]

@@jdabel1 For the US market it will be easy. For euro 5 markets, it will be a lot of work to improve the sound while remaining euro 5 compliant. That is why the stock sound is so underwhelming off the bike, euro 5 noise rules. It probably sounds better on the bike like many euro 5 bikes are engineered to do.

[@mrvwbug4423]

HD also put the cats in the end cans, so any slip ons for euro 5 markets and California will have to also have a cat Akrapovic is the only aftermarket exhaust company I've seen that includes cats for bikes where the cat is in the end can, the japanese and europeans have gotten smart and put the cats in a box below the bike so slip ons can be run while retaining the stock cats

[@Ritalie]

It's a little strange that Harley seems to have completely abandoned the sound tuning, in favor of making the most performance. I feel like the Revolution Max engine sounds pretty bland, just by it's nature. If you listen to a Ducati 916cc engine with twin carbon fiber mufflers, it is seriously scary. Or the Honda RC51, V-Twin. Or even the SV1000 and TL1000. The Japanese and Italian liquid cooled 90 degree V-Twins, sound terrifying.

[@rudyrude7975]

@@jdabel1 the overhead cams kinda take away the pushrod sounds, thats easy fix

[@yukbumer0]

love the bike and its new features but when he said "alright, it sounds pretty good" no it doesn't lol... ill hold off until i see some aftermarket exhausts for them

[@ripmax333]

Surley the microphone doesn’t do the sound justice, you have to hear it live.

[@toofastnobrakes]

It’s the stock pipe so yeah it’s gonna sound muffled AF. One the release a screaming eagle kit for it will sound about like a V-rod

[@iceberg9248]

Sounds like a stock Honda 1100?

[@ricofico]

I want to know how the 2in1 performance exhaust sounds like! There is two exhaust systems for this bike!

[@oxouk]

My thoughts exactly. Dude, stop lying. It sounds weak. Other than the sound, I like it.

[@CalebHoss37804]

I’m excited with Harley’s direction and this new engine. I think as a sport bike, this thing is cool. I also like the PanAm. Keep it up Harley, can’t wait to see your true cruisers with the Revo engine.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Low slung, forward controls, the Sportster S is a true cruiser.

[@kennyo6582]

forward controls and no aluminum swingarm = not a true sportbike

[@CalebHoss37804]

@@kennyo6582 Yes yes, I don't think it's a true sportbike. But its easily the least cruiser in the line up other than the livewire and will likely getty up. @mrvwbugg44 there's a mid control option. I'm not saying it's going to be anything like an R1, but its an option that Harley hasnt had in lineup for many years and something they need. They need diversity in bikes. And watch, this thing will get used on tracks. (not MOTO GP or anything like that, but still)

[@bobcatterson2834]

Thats why...hd been there/done that. I went with a 2022 triumph speedmaster. No sewer pipes and high tec; duel discs up front. No having to buy anything to upgrade.

[@veins101]

Ya engine as a stress member... That's sounds all good until you have to take it apart to service it. Was so underwhelmed by the sound then "Alright... Sound pretty good." That lack of enthusiasm just confirms I was not alone.

[@andrewsmactips]

Reminds me of those old Japanese cruisers that kinda looked like Harleys but sounded generic Japanese.

[@AirSKWolf]

That's the problem of actually making power... It starts sounding like bikes that actually make power.

[@SKYLIMI]

If this is what my Harley will sound like, it will cry

[@timjohnson1199]

This is what a modern engine sounds like. Plenty of old/new bikes available for the old sound.

[@jtj1331]

Like a Yamaha Bolt…

[@TrekTracks74]

My Yamaha Bolt with Sweepers sounds WAY better and for nearly 7k difference (new) roughly 10k (used)? 🤔

[@Wild-Wisdom]

This is what I was looking for, a video with the bike and not just pictures or launch video clips. Thanks

[@filmerbert4381]

Glad that you found this video useful. Stay tune for Cycle World first ride video. Let us know if there is anything you would like to know more about how the bike rides.

[@jackalster77]

Suspension travel killed it for me. I value my lower back.

[@tcparker2]

As a sport bike enthusiast, I’m pretty stoked where Harley is going.

[@gigi9467]

You would be disappointed in the first ride.

[@rickbradshaw2148]

Not a fan of this bike but I agree, I like the new direction. I think a 1250 Street Fighter with proper suspension travel and ergos would be awesome

[@gigi9467]

@@rickbradshaw2148 street fighter yes sportster no..

[@joesainato8051]

@@gigi9467 I’m interested have you already rode the bike? Or are you a typical keyboard player who just says things without actually experience to back up comments

[@1motomanic]

Being a life long HD rider and who also rides a speed triple among other bikes, I still believe the Bronx was a missed opportunity by the company.

[@NudaMan]

Needs an exhaust immediately!!!

[@kevindarkstar]

But there is the problem, a brand new bike shouldn't need a new exhaust from the get go! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jimbeam4111]

@@kevindarkstar people always change exhaust on every brand of motorcycle, not just Harley’s.

[@eastonbramwell8602]

I could take that off your hands for my pocket bike, 49 cc bad ass girl.

[@ironmonkey1512]

these are probably euro spec = quiet

[@johnjacob688]

@@kevindarkstar It doesn't NEED a new exhaust. It will just be swapped out for something that will unlock the desired sound.

[@pauld.b7129]

"Alright sounds pretty good" 😂 sounds like a ford focus doing revs. I couldn't imagine a worse sound coming out of it frankly... And for 15,000$? We all know this is gonna be another one sitting in dealers marked up to hell..

[@ScottsGEN-XAdventures]

I’ve been riding a long time and I love all motorcycles. I can’t knock a new design because it’s an all new motorcycle. I am glad that I picked up a ‘21 883 Iron as a second bike recently because it seems that design will be going away. It is what it is, but it’s still a fun bike and puts a smile on my face. I’m happy with the investment.

[@USNVA-yn6cp]

bikes are fun as hell but there are no investments in new bikes

[@ScottsGEN-XAdventures]

@@USNVA-yn6cp that’s not true my friend. They all have their place. May not be the given choice of an individual, but look at the seemingly cult following that some bikes have received over the years despite the sales being lackluster during production. The evolution Sportster will be around for a long time to come because it has become iconic in its own rite. And when I used the term investment, I didn’t mean monetarily. I meant investment in myself because motorcycles are a part of me.

[@robedmunds7163]

I like the engine, but 2 inches of suspension is rubbish, the riding position is awful , the tyre sizes are form over function, and a couple of hours on that seat would be torture. Exhausts look like sewer pipes, think I will stick with the Sporty I have thanks. Hopefully they will bring out a more usable version.

[@jdm1039]

Rob Edmunds - Exactly. I'm ready for the motor but they can keep the rest.

[@johnjacob688]

Sportsters come in many different configurations. I'm sure you'll get the style you want when they start rolling them out.

[@SinnerSince1962]

Congratulations, Harley! A little more work and you'll have a 2003 VRod.

[@Stevebarker66]

Jealous Indian Scout owner here! What a bike Harley have come.up with - it sits in its own niche above the Scout on price and distinct to the FTR on appeal - this is a Bobber, not a flat-tracker. Having seen how the Scout has been customised I think there'll be plenty of scope here as well; Harley dealers and tuners will soon be offering a a wide range of performance, styling and handling options. My only concern is that of handling for a 'sport' model: with those fat tyres and the foot-forward stance flipping from side to side may not be so easy and plenty of people will be drawn in by that power, torque and aggressive styling. I remember riding the FXDR and Fat Bob and being disappointed in that department - although the Sportser S is far lighter and this may balance things out. Yes, I'm jealous. If I were buying a bike today I'd buy the Sportster S over a Scout or an FTR - sorry, Indian! But having discounted the Scout Bobber because it's short-travel, hard suspension compared to my standard Scout, a good test-ride would be essential. Congratulations on the new baby, H-D; I just hope the rest of the family are as accepting of the latest addition to the family 😎

[@MCTeck]

Nice except 2" of rear travel? Also not a big deal,but the front tire is too fat. The pipes could look better. Harley should have called this Sportster 'C' for cruiser, and built a true 'Sport' model smaller front tire, 2into1 exhaust.bigger tank better suspension [rear] and mid controls. 2 discs front...etc. I hope Harley later adds some different models, to the Sportster line up. Good first New model!

[@scrumthebum2451]

I agree and I’m quite sure they will including the highly anticipated Bronx models

[@CbusLowRider]

I agree with this. I’m betting we will see higher performance variations of the new sportster in the coming model years. 👍 the new engine is awesome! I test rode a Pan America recently.

[@Crowbar381]

Where are the specs that you quoted for 2”suspension travel ? I can’t see them on their website

[@steele952]

My first bike is going to be a street bob , but I’ll wait to check this out. Ride position doesn’t look very comfortable

[@Aspireonthego]

That sounds more like my Ducati than the Harley.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Fwd controls and a single front disc on a 120 bhp bike? Nope. 2" of rear suspension. Nope.

[@kenhoward3512]

And a 3.1 gallon gas tank.

[@carbongsxr750]

Harley fails again .. indian has my next purchase

[@joelohne3559]

They should have kept the Bronx, at least that one had some sport to it. This thing may have some kick, but only in a straight line.

[@jdroofcleanpw]

Forward controls are a must on cruisers because of low seat height though. At least for those of us with long legs.

[@michaelhayward7572]

@@jdroofcleanpw i didnt know Sportsters were cruisers. Or this one was meant to be a "cruiser". In fact, the only Sportys to have fwds from the factory in over 60 years of production, was in the last 10 with abominations like the fat wheeled Iron etc... Before, in the last century, they were just a bike. An American do it all bike competing against Euro and Brit bikes of similar size and hp.

[@umpatas5468]

2 questions... how the hell do you get saddle bags on it with that exhaust? Is it chain driven like the pan am or belt? That exhaust should have been mounted lower and as a 2 into 1.

[@swistakowy]

This looks massive, and for a smallest bike in the lineup (which sportster is) I absolutely love it. The design is modern, bulky and muscular and it fits the company perfectly. Theres a lot of people that say its not harley anymore, and to those people I say... welcome to the 2021, and get comfortable, because its only getting started. The exhaust is absolutely trash tho. 1250 cc motor sounds like a scooter. I think they made it very cheap because they knew people would replace them with aftermarket before it leaves the dealership. Same story with v-rod muscle (which i own). Stock exhaust is a joke, but when you put on screaming eagle tips... man, a fucking legend of a sound.

[@sasca854]

"WeLcOmE tO tHe FuTuRe GeT UsEd To It" yeah yeah yeah, we heard this all before when the V-Rod came out.

[@swistakowy]

@@sasca854 and they didnt stop on v-rod, the push the design forward so " GeT UsEd To It" is especially true.

[@albodoin]

Well my street bob 114 stock has more bass but is close in sound, after few miles it gets louder. I guess this is what we have to expect with Euro 5.

[@1motomanic]

The company has to deal with Euro5 and and US EPA standards so their hands are pretty well tied if they want to sell bikes.

[@zoltanrapkay5314]

A new chapter has just started in the history of the Motor Co.

[@AkaAndyKnuckles]

In the official Harley video they showed some promising hints in the end of the video.

[@sganzerlag]

I like the direction HD is going with this new bike and also the Panamerica. Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.

[@atvmax99vico32]

Is HD not allowing you guys to ride it so you can REALLY review it? They let you have it to start and tell us of all the gadgets so why not throw a leg over it and take it for a spin?? Curious what a rider who's NOT the height of a child along with only 2" of rear wheel travel thinks about the ergos and suspension!

[@sivvinod3187]

Next week

[@filmerbert4381]

HD did not give us permission to ride and review it, not sure what the reason are. But once they give us the permission we will have a in depth first ride. Let us know if there are any specifics you would like to know.

[@CaptHollister]

Great engine, good looks. Shame about the sliver of foam they used in lieu of a seat. Hopefully in true HD fashion, they'll use the drivetrain in several models, some of which will have a seat usable by adult riders.

[@dominiccoscarelli305]

It's got to live up to the sportsters name. Sporty feel and handling garbage comfort.

[@philnorman5912]

Exactly what I was thinking an Asskicking looking bike with a Asshurtng seat.

[@TwoHawksHunting]

I like the looks of this cruiser, but I can't abide by that buck-board seat. My butt hurts just looking at this seat. 😩.

[@JD1459]

The rear shock travel will be interesting to see if it has any comfort. I upgraded my 2020 RGS to Legend REVO-A shocks and that made a huge improvement for comfort.

[@grayghost1423]

I have a 21 RG CVO and upgraded it to the same. I got one of these last month. For 2 inches of travel, it's not bad. One thing it's not, a 2 up bike.

[@danielcampbell8184]

If the introduction of this Sportster is a total disaster as the introduction of the Twin Cam in 1999, they (HD) will be hammering the last nail in their coffin.

[@wallypalmer4704]

I think the bike looks really cool, but my tailbone hurts just looking at the seat. Also, my hiney gets warm just looking at how close the exhaust is to the seat. All that said, I'd take one of these for a ride given the choice!

[@Ritalie]

I feel like those exhaust pipes are really a major design flaw. The Pan America seems perfect in every way, but this new Sportster, I'm not sold on just yet.

[@nicholasmenegatti3351]

I love your video and your clear english (from Italy) 💙

[@gazb8667]

How tall are you man? Trying to get a height perspective

[@ckons89]

Does it Share the same engine with the past V-ROD?

[@saddle8bag]

My goodness, that bike nearly comes up to his knee!

[@lubas88pl]

Seems small for somone 5'11 or taller

[@ripmax333]

Seems he’s pretty tall , over 6 feet for sure.

[@iceberg9248]

I wonder what the seat height is. The iron and sportster1200 are pretty low. They seem to care a lot about the girls with short inseams market.

[@ripmax333]

@@iceberg9248 its more higher than the previous sporster , that’s for sure. With an inseam of less than 30inches i doubt you would be able to flat foot n both legs.

[@iceberg9248]

I have a 32 inseam, so this might be comfortable.

[@manfredselak267]

May I ask you how tall the guy who is presenting this is? Just to get an idea on how big this bike is

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

The best-looking bike I have ever seen. Mid-pegs should have been standard. Or there should be a choice at no extra cost.

[@vess6934]

There is a cost and it's around $200-300 I think - But I agree they should be standard.

[@ripmax333]

Yes , mid controls sould be a standard option, another typical harley Tax.

[@cSqualo]

@@vess6934 more on the 600-700 range

[@toofastnobrakes]

@@vess6934 $700

[@jimbeam4111]

Absolutely, along with a taller seat height and larger shock

[@JohannesDalen]

Curious to how it will look when the hipsters (says the guy with a hat in his pic, I know) raised the tank and clears out all the space and wires around the engine as with the EVO! In all seriousness, I think its looks cool!

[@kolotoure14]

Looks pretty cool, might be time to get my first bike!

[@guyconnell2250]

Translation: since it is 100% likely that people will want to "build" it to Pan American specs, HD will "offer" Screaming Eagle heads, a cam or cams, and a "street tuner" in the catalog.

[@fordboy17]

Huh. I wonder what Erik Buell thinks about Harley finally building bikes more like he tried to build…..

[@almondsnackbar4969]

This could have happened 20 yrs ago with the Buell company and their "Vrod" prototype motor.

[@fiatfixie4344]

Didn't try, succeeded. Danny Eslick won a super sport championship on the Buell before Harley's new CEO at the time pulled the plug. Still makes me nauseous.

[@twocupstwodrams7535]

V-Rod lump was/is too large and heavy.

[@tuesdayswithed]

How far will it go on a tank. Looks cool. Looks like it will be great for around town riding.

[@peted2770]

Spoiler: He doesn't ride the bike.

[@filmerbert4381]

Harley Davidson said that we where not able to ride the bike and review it. Cycle World was only given permission to talk about the specs about the bike, give our speculations, and to be allowed to start it up the bike so our audience can hear the bike. But stay tune once HD gives permission to ride and review we will have a first ride review for our audience. Let us know if there is anything you would like to know.

[@bujabusiness]

I have always laughed at Harley-Davidsons. This one I am not laughing at I would consider buying it. Which might be exactly what they need. A new group of customers

[@NoHassle911]

This is exactly what I have. What a machine!

[@iceberg9248]

A good bike is a good bike. This one looks very interesting.

[@robertgwinn8406]

Now id be laughing at you and I ride a 750

[@iceberg9248]

@@robertgwinn8406 shadow 750?

[@iceberg9248]

Just kidding

[@mchristr]

I'm going to assume that the marketers won the right to introduce this bike, and the engineer's bikes will follow. The suspension travel, forward controls, and front tire are ridiculous.

[@teslaedison6236]

That seat looks super comfy ;)

[@danielgaskell5490]

The exhaust just doesn’t sync with the rest of the bike; front frame section reminiscent of VROD. Glad for the electric tech advances for both rider and engine! 120+ hp!!!

[@azmika85]

The bike looks like it's a baby fatbob vrod. I just can't get attracted to the styling. The tech and the engine from what's been shown look great though.

[@hrishikeshpatil6962]

Seconded on the front frame reminiscence!

[@dzikieswinie]

How tall are you? The bike looks really small next to you.

[@jeffdunham676]

Does it have cruise control

[@edgardomariani828]

TE FELICITO eres muy valiente al mostrar el sonido de la moto cuando arranca PERFECTO

[@dalejralt8148]

I had a 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 didn't like it because it seemed like it was top heavy is this going to be top heavy too

[@TheYMCA1980]

Can’t immagine your back when it rains !! 😂

[@Flu_Tang_Clan]

It's like they told the reviewer, "If you ever want to see your family again, then you'll say the exhaust sounds good!"

[@dominiccoscarelli305]

Well it had to.be done sooner or later. Can't stay push rod and air cooled forever. To many competitors and not enough die hards and epa regulations are getting stricter and stricter every year.

[@markellis6478]

At 502lbs it should have dual front rotors. Great torque, good hp. Mid controls should be standard.

[@garyrayner6330]

Good price in America, $27,000 in Australia though which sucks!

[@macxpert3588]

Not worth AU $27,000 that's for sure. At AU $17,000 it might have a chance but for AU $27,000 I can get and Indian Chief dark horse or Chief Bobber. Or for AU$ 20,000 I can get an Indian Scout which makes the HD look overpriced.

[@kylesmith2546]

This bike has so much potential with the available Mid peg adapters and I'm excited to see what after market exhausts come out to give a real grunty Harley sound... Cause that did not "Sound good". Love to see an exhaust that wraps under the pegs. Performance wise this bike looks top notch!

[@larrys.3992]

I like the heated grips.

[@WinnersCharters]

How much does it cost now ?

[@djoy3244]

I remember before the big resurgence in the late 80's Harley came out with the Evolution engine Sportster. Their big selling point was the $3995.00 price tag. I personally believe that marketing scheme is what brought on the whole H-D rebirth. Before they were plagued by reliability issues and high prices. When people realized they could own a Harley for that low price and then customize it to their style and also that Harleys were now reliable bikes it became a thing again. If you look at the best selling bikes today they are small displacement inexpensive bikes. People Want to get as much as they can for the money. If you came out with a basic Sportster for say $6995.00 it would sell. But a $16,000.00 dollar Sportster is not what people want in a motorcycle.

[@Pope005]

This video pointed out a great point: most people immediately change the pipes on their bikes. The other good point: it looks like Harley designed it to not be changed. I think the issue is they did. Sort of. The pipes are kinda ugly, let’s be real. That’s 99% of the negative feedback about this. And if they designed it in a way that the pipes are meant to go up under the body, it means if you bought just any pipes for it, they might look silly. The point is… I think Harley is basically saying “buy this bike, then you’ll basically have to come back to us to buy these aftermarket pipes we’ve designed specifically for this bike.” I could be way off.

[@Pope005]

@Moto Mike honestly, it’s a badass bike either way. The pipes don’t even super bother me. My brother had a night rod, which had similar goofy looking pipes. He wanted to swap them out and never did. The overall bike still looked cool.

[@vwr32jeep]

The single front brake rotor and that “exhaust aesthetic” are deal breakers.

[@poker8193]

2” of rear shock travel to boot

[@Neltheros]

I really hope Harley can make a strong comeback. Always good to have good, big players in the market.

[@hondanut7564]

It is a shame, its too Expensive in Australia , to be competitive - 26.5 k - but love that Harley is trying new market ideas to attract more riders

[@hallowsgate3232]

So many riders bashing it for the exhaust sound… Ive owned 14 bikes in 27 years of riding, and I don’t recall a single one that actually sounded anything like most of us want it to with the stock pipes on it. Im sure screamin’ eagle, vance & hines, even other less expensive options will be on the way shortly, and that quick revving 60 degree V-twin redlines at 9500 which is pretty crazy for a Harley…. I actually can’t wait to see what it sounds like with an aggressive exhaust on it. Maybe similar to the XSR900 Yamaha triple I used to have??

[@rubensahak9178]

2 bikes sound amazing stock Kawasaki Z900RS and W800 both Kawasakis and agree most must comply smog noise regulations why its difficult to do but Kawasaki did!

[@twilliams6999]

Facts. All stock exhausts sound terrible... including the w800 and z900rs sewing machines.

[@stevem4783]

It's gonna sound like the V-Rod, and those sounded clean as hell with pipes.

[@davypig571]

I am surprised with the heated grips. That exhaust is so restrictive, I can hear it holding the engine back.

[@royalceekatodia]

Why are the idle revs so high????

[@masterbastard7521]

That taillight assembly kills it

[@edgarmtz3610]

How tall are you dude?

[@Hipporider]

That front guard would leave your radiator covered in muck when caught riding in the rain 🇦🇺

[@mikahj3]

wondering when someone will put pipes on it, curious to hear

[@paintslinger16]

I like it, but why forward controls on a S? Leave that for a C custom. And I would have rode it even if only parking lot

[@patw9175]

Everyone is talking shit but I like it. If you told me to imagine what a modernized Harley Davidson engine would sound like, that's exactly what I'd picture. Not bad at all.

[@patw9175]

@@cowmath77 Totally agree, and that's another thing I hadn't though of. Even if this bike sounded terrible, you can't fault any manufacturer for it when they know you're going to hack off the exhaust anyway. They all have to comply with sound emissions as well, at least from the factory :D

[@ronalddesjardins3547]

It sounds like a modern bike.... nothing to see here except the old Harley Purists that dont believe in modern tech and want flip phones back.... Issue I have the bike, its not the Bronx. Cool concept and good looking bike, but I want a real sports/naked bike with mid or rear controls.....

[@UncleRobsGarage]

Very nice!

[@johne5493]

the engine seems like an improvement for HD, other than that I would throw away most of the rest of the bike as unwanted trash. The exhaust is oversized and ugly from a direct result from trying to cram in the emissions required now. The suspension has NO WHERE NEAR enough travel for a longer distance riding day. You look like you are leaning on your arms in an uncomfortable riding position for longer rides. If you want GPS and audio on your bike get a touring set up. I see no way for a set of bags or hard boxes to be mounted so it appears like you will back pack if you want to take ANYTHING with you. I had some hope the new bike would be a step forward and as usual from HD in the last 15 years they continue to disappoint. HD used to be synonymous with cruising and longer rides but this seems to be more of a around town, short ride type machine. Looking at the bike people like me who like to do our own services and customization won't be able to with this machine. I don't see much of any way to work with or modify this machine without MAJOR hassle and headaches. I was thinking about getting a new bike but after seeing this I think I will go talk to Indian of Yamaha because to me, HD [and their prices] will probably be a figment of the past in the not to distant future.

[@daniellang6112]

wait! 121 hp. and a single front disc? WTF?

[@dainjahrus]

Love your talking points, balanced well between good and bad. The bike itself... Might have gone too far down the modern plasticy looking style than i would have wanted. Cant wait for your ride review.

[@The9meister]

The only differance between the two engines is the ecu mapping, looks good.

[@markhalden3922]

No - different heads, compression ratio and probably valve train

[@UncleRobsGarage]

There are a lot of us old guys that had Harley since the seventies and are over the racket the old air-cooled make.

[@normankrauss7506]

Almost scary when I found myself talking good about this Harley to my wife....the words good and Harley don't usually go together....but double the horsepower...engine as stressed member...more cornering clearance...navigation and Bluetooth...all good...not to nitpick....but what about Dual disc's up front and less forwardlike controls.....this is supposed to be a sportbike....but it's heading in the right direction....it's a good Harley!

[@Daedricbob]

I'm so pleased they didn't water down the concept bike too much. With a set of short shot pipes those things are gonna look great.

[@joeplem5329]

I'm a shorter rider and that still looks uncomfortable even for me 😑

[@Youtube_Globetrotter]

I'm going to try this

[@SSS-mp8th]

He’s so excited for the sportster to actually have competitive technology in 2021. Lol.

[@patw9175]

Only been 35 years :D

[@ToroMateo]

Who isn't?

[@jimbeam4111]

Nobody uses that tech anyway. People who buy Harley’s buy Harley’s and that’s it. The other brand guys will always be the odd balls at the stops.😂

[@SSS-mp8th]

@@jimbeam4111 True there are very specific Harley people and that is a bit of the problem of Harley as a company. They might build a great bike and even price it competitively but many including myself would never buy it as I don't want to be associated with Harley People. I also wear riding gear and not t-shirt and German WW2 helmets.

[@ToroMateo]

@@SSS-mp8th The Harley stereotype is quickly going away. Every day I see more and more people riding Harleys that look nothing like the guys we all imagined a few years ago. You clearly have a stereotype in your head saying we all wear WW2 helmets. Like all metric riders wear Power Ranger suits right?

[@nergispaul9022]

What are those panels on the sides of the head made of? Looks like shiny plastic.

[@ripmax333]

Yep , plastic panels to hide all the electrics.

[@zf4hp24]

Magnesium.

[@edgarmtz3610]

I really like this new concept

[@Vizr]

It doesn’t really sing like a Harley imo

[@UncleRobsGarage]

People today are not into noise!

[@AudioArcturia]

I imagine aftermarket pipes will help. Most harleys these days don't "sound" like anything

[@brianm5753]

Harley is being outsold by imports that don't sound like Harley. Change is inevitable

[@ToroMateo]

Emissions regulations don't allow them to sound "Like Harleys" anymore. But it's nothing you can't fix with a nice set of pipes like every other bike in the market today.

[@AudioArcturia]

@@ToroMateo facts. I imagine ArlenNess or Vance & Hines will be ahead of the curve on this.

[@dji9869]

This will be automatic?

[@chazlyle41]

Sounds like my old lawnmower haha

[@martin4819]

Finally a HD I’d consider buying! Looks like HD is following Triumphs business model and is going to build models around the evolution engine. Great first pass with the Pan America too, HD definitely needed a non-cruiser in their lineup, yet I thought wise to scrub the Bronx. Hopefully the sportster will be the Bonneville for Harley!

[@Firestorm637]

Remember when Porsche 911 went from air cooled to liquid for more horsepower and reliability. Old version Sportster almost $12,000 with paint, alarm, and ABS, this is a bargain for a Harley! No stage 4 needed, just windscreen and bags, done! I heard lean angles are 35 degrees

[@deepapo]

How tall is this guy?

[@joelness]

The sound is definitely a symptom of Euro 5 regulations. This is the future of stock motorcycles, so until modification is completely banned it's great for aftermarket companies! I disagree with the presenter's statement about the seat design making modification less likely. While I like the seat/tail design, I can imagine all the buyers who would normally change their seat will be even more inclined to change this one, to get more of a classic look. Looking forward to the riding test; this is the first Harley I've seen that I would consider buying!

[@ronin4ortyse7en]

Never knew Harley made single cylinder bikes. Sounds pretty good!

[@furiousgtz]

time to trade in your 883 or keep it??

[@jackthebass2]

Did the dude from cycle world call them upside down forks? Cmon man.

[@petethepunisher3015]

Are they venting all engine heat a fumes an oil back into the the throttle bodies like harley has in the past

[@Firestorm637]

They make 2 seat option. Mid control are available

[@ridethelightning7239]

I think it looks a lot like the old HD xr1000

[@youtnoobers]

But with shorter tails

[@teslaedison6236]

Gotta rip the bike apart to get at the spark plugs??

[@stevejobs3895]

I think this is the right direction Harley needs to go to attract the newer generation of riders.