Harley-Davidson Sportster S (2021) First UK Ride and Review

[@PhilipBallGarry]

12:48 - Oof! The HD lead rider was a bit close to that oncoming bike ? I think the mid-mounted footpeg position should be standard and the fwd control should be an option.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

As I said in the full review online, the mid-mount should be a no-cost option.

[@everythinggaming7938]

Definitely needs after market exhaust that thing is so quiet

[@robertprosser6856]

It would be a good idea if Harley offered the customer the foot controls where the customer wanted them free of charge.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

My thoughts exactly. Why is the mid-mount option an extra £680, it should be FOC.

[@robertprosser6856]

@@bennettsbikesocial £680! That's just theft and would totally put me off the brand👎

[@slargo83]

100% agreed. That or make the mids standard. Seems a majority want the mids.

[@robertprosser6856]

@@slargo83 cost free option would make sense.

[@slargo83]

@@robertprosser6856 it would definitely be nice but I wouldn't expect that from them. I've never heard of and other manufacturer giving you an option. I could be wrong though. That being said, yes, the price for the conversion is definitely way too high.

[@michaelarchangel1163]

The only thing I like about this bike is the hydraulic valve adjustment. Ditto for the Pan Am. A 150 BHP Bronx would be more to the taste of many Brits.

[@Jodyrides]

I have never owned a Harley, I will never own a Harley. since the 70s, i only know of 3 riders that bought harleys, mostly for the social gatherings..they are into chrome and loud pipes and guzzling beer..thats fine.. I was a mechanic at five different shops decades ago when Harley Davidson talked the President of the United States into imposing a tariff on imported motorcycles..The reason was to save the 600 jobs in the Milwaukee Harley Davidson plant. They needed to slow down the dumping of cheap motorcycles into this country, The cost of motorcycles immediately went up by 47%, and they never came back down. The 600 jobs in the Harley factory were saved, but no one talks about the 1100+ motorcycle shops that went out of business because of the tariff.. The average number of employees at those 1100 shops was seven… that 7700 Americans that lost their jobs to save 600 jobs.I actually worked for one shop , it closed because of the tariff, then I went to another shop and they ended up closing and going out of business forever because of the tariff, I went to a third shop, they also went out of business because of the tariff. Harley Davidson cost me three jobs in a row because of their tariff.. The entire motorcycling public in the United States is still paying inflated prices because of what harley did because ,the Japanese motorcycles had to raise their prices because of the tariff. I also remember the helmet stickers that you could buy at any Harley shop that said, friends don’t let friends ride rice burners. I will never own a Harley, and the hundreds of motorcyclists that I know, they feel the same way. it’s not just because of the tariff, it’s because of the Stone Age 1907 design motorcycles that are overweight, overpriced, under powered.. There is a split in the motorcycling public in the United States. You are either a Harley lover, or a Harley hater. remember those American jobs Harley wanted to save? Well now Harleys are made in Australia, Brazil, and Thailand.. There is talk I want to open another plant in Europe. So much for wrapping themselves with only the American flag..They might as well drop the little catch phrases like buy American..and. Friends don’t let friends ride rice burners.. over the decades, every time I see a hog rider that has that rice burner reference on a helmet or on their motorcycle. I asked them what it means. Every one of them did not know what it actually means. I know what it means, and it has nothing to do with motorcycles whatsoever..

[@wotsthis4]

Hi Jody Your point of view is one that I hadn't considered. Greetings from Australia.

[@sportyonetaubert5923]

While I have a few minor disagreements, this is the best explanation of the tariff I have read. The Japanese had been dumping under fair market value for years and finally got called out. The tariff gave Harley time to improve quality and get the Evo into production. That is what saved them ultimately. The Japanese brands lost market share on heavyweight bikes and that is what closed many, not the 4 year tariff

[@splodge57]

Always thought it a bit much to 'hate' a motorcycle.

[@nashslife4044]

@@sportyonetaubert5923 "Japanese brands lost market share on heavyweight bikes" what do you think caused that exactly? Magic? 🤦🏽‍♂️Literally caused by the tariffs.

[@sportyonetaubert5923]

@@nashslife4044 like I said, it was a 4 year tarriff. After that the foreign brands had plenty of opportunity to regain market share in heavyweight (over 700cc). The reason they didn't had NOTHING to do with tariffs. It had everything to do with Harley had a new improved machine. The Evo motor sold like hot cakes and by the 90's they sold more bikes in the U.S. than Honda, including all the small bikes. The public voted with there check books, that's why all the foreign bike shops felt the squeeze in the 90's . Not some temporary terriff that many Japanese bikes skirted with 699cc "tariff busters"

[@barryholden5774]

It shouts "muscle bike", quite a good looking bike :)

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I almost loaded an alternative thumbnail with 'Muscly yet Suave' as the copy!

[@chriscoates2399]

Totally agree love the look

[@rexvaughn986]

Hoping you all do a review on the Honda Rebel 1100. Best reviews on youtube.

[@piggymito]

Woodhead, Strines and Snake pass. My favourite test loop when trying a new bike and a favourite Sunday morning route for many a manc! 👍

[@Batman11680]

That bike is badass. I wonder how it compares in acceleration to the older Vrods

[@Teatimeted]

Rinses it, probably. It's lighter, has more power, and has traction control.

[@onecookieboy]

Best review of the new Sporty that I have seen so far, well done and very informative. Mid mount pegs if I was getting one, only our US brothers like forward controls, I completely don't get it.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thank you Mark. Ride safe, Michael

[@sportyonetaubert5923]

As one of your American brothers, here's my best explanation of why many of us love our forward controls. Many of us live where we have long flat uncrowded straight roads (Nebraska) and cruse for hours at a time. This means we have little need to keep our feet under us for quick or fast sharp maneuvers. I love to stretch my legs out and relax as I lean back on long straight highways and occasional long sweepers. It make sense the narrow, short, winding and often crowded roads of England allow little chance to stretch out and relax. It may boil down to many Americans ride more for "relaxation" than (as the Beach Boys would say) "exitation" . ;-)

[@michaelwhite5834]

I'm an American and would not want this particular bike with forwards. No way.

[@sportyonetaubert5923]

Of course forwards are not everyone's favorite, but they make crusin on my Sporty way more comfortable.

[@602jesse]

As American agreed hate fronts. Give me mid mounts all day!

[@tlong9812]

This is a great bike. Yes. I would definitely do the mid controls. Maybe get the dealer to throw that in.

[@RobKeighley]

Indicators, dificult to cansel but you can cansel them more easily by pressing them again in the direction you are indicating in sted of pushing strait to cansel. eg. if you are signaling right, signal righjt again and it will stop. This is a much better feel to the button and you know it is done, especialy if you have a useless thumb with ligament damage! Apart from that I love my Sportster!

[@robertprosser6856]

I test rode the 114 Fat Bob and was disappointed by it's performance but then again it does weigh over 300kg and only puts out 90bhp give or take.

[@chrisbolton5461]

Meant to add what a great video.

[@robertprosser6856]

I love it just wish it had twin discs up front and more travel in its suspension. A aftermarket exhaust and reflash should release a fair bit more power.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Twin discs is a definite and while the rear suspension was tough on the bouncy, pot-laden roads, it wasn't that bad all things considered. You don't buy a cruiser for its rear suspension travel. Cheers, Michael

[@robertprosser6856]

@@bennettsbikesocial all in all love the bike well done Harley Davidson👍

[@everythingavation7225]

Just sat on this bike and the digital speedometer is beautiful

[@danielforde-pogson]

Loved that - only thing was, no, we couldn't see bits of it cos of the light!!

[@ibast1]

Like the engine design and the bolt on chassis elements. Hate the fat tyres and think even the mid controls are too far forward. Whilst they are better than the forward controls they still leave you in a hunch back position that is painful over half decent distances. Would rather see a bit more seat height and the pegs back more again.

[@Tom_baz]

12:34 wtf was that overtake???

[@zedddddful]

The rider coming the other way didn't look impressed he had to go right over his lane what a muppet.

[@ricllinares5929]

Bike looks good ,front tyre and lack of front brakes has me bewildered in this day and age ,and that crap riding position with the feet forward is well dated

[@barrybarnes96]

Spent 15 minutes nattering on and on about the different feel between mids and forwards, like that's a novel discovery ...and not a word on how the suspension or brakes felt.

[@splodge57]

After 64 years the Sportster came to the end of the line. This is nothing like a Sportster. I'll be keeping my 2001 1200S.

[@MrJruta]

Same.

[@nashslife4044]

Welcome to the weird future where bikes aren't shitty enough for people 😂 get with the times mate

[@problemslayer3538]

Upside down forks have been upside down for so slong, aren't they just the right way up by now.

[@Wild-Wisdom]

Great review, thanks

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thank you Justin, did you read the full version on BikeSocial too, it's a little more detailed. Cheers, Michael

[@serhi03944]

walk-around with a screen on it would be more interesting

[@DEvendeter54]

Really like the overall rear look but the tank and handlebar area looks so off should be more aggressive but that harley look overall really beautiful and i might think about not getting the indian scout

[@Jason-cm6uh]

Same foot control problems with my 06 Triumph Speedmaster and I cant find mid-controls. Suggestions anybody? Please Help! I'm American and I don't understand the love for forward controls. Silliness!

[@francosheene4631]

it looks good apart from the exaust and the price HD are trying to move on

[@asilbektursunov4523]

Thanks for video

[@aedris7450]

I really hope I can fit on that as a 5'4 Person

[@MyMednas]

Twin front discs, mid controls as standard and all 150 ponies - then HD would have a winner on their hands.

[@chriscoates2399]

The single disc is proving adequate on all reviews , 121 HP with torque Hmmmm PLENTY ... BUT you might be a sports track rev'eeer

[@milodebruin4821]

What you have described will be their 'cafe racer' version of this bike.

[@chriscoates2399]

Hello I'm 6'1" and definitely feel I want mid controls ! , how Tall are You ? , Do you think they will work for my height ? I'm exited about the bike Waiting on Australian dealers getting them Oct

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I'm 6ft tall and while the mid-mount controls felt a little cramped from peg-to-seat, it still promotes a more forward lean which is easier on my lower back. I'd urge you to ride both for at least 25 miles before you decide. Cheers, Michael

[@chriscoates2399]

@@bennettsbikesocial Thankyou for your reply and thoughts

[@RedCrayZGamer]

wud be cool if they made a 2 seater, grate bike to take ur date on ;)

[@jamesevans4224]

There’s a pillion seat as an extra but it’s so small. My mrs’ arse wouldn’t fit on it!

[@midlife-crysis]

The sound/ noise the engine/exhaust makes is so disappointing that I can’t bare to hear it. Looks cool though

[@chrisbolton5461]

I ride a Nightster and this seems a little different. Looking forward to seeing what other models come out. Can't help thinking it moves away from what Sportsters are about. Royal Enfield seem to be able to build classic looking bikes and keep some air cooling in them. HP isn't every thing and neither are modes. Hope it does well for Harley though.

[@Soshi12005]

Royal Enfield keeps it economical (bit unfair since they don’t do anything above 650cc) with a nice mix of heritage, great engineering and modern features. If Harley did the same thing, it might sell just as well

[@Hunter-Beast2k24]

Great review 👌🏻…I have the Ss on order however I am considering the Fat Bob as I am apprehensive about the Revolution Max. With an aftermarket exhaust on the Ss, would you say it would deliver a traditional Harley vibe/deep/muscle tone?… I like the idea of the Fat Bob with the M8, old meets new vibe but applaud HD for introducing some decent technology into the Ss. That being said, if I am to pay for a HD I want that HD feel.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

It really depends on what you want from your next motorcycle. If it's the traditional Harley feel (and have experienced it before so know what it's about) then the Fat Bob will offer that in spades. The Ss is very 'new Harley' - the Revolution Max is an absolute work of art in terms of its technical advancement, material use and effectiveness... it's almost too suave.

[@colinpirie8403]

Look forward to a review of the Dainese Air

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Their marketing line is 'Don't ride without it' and I don't. It's not too heavy and conveniently fits over every jacket so I'm not restricted to just one style depending on the bike I'm riding! Each charge lasts for a decent amount of time and I've even been in one while Dainese deliberately activated it so I could feel what it felt like - it's absolutely solid, like wood and perfectly uniform covering rib cage, shoulders and back. £650 is a fair old price but you're paying for convenience, safety and style. It's even got three zip pockets too. I've had mine for almost two years and the only issue has been the stitching around the shoulder needed a little attention. Cheers, MM

[@davidwilliamswilliams7174]

I own the D-Air vest, took a bit of getting use to; charging up and another garment to put on. But not very heavy and I use it on top of my summer jacket and inside my Winter one. Wouldn’t go on a ride without it now.

[@Ritalie]

15:00. As someone clearly in the minority with my opinion, I can't wait for the modern trend of removing rear fenders and front fenders, to die hard. I'm personally going to bolt a giant mud flap on both of my bikes, just to spite the obsession with removing rear fenders that has somehow become a primary obsession in all riders. When I see a person with a "tail tuck" kit, I don't trust them at all.

[@nikos-giorgos]

Giant mud flap... Back and front. That'll do it.

[@royrobson08]

Does it come with heated grips????

[@13fillerj]

Nope, just got one and installed heated grips. They are plug and play but you have to take it back to Harley to re-flash the ECU ($75).

[@KevinofWessex]

Lovely looking motorcycle......

[@azzlev2850]

how tall are you I'm 6.1 and worry it will be too small

[@crspcritter]

So their saying all these years the motor company had it WRONG -

[@theonlyredspecial]

Harley seem to have stepped up their uk youtube media coverage. Their new bikes are everywhere right now! Its not a bad looking bike. Not so sure about the exhaust system to be honest mind you! Looks like two rocket launchers

[@bennettsbikesocial]

The UK press ride took place earlier this week so it's undoubtedly been all over your favourite social media channels! The exhaust is certainly eye-catching, though I'd expect some to swap it out for something a little more 'after-market'. Hope you enjoyed the video, Michael

[@bakasahara1213]

I think the bike looks really quite nice, if the pipes can be easily swaped it's really tempting

[@gearjammer3688]

Lose the overdone Tec and drop the price to a sub £10k and its a winner.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

So no Cornering TC?!

[@nashslife4044]

Ignorant old fart kinda comment lol

[@martynanstis1620]

I wonder what Harley are saying about when deliveries will hit the UK 🤔🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bennettsbikesocial]

October. The European market (except Switzerland) is served by the Thai factory.

[@Ritalie]

It does seem like maybe we will be riding electric bikes. Unfortunately I think the Live Wire is about $35,000, after special fees, and dealer costs? If you can even buy one at all? More than twice the price of the Sportster. And then you have the problem of no federally mandated universal charging ports, among charging stations, creating a lack of infrastructure for charging. The possibility of lithium ion batteries burning like magnesium flash bulb material, is a bit unnerving. And then you have the issue of gasoline, which isn't necessary at all. There was a man in New Zealand running his motorcycle on what appeared to be water which was converted to hydrogen peroxide, using an easy conversion process. Water is only one small change away from either HHO, H202, or Alcohol. Hopefully one day, we can convert our beloved combustion engines into more clean burning engines, instead of throwing them away.

[@jlg3315]

no matter who is riding it, this bike always looks undersized to me.

[@quirozalexis7753]

👍

[@chrisbritt1670]

That exhaust is a turd in a punch bowl as well as the taillight mount.

[@_caswell]

How tall is the rider please? Would it suit a taller rider?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I'm 6ft tall and while the feet forward position is fine for my size, the mid-mount ones were a little cramped, though I found the riding position more comfortable

[@_caswell]

@@bennettsbikesocial thanks for the reply

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@_caswell pleasure. I've got quite a long inside leg and weight a shade over 14st if that helps! Cheers, Michael

[@_caswell]

@@bennettsbikesocial mine are 34 inches! And I’m 6’ 4!?! I really like the look of it

[@bigred8438]

That's not torque. My Yamaha Roadliner had 168 Nm of torque. So as many Australians like to say when presented with something smaller than what they are used to, they will tell you: that's not a knife.....this is a knife.

[@BN1960]

Silly money The Sportster used to be the entry Harley at an entry price This thing is only a thousand or so cheaper than a bike with the M8 engine I think the problem is they've called it a Sportster If they'd called it something else, anything basically, I wouldn't be saying any of this And if I'm saying it, you can bet others will too.

[@johnnyrvf]

I ride a 1976 Kawasaki Z900. It’s chassis is heavily modded, upgraded brakes, reworked geometry, better suspension etc but even so I fear to let a ‘ modern ‘ rider on it. No electronics at all. You’re the one in charge, not the computer. Get it wrong and it hurts.

[@bradleypearson1087]

Shame about those exhausts and cluttered handlebars way to many buttons and gadgets which get in the way for me.

[@moisemusanestor1570]

Good

[@bettyesperanzabelalcazarco9537]

Las motos no pasaran de moda la compra es añ gusto de los clientes

[@chriscoates2399]

You say the indicators reset ? Ohh think I got it , press to reset !!! Duh

[@bennettsbikesocial]

They auto reset if you ''forget'. Which is convenient because pressing the button feels like you're caressing cotton wool. In riding gloves.

[@chriscoates2399]

@@bennettsbikesocial Saftey turn cancel, Fantastic, Safer riding thats good . Thanks

[@splodge57]

'Self cancel'

[@chriscoates2399]

@@splodge57 Great like that ! . I have fitted smart turn cancle module on my 650 interceptor . Self Cancle , Good ...

[@kermit7787]

14 grand plus 1250 cc on the heavy side and only a single front disc. Just another over priced harley to me

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Definitely needs a second disc, as I mention in the full review on BikeSocial.co.uk

[@kermit7787]

@@bennettsbikesocial I just think at a lot less money there's a lot more on offer from triumph down to kawasaki and even ducati as usual with Harley your paying for the name but if that's what you want then I'm sure it will sell

[@jamesmcbeth4463]

@@bennettsbikesocial but HD is the world's fastest fraternity ring

[@KevinofWessex]

Poor person

[@bikerbeliever8169]

looks mean, big and brutish, yet she's as light as a 650cc vulcan kawasaki

[@fireblade95]

Another attempt to draw the younger generation to Harley's like the electric job and v rod . Harley should stick to what they know best , cruisers that look great and sound great, old Harley's just get better with age , high tech just becomes old tech quickly . And it looks and sounds like a Japanese motorcycle

[@nashslife4044]

Wrong. Old tech gets old. Especially with Harleys. A company that so called wanted to create the same bikes forever fell on their knees and said "okay future. I give". No sane person can deny how much better new bikes are with new tech. Bikes don't even feel the same anymore and that's great.

[@fireblade95]

@@nashslife4044 wrong! If you want new tech buy it! Some people like something they can service themselves and feel a part of the process . Why are motorcycle companies still chasing power? You can't use it on the road. It's just top trumps brought to life

[@zedddddful]

How much is it? you can get an mt09 for what 9k so if it's more than that no dice Harley Davidson.

[@bbumble4117]

The “fenders” provide no protection at all, to either rider or bike. The rear end looks like a trailer hitch. No space for a passenger or any luggage. Exhaust system looks like an industrial heating duct and is likely to roast the rider in hot weather. Poor switchgear ergonomics, tiny fuel tank and dis-comfort seat. Budget for a radiator protector, tail tidy, exhaust system, heated grips, mid-controls, replacement seat and the usual array of extortionate Harley extras, and an already expensive bike becomes even more so, for something limited to short runs on dry, sunny Sundays. A good engine spoiled by poor design, impracticability and overpricing. Another triumph of style over substance.

[@stuarthunter7559]

Yep but in the UK these are only ridden by hipster posers to ride the 2 miles from home to the nearest organic coffee shop to hang out with the other bearded tossers

[@ibast1]

I'm suprised those fenders pass compliance in the UK. They won't in Australia.

[@S00rabh]

Tank in Liters while range in miles. Man, wtf is wrong. Please use metric and it would be easy for all.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I’ll relay that message to the entire country on your behalf.

[@cpuuk]

Shiny :-)

[@bobgibb2781]

If only it wasn't called a Sportster .

[@nazhif1]

wow they made a Victory

[@MrJruta]

I’m sure it’s a great bike but no replacement for the sporty. Should have labeled it a different name

[@Airpang100]

Sounds like a lawnmower. Expensive and very odd design. Let's keep it in the US market. No A2 compliance?

[@MyMednas]

You can only restrict a bike with 93hp or less for A2. The same engine makes 150hp in the Pan America, but with different top end in the Sportster makes 120hp. This is never going to be an A2 bike. Anyway, HD customers are all over 50, A2 isn't on their radar.

[@wooddawg4868]

The old sound from the older engines was the sound of old technology, refined machines better sound smooth. The revolution max engine is proof that the day of hot air cooled motorcycles are over, same goes for the 1950’s/1960’s tech with the huge primary chain rotating in oil, pushrods, bottom end cams, rocker arms, and lifters. HD can’t go back to the old way, as these engines with their new technology work across the line full liquid cooling and full counter balancing is a mandatory requirement of refinement, no one would buy a Cadillac or a Lexus that sounds like a tank right? HD has to jump up and claim their a true luxury brand and have the equipment to back it up or Goldwings, BMW’s, and Indian’s will be in people’s garages.

[@splodge57]

But Triumph can make a modern water cooled engine look like their traditional air cooled engine for the Bonneville.

[@robertprosser6856]

£13999 £13995🤷‍♂️

[@bodhisattva1115]

stop the cofee

[@1mth2]

Looks like a yamaha

[@crspcritter]

Amen bro -

[@davymac9866]

Too small & too expensive. It's gonna flop for sure just like the FXDR & Livewire

[@splodge57]

And the Pan American. Can't see many Europeans buying that over a BMW GS1250.

[@MuhammadHassan-fx2rl]

Very attractive 💕

[@vaughanboyce3702]

It's just another cruiser with that geometry, silly fat tyre and single disc up front.. Not really sporty is it. This is just a rod replacement and we know what happened to that.... Haha

[@steventalbott903]

I own and ride an old Electra Glide. I love my Harley Davidson. But they need to fire all of their engineers. Everything they build looks like krap nowadays..

[@nashslife4044]

Ah, another dinosaur stuck in the past. 😂

[@everythinggaming7938]

seeeexxxxxxxxxxxyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[@michaelfraser5723]

bennets are bad for motorcycling, as are all monopolies

[@indy500tabasco8]

looks like batcycle

[@rubensahak9178]

If HG wants to gain ton of new riders place this engine in cafe racer style bike with good quality suspension and travel.2 break disks at front, nice size fuel tank 4gallon at least and 10k price then I'll jump on board but not 15k bike with stupid forward control with 2inch suspension travel.As is Sportster S is gimmicky bike not a bike real riders will pluck down cash to own.

[@petermcfelin5979]

i have an electric skateboard that goes faster than that. a waste of time even watching that crap

[@nickculton1671]

Its a Hyosung nobody cares, gonna be some expensive TC's and M8's in the very near future.

[@garymclachlan9193]

The.most.ugles.motocycle

[@lucasmorse3425]

How did this ever get past the design table? Such an ugly bike.

[@moisemusanestor1570]

Good