2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S Full Review

I spend a bit of time with the Harley-Davidson Sportster S to get a better look at how it stacks up in real world conditions, including through nicer riding roads and at higher speeds, with the bike continuing to impress.
Performance is staggering, refined and rev happy, where the older style Harley engines are much more restrained in the rev-range department, but adds a sporty edge.
Adjustable suspension is well suited to the machine, with Brembo providing a good brake system, if just a single disc at the front. A TFT display and full electronics package will also keep the tech heads happy and offers some additional safety aids.
As a premium hyper-cruiser the Sportster S stacks up well and continues to impress.
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[@trashguy]

It feels like HD is finally heading in the right direction. I hope they bring the Bronx out eventually.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Exactly, it's going to be interesting to see what else we get with the Rev Max.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@HahrtDood Yep, that's what I'm waiting for!

[@BikeReviewcomau]

Great in depth and accurate review Kris 👌

[@thejasdas479]

Best review of the Sportster S than any other channels good job bud

[@MotoJournoKris]

Thanks, hope it was informative!

[@thejasdas479]

@@MotoJournoKris indeed you cleared most practical queries that everyone wanted to hear about the sportster s Thank you

[@adammorris2570]

Great review, I collect my Sporster S in 2 days! Chopping in my 2019 48, and looking forward to a more modern and sportier Harley which I think will open up the market more for Harley

[@MotoJournoKris]

Wicked, they are an incredible machine!

[@stephenwhite8488]

Great bike good job now the Bronx ??

[@MotoJournoKris]

Fingers crossed that's on the way!

[@Mahirkayani]

whats 0 to 100km time on sports mode? Usually a naked or street style bikes makes u feel as if its fast but in reality its just the wind thats pushing u due to no windshield

[@MotoJournoKris]

I think Autocar in New Zealand quoted 3.12s. I'd say most street/nakedbikes also being tuned for torque lower in the rev range really helps there, although the wind pressure certainly adds to the overall feel of speed. Most are plenty fast of course.

[@cisa1622]

How was the heat situation. Just also curious about pillion legs .

[@MotoJournoKris]

There's some definite heat there, but I didn't find it too bad, although I didn't do much extremely slow or stuck in traffic riding. If you're stuck for very extended periods, or you're not wearing motorcycle boots it'll probably be worse. There's no room for a pillion, so not much concern there!

[@cisa1622]

@@MotoJournoKris thank you for sharing your thoughts . After a bit of thought process( my usage- two up riding , need a bit of space and comfort) I think softail standard will be a better choice for me.

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

I spent a good minute trying to work out why the fork was so spindly, then I realised it was just that the rest of the bike was so massive lol

[@MotoJournoKris]

Haha yea, it's easy to think they are a much thinner fork than the 43 mm looking at the bike as a whole!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

It certainly looks good. Rear suspension lets it down, and it's too expensive.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Would have been nice to see a bit more rear travel, but I guess we may see that on a future model. Something flat track inspired would be cool with the 1250 or 975!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

@@MotoJournoKris Yes! A flat tracker.

[@bharsen]

Idk why everyone is so salty about this bike. I just ran 10.93 @ 119mph in the 1/4 mile last Sunday on my stock sportster S. 1/8th mile was a whopping 6.91 @ 100mph. That's Yamaha R6 territory. It does what it was built for that's for sure.

[@MotoJournoKris]

Yep it's an absolute weapon. I don't so much think the issue is the bike, it's people wanting it to be something different or something else than what it was designed as. Riders who know what the Sportster S is and buy one for that reason are going to be really happy, as it's an amazing bike.

[@TheTeodorsoldierabvb]

Harely's were never meant to go fast. Go buy a Japanese/Italian sport bike for that. I like the older ones because of their retro visuals and simplistic engines, easy to fix and maintain, air-cooled, and with a charactersitic sound. What the fuck is this here? Its not that the bike is bad, its just the brand going off completely off-route.

[@MotoJournoKris]

@@TheTeodorsoldierabvb Harley tried doing it that way and the writing was on the wall. They're going to have to do something different and ignore those who don't like it and hope there's enough other interest to be a success. Granted they haven't had much success when they've tried in the past!

[@TheTeodorsoldierabvb]

@@MotoJournoKris Ah yes, lets make a generic sporty cruiser/sport bike, like uh, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Triumph, Ducati etc. (brands that began making sport bikes and have an infinitely better experience and name in it). Moreover, lets make the Sportster AS SIMILAR to the Indian scout as possible in terms of performance. Then, lets ignore anyone who doesn't like it :D It's a real recipe for success.

[@bharsen]

@@TheTeodorsoldierabvb If you're comparing middleweight cruiser twins to 4 cylinder 1000cc+ sport bikes you missed the point entirely. The sportster now is as fast in the 1/4 mile as an R6 and all people like you can do is bitch like a woman about it. You totally skip comparing it to power cruisers and go straight to sport bikes like a squid that has only ever owned sport bikes. How about comparing it to the 2.3L Triumph Rocket III R? Those run about the same 1/4 mile as the sportster S. What about a the Ducati Diavel? Those run anywhere from 10.3-10.8.... so faster than the S. But at $5,000-$6,000 more I would hope so. Just admit you're a Harley hater and be done with it lol

[@williamdavis4809]

Pass

[@g0ral]

I've read about the poor reliability of the engine. the sound from exhaust is awful

[@MotoJournoKris]

It needs an aftermarket exhaust if you like something louder, it sounds a lot better on board than the GoPro could capture too, but that's more engine less exhaust.