Harley Needs to Bring Back The Evolution EVO Sportster

[@soldierboy425]

I’ve owned a handful of Harley’s over the years. I’ve yet to own a Sportster, but I have ridden several. I’ve never had more fun on an HD, than I did on a 1200 Sportster.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

The 1200 is the one. And btw that machine has way more in common with true old school HDs than any of these modern monstrosities that are blinged out and having an identity crisis. The 1200, the old school Dyna's and the old school Fatboy are super cool rides.

[@jerryandnancywertzbaugher7778]

If Harley modernized the Sportster as much as Triumph modernized the Bonaville and priced it the same as the Bonny they couldn’t possibly keep up with demand. But given Harley’s history of missed opportunities and producing obsolete designs there’s no chance of that ever happening.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, they were a hoot to ride!

[@ericaranda5274]

Me too

[@snowlothar45]

Try a Pan America. The fun starts a 4000 RPM and doesn't end until 9000, but then you shift and it starts over.

[@jimmiehoyt729]

Best Harley ever made.. the miles i put on tham . Unbelievable dependable and fun to ride . Trick Parts are endless. America's Motorcycle Truly a Legend ❤

[@over-educated-sp]

I bought an 883 new back in 97. In 06 I invested over the price of what I paid for the bike new, into the best upgrades. Converted it to a Screaming Eagle 1200, Mikuni carbs, etc. it only has 7k miles on it, with about 2k on the new upgraded motor. I parked it in my shed when I got re-married back in 2011, and it’s just been sitting, collecting a thick layer of dirt. All my kids have now moved out of the house, and only within the past few months, I’ve really been bitten with the bug to go out riding again. Oh yea, I’d broken my back in 08, so that was a factor. I’ll never get rid of it. I will most definitely be passing it down to my daughter when I can’t ride anymore.

[@gerardungerman1442]

Adding to my previous comment, I put over 75K miles on my 2007 883C and I rode all over the U.S. never feeling that I was lacking in any ways (of course it's not stock!). The Evo is a superb engine, easy to fix, easy to maintain. And I'm not speed obsessed to be honest. So 40 something HP is plenty for me. And I've been riding for well over 30 years with motorcycles as my main motor vehicles.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

Evo.... big, understressed, easy to work on.... yeah runs forever like any engine designed like that lol The lack of compression/power means that fat 883cc or 1200cc or higher isn't working that hard..... it just keeps rolling. There's value in that.

[@Calvinmob681]

I have a Tsport with almost 50K almost all stock besides the basic. My previous DXT had 100K. Rode them all over and even in other countries. MC life.

[@wb1956]

Bought a 2008 XL1200C a couple of weeks ago. I'm loving it. Having huge fun on the bike. Old geezers give me thumbs ups as i potato past and its heaps of fun on the twisties. Brakes not so hot though! It's a classic!

[@desmo8755]

Couldn’t agree more. Picked up one of the last 48s made thinking we’d never see the likes of it again, and ended up liking it as much as any bike in the garage. It feels like a solid chunk of metal and feels authentic, like a somewhat refined vintage bike. Nothing else like it on the market.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

I was recently in an HD shop, the staff said they couldn't sell the Sportster S or Nighster... No one is buying them. Unless they get rid of their horrible CEO, there is no way these bikes will come back

[@ragingtyga]

Nobody was really buying the EVOs ether in the past 8 years, hate to tell ya

[@truantray]

Harley's buyers are literally dying. The new Sportsters are massively overpriced and fail to compare to any other company. The Evos were garbage motors and could not be sold outside the US. Harley blew it when they cancelled The Bronx.

[@ragingtyga]

@truantray the average Harley buyer in us is in their 40s. I'm 39 now, but I was 35 when I started riding Harleys and bought my first one. The new Sportsters are literally the same price as the EVO 1200c sportys were when they were new

[@richbitch3240]

​@@truantray I worked at a Harley dealership in Germany the past five years. The Evo Sportsters were some of the best selling bikes right until cancellation, especially the Iron and Forty Eight.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Not really sure if people actually understand who Jochen Zeitz is, and what he believes. If they truly did, they'd storm that place and tar and feather the man.

[@DonGoldstein-b7q]

Harley simply needs to look at Royal Enfield’s amazing success selling small displacement, air cooled motorcycles. That’s exactly what Harley had with the old sportster and they should bring back an air cooled Twin ASAP !!

[@ondrejpavelka2179]

i agree...i had sportster 48, sold it, miss it and bought re int 650. kinda the same feeling...like it so much. Ive driven the new sporster and it is nice motorcycle much like honda.

[@phdep1]

Thats what I was gonna say, just buy a Royal Enfield.

[@admiralbeez8143]

The cost of inputs, labour and environmental costs are much lower in India.

[@bikerbeliever8169]

Moto guzzi is doing good with the air colled bikes and don't even have the dealer network of Harley!!

[@anthonynicholich9654]

Harley Davidson built a new motor? You have any other jokes? In their 120-year-old history all tgey built is one stone age dinosaur pushrod 45° unbalanced crank v-twin. No wonder they're barely business. Go over to Honda and learn what new engine designs and new engine building is.

[@robertbelote5273]

Agreed , 2 things though . The top of the line Sportster should be 10 grand , an 883 should be six, a 1200 should be eight. Secondly , 6 speed .

[@martincvitkovich724]

No one is stopping you from manufacturing motorcycles. You can price them that low, I'm sure you will do well

[@robertbelote5273]

@martincvitkovich724 You are correct, however, someone is trying to stop me from expressing an opinion.

[@robertbelote5273]

So let me give you a little bit of insight into my thought process when it comes to the Evo Sportster. I've had seven of them and I currently own one and I love it. However, I'm not blind to its faults. The next step down from an Evo Sportster is a hardtail carbureted bike. The next step up, technologically speaking, is a Honda Grom so if you think about the top tier Sportster that us mere mortals can afford , the roadster, look at everything on that bike, unless it was stage 3 from factory, it should not be above $10,000. Everything to make that motorcycle has existed for 20 plus years.

[@walkingwolf8072]

Royal Enfield has that market, affordable bikes from 350 to 650, past that mark Triumph has taken the lead.

[@WHO-DAT-GUY]

@@robertbelote5273got em

[@MichaelBall-uu5lg]

I’ve had 3 sportsters over the years loved every one of them but alas now I’m in my 70 s needed a lighter machine got a royal Enfield

[@syyenergy7]

SIMPLICITY ! I have a 1989 Sportster 1200 (owned since new) and a 1991 Sportster 883. . Both are SIMPLE and RELIABLE. Even the 883 has enough power. The 1200 Sporty is stage 3 +.

[@egalitarianvegan8806]

I have been happy with our 05, 883 for 12 years. Wouldn't even consider a new one. 40 k and she still runs like new. I expect this evo Sportster will out last me. She is reliable, economical, and a blast to ride. With that fit and finish she still looks great.

[@nBoerInBeton]

Agree fully. Still kicking myself for getting rid of my Iron 883. At the moment I'm seriously looking at getting an air-cooled Enfield just to fool around on over weekends. I am sure that they could decrease the weight drastically to compensate for the emissions throttling. C'mon Harley!

[@DutchBigTwinLover]

In my country NL, there are more and more HD shops who specialize in HD Evo’s and other oldschool HD’s. If Harley won’t make them, we have to cherish the old ones. I love it. Nothing sounds better than an old Shovelhead or EVO. 😎👌

[@turbohusque]

1991 FXRS rider here. I love the feel, the sound, and the look. EV23 cam give a her plenty of grunt. Not going to track day, so who cares. It's pretty much just what I needed, wanted and love. EVO 4-EVR.

[@donjenkins5381]

I had a 1990 FXRS, was awesome, but i kept grinding exhaust systems away in corners. The new HD's just don't get the same sound of the old EVO motors

[@jfundora8583]

Yes, please bring back the sportster just a bit bigger with a six speed. That will literally fly off the shelf. A lot of people don't like the sportsters for their own reasons. But the fact is that it's part of the Harley lineup and it belongs there regardless of bike preference.

[@Digger456437]

I installed an S & S 475C Cam into my Heritage 114. I got the familiar thumping idle and added performance.

[@sebastianhagman1937]

Where I live (Finland) there is a strong supply of used Sportsters in good condition on the market. No need to pay new-bike prices if you want that type of HD.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

@@sebastianhagman1937 that's practically everywhere. HD made loads of them over the years.

[@sebastianhagman1937]

@ I was guessing that's the case, but as I mostly only know our local market I didn't want to go more general than that. 😀

[@philippedesaintleger6574]

1340 evo, 883 and 1200 carburator Last Harley-Davidson ever made

[@darylwootton5217]

Spot on as usual. I currently ride a Royal Enfield Interceptor, very simple, low power, inexpensive, great sounding, quick enough to have fun, easy to work on and modify. If Harley could do a bike like this (they can) I would be first in line. Inexpensive to purchase, easy to modify and personalize. Potato potato potato holds a special place for many motorcyclists including myself.

[@dmcharley64]

Love my 2002 1200C... especially with drag pipes. Fast no...but loud AF!😊

[@thevtadventure1062]

Glad I bought my XR1200 years ago. Love the bike even though it’s not perfect. It’s got the true Harley feel, but fast and agile for what it is. I would be interested in a new 975Pan Am or a XR1250R.

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

That's the sort of thing they should have been making.... new idea's that are cost effective and interesting. Interesting styling with HD sound and feel. I love that bike too the XR1200 problem is the purists and cosplayers dislike anything interesting HD puts out lol

[@thevtadventure1062]

@ yeah unless they watched or know anything about flat track most of them didn’t know what it was or said it “wasn’t a REAL Harley “ lol the bike get attention every where I ride it people ask what is that ? To me it’s hard to spend money on a new HD especially when you got Indian making a sweet FTR1200s and the Japanese bikes killing it with price and reliability

[@englishsteel-nz6im]

@thevtadventure1062 or the VRod that's a cool machine they hated it cuz of Porsche collab. I hate the cliche HD baggers that those cosplay douchers ride and the direction the company has taken but I like certain bikes they have made and a lot of the classics the real Harleys. I'm a SuperSport guy but I like any cool bike lol I'd have bought a HD street fighter if it was legit they are losing potential customers making bling baggers only lol

[@mikel3188]

I love my 2016 Harley Roadster and like you said it has a boatload of character. I swapped out the seat (to a Mustang saddle) and handlebars with some 2 in risers to make it a more comfortable ride and now I'll never sell it.

[@ArZChenemy]

As the owner of a Sportster 883 I gotta agree, but if Harley is gonna bring the Evo back then they should make it cheaper to attract new riders... 10k for an 883 is not reasonable

[@bernardlesperance742]

I absolutely agree !!! Harley Needs to Bring Back The Evolution EVO Sportster. That's exactly what I've been telling everyone since the day H-D discontinued it.

[@andrewbaggley276]

As an '03 1200 Sportster owner, I can give this line of opinion the clear two-thumbs-up. The Evo/Blockhead, at least for the Sportster lineup, has got depths of reliability, character and style (I will be married with the sound of an Evo twin chugging away in the background) that other brands - and I will not denigrate their quality, for those who like that kind of bike - simply don't have. At least IMHACWO.

[@DefZen343]

yep, never getting rid of my Xl1200c 😅 simple, reliable, easy to maintain and plenty of power for everything ive needed so far, even 2 up riding on the highway. even if Harley never brings it back im sure the aftermarket will make new parts and engines for them so im not too worried long term 👍

[@thomascollins7932]

I loved this. As you said, there is a lifetime supply in the used market.

[@Handirifle]

One correction, the Sportster was given fuel injection in 2007, not 2008. I owned a 2007 XL1200L amd it was rubber mounted and fuel injected.

[@zachariaszut]

Bring back the EVO. In the 48 Sportster. You may call it a girl's bike all you want. That's the bike I like.

[@lachlanmaccormack5427]

Well, still riding and loving my 98 WideGlide, here in the UK. a truly User friendly machine.

[@LooxJJ]

I still have 2016 Roadster. EVO engine is also so easy to work on and so reliable. Upgraded the pipe, and tuned it. It's a good city bike - better looking and much better sound than any others - that will do everything you ask. You will NOT regret owning one. Btw, you really do not need 6 speed on these - you won't be travelling far, its a local city bike. I live in LA and do highway every time I ride for 2~3 hours (that's about 120~150+ miles per depending on where I am going) - and with 5th gear, it will easily do 85~90+ mph at 4~6k rpm comfortably. You don't do highway below 2k because your power band range comes around 3k+.

[@Mike-sBike]

I love the evo sportster engine

[@jimmiehoyt729]

Love my EVO ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@millinutz]

Well said... as far as Sportsters go, you and I are very much on the same page. Mine was one of the most fun bikes i've ever owned, but I think if I wanted one again, i'd stick with one from the classifieds, rather than buy a new one, should they ever bring them back again.

[@jamesdumas6602]

I only had one Sportster, a 1972 back in 1977. It had been sitting in the bases lemon lot for some time, it had a beautiful custom pearl white paint job. Nobody would buy, so I did. Painted black and flipped it within a couple of weeks. HD needs to bring back the Evo is right, but the 80 cubic inch one. With a 6th gear in the tranny, ABS brakes, and cruise control. I'd also like to see a kick starter, their was something special about kick starting the old bikes. (P.S. I also like heated grips.)

[@marathon8649]

I'll say, I had a 1200 sportster new from the dealer, put 14000 kms on it. Honestly, it's not a sellable vehicle by today's standards. The suspension bottoms out with a loud crack over a lot of bumps that aren't that big. The vibrations in the handle bars are enough to make your hands numb if you are travelling on the freeway for any amount of time. The mirrors at highway speed vibrate so much that anything you are supposed to see in the mirror is just a blur. Finding neutral is okay but only after good fluid changes and proper primary adjustments. I could go on and on but I'll just say , the evo sportster is only good for nestalgia.

[@grüneKRIEGSTREIBEREI]

I do have an 2016 sportster and don’t have these problems.

[@marathon8649]

​@@grüneKRIEGSTREIBEREI well , you didn't ride mine, I'm not lying I promise you, also I got the same feedback almost everywhere I looked and went.

[@skyhill4279]

Evo Sportster has a nice engine but I'll stick with my 77 XLH Ironhead I bought new and still runs great. Add that to my 95 FLSTN and my Triumph Speedmaster I think I'm doing okay! Thanks for the video.

[@klmnrs]

I used to have a sportster miss that bike

[@Jrtowns1]

It would be cool to see a bigger Evo like the 1340 or 1400 with a 6 speed trans. I currently ride a Road Glide but a smaller more raw bike would be nice to whip around town.

[@johnanderson9735]

I had a 1200 Sportster, definitely fun! The Evolution Max should have been a whole new line of competitively priced bikes for HD including the Street Fighter that was never made.

[@commonsense6050]

I have a 1200 Sportster that I have kept for more than 10 years. I have bought and sold other bikes but I have kept the 1200 around because it looks, sounds, and feels good. I enjoy riding it and that is the goal. I ride for fun. Although I also have a faster bike, I don't need 150 hp to have fun. Saying that Sportsters are underpowered is misleading. True that it is not as fast as a sport bike, but in reality it is faster than most cars. It is quick away from the light and easily stays ahead of traffic. Mine was captured on GPS for a two way average of 120 mph. Level ground in the desert. Stock engine with different pipes, jets, and air cleaner. That is fast enough. I also have longer Racetech shocks and revalved forks so it handles well. Not great, but well. I have rearset pegs (but still retained the forward pegs) and ride canyon and mountain roads. Often I can pass people on sport bikes. It's not that the Sportster is so great, it's that some riders are not that good even if they try to look fast by hanging off the seat in corners and wearing Dainese one piece race leathers. Just before I pass them I move my feet to the front pegs just to rub it in. I always wonder what they think when they are passed by a "cruiser". In summary, the Sportster is fast enough for public roads but it also has character that more refined bikes don't have. It looks nice sitting in the garage and it is easy to maintain. Pretty good deal.

[@stevemercer6743]

I agree with the sentiments in the video. I had an 883 Aztec Orange Sportster for 5 years and 110,000 km before it needed any sort of major maintenance (replacement belt and sprockets). I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 1.2000 when I retire, but not the new water-cooled version. Now Harley is competing with all the other manufacturers and their water cooled twins. Before everyone else was competing against the Sportster. There will always be a market for classic simplicity.

[@Azzow15]

Totally agree I love the sports of 48 now I’m in Asia I’d love one. Since they announced they were ceasing manufacturing. I’ve stated they should put a small M8 in them running say 60+ horsepower put in a slightly bigger cam to give them the lump that would be great.

[@DrPowerElectronics]

I rode my 883 into my wedding and left on it with my wife afterwards! It’s a great bike to use for commuting, which few realise and many HD riders seem to look down on them. They have their problems, of course, but a safe, reliable and quick commuter. Fast off the lights, where many motorbikes are so slow as their riders can’t keep the front down and do gear changes. BTW 883 has better gear ratios for the UK. My nephew does a daily commute across London on his and has done 10’s of ‘000s of miles over the years. A bmw would be the nearest comparison.

[@petekoompin8478]

HD probably designed the RevMax platform for the Pan America and the once planned Bronx and Sportster S. Good fit for those bikes right? I think putting it in the regular sportster was not planned honestly. But it was ready and they needed it. There were some patents filed for a new air cooled 4 valve per cylinder air cooled twin 4-5 years ago. At that time it seemed the evolution of the EVO, similar to the M8 but smaller. there were articles about it but I don’t think anyone took it seriously and there wasn’t a whole lot of info. Anyways my long story/theory short, maybe there’s another more characterful air cooled looking evo replacement coming, maybe it ran into snags? My bet is they had to go add water cooling like the triumphs for enough performance and emissions for US and European markets. Maybe a couple more years we may see it.

[@elithegreat6463]

That H-D Cafe racer would be Epic..and in Black 👍🇺🇸

[@cedley1969]

I owned an 883 Evo Sportster in the early 90's it wasn't all that then, thirty years later bringing the thing back isn't going to save Harley.

[@lynnlittle8671]

I traded a 2021 MT-09 for a bone stock 2021 Sportster Forty-Eight 18 months ago. I got the Forty-Eight at that time because I wanted an air cooled Sportster. I did the stage one upgrades, upgraded the rear shocks, love this bike! I would love to see Harley bring back an air cooled Sportster, I think they’d make money with it.

[@oldbuzzard76]

Smog regulations killed the sporty . Lucky it lasted as long as it did . For those younger , it might be wise to scarf up as many as they can afford while they are cheap . They may turn out to be great investment in the long term . I believe they will . ( a little to late for me though , buts that's life )

[@ChristonBinkley]

The Motor Company should have at least offered a 1957 styled Sportster before pulling the plug. The 50rh anniversary offering was nice but should have harkened more to the original styling. Of course the fear is that it actually would have taken big twin sales away.

[@halinabiegalski9509]

Good video, thank you.👍

[@kokilimonke]

What you are completely missing is the Stormbreaker and the Sportster don't adhere to the same emission regulations. There is different regulations for small manufacturers compared to big manufacturers. The SWM brand that make the Stormbreaker with Chinese partners are a really small volume manufacturer that has easier emissions rules. It's the same with Yamaha and Italian Fantic brand. Yamaha makes some awesome Enduro bikes that is not allowed to register on regular plates and is not homologated for road use. But Fantic make the same bike, same frame, engine ect, it's pretty much just a different ecu and slightly different plastics in a different color. But it passes the homologation due to Fantic is a smaller manufacturer and have different rules.

[@grüneKRIEGSTREIBEREI]

Didn’t know that. Thanks for the info

[@SilentShadow07]

I love my ‘98 Heritage Softail Classic. Just has so much more character than any modern M8.

[@NigelHearne-yv7en]

Modern Triumphs may have kept the nostalgic looks but are liquid cooled and very quiet, this helps them pass the strict emissions laws in Europe, they still be make beautiful bikes though.

[@I-Libertine]

No lie. Absolutely correct. HD: are you listening? Imagine what this would do for sales, to say nothing about your reputation?

[@enrage6073]

Let’s see what HD does with the Nightster this next season. I hope they come with a more chromed model like the one from PI Customs from Japan (Chrome Knight Rider), a superb delivery! They probably would sell more of them

[@gordonwallin2368]

Family good? Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada. An air cooled V-twin sportster with a six speed, 90+ HP dual front discs-and a TACHOMETER!! Maybe look like a late 30's Crocker with wire wheels. Yeah. Only sell it in the countries that don't use the EU5 specs. It would be fun.

[@RNintheTrenches]

Evos forever!

[@AAchurch]

I agree a entry level, under 10k, With good ol style would be good for HD.

[@CaledoniaKeys]

Simpler is definitely better. I am also sure there is a strong market for the older designs…and you can actually fix a number of things yourself. Ride on!

[@tearsofviolin]

I agree with just about everything you mentioned in this video. Bring em back!!

[@flint3317]

Maybe im just too old but I would like to see a new age revamped Pan. I think that with the retro build car market doing that Harley should follow suit an upgrade the Pan into the new century an bring back a retro vibe of their own.

[@PortCharmers]

I grew up in 1980's Europe and got interested in mtorcycles in the 90's. I understood Harleys as the brand new vintage bike. Everyone else built the most modern, most powerful, fastest, most technologically advanced machines, with designs to match. Harley didn't. They were like "the Electra Glide and the Sportster were great bikes in the 50's, so why shouldn't they be now?". That was their unique feature. Harley doing "modern" feels like "late to the party", and losing what set them apart. I get that efficiency, power and such advantages are highly desirable in machines that serve a purpose, like trucks and the cars we use to get somewhere, but since most motorcycles are for enjoyment, there is no point to excessive power and speeds that are illegal off the racetrack. I take more enjoyment from the sound and vibrations of classic bikes than from sheer speed. The only modern quality I feel good about is greater fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions, but they also get lost if power is the most important selling point (I can often see modern sport bikes accelerating and later smell the exact spot). Besides, I'm for environmental protection probably more than most people, but any law that allows SUV's to get more and more absurdly big every year and more and more prevalent feels like a farce when they start howling about the scourge of classic motorcycles. I would not buy a new Sportster now, or an Indian Scout. If I was looking for a bike (which I'm not), I'd go for Royal Enfield or a real vintage one.

[@relevation0]

Harley needs to get off it's high horse and make some bikes like Royal Enfield. Cheap, simple, and it doesn't have to have a ton of horsepower. My old Sportster and new Interceptor are great.

[@bmp72]

I would go for the SVM V1200 stormbreaker. Just for shit & giggles, and to give Harley the one finger wave. But for now I will stick with my 3 shovelheads.

[@grüneKRIEGSTREIBEREI]

Would do the same if i wouldn‘t have had an Sportster yet.

[@gcdiver]

Still have my EVO... 2002 883 Hugger

[@grahamjackson1616]

Thank you, really well said, and it needed to be said. I had a 1200 sporty, sounded and rattled along fantastically,, loved it,, Typical Aussies said ‘it’s a girls bike ‘ quite a disappointing error when I sold my Sporty. BRING BACK THAT LUMPY 1200 SPORTY FANTASTIC H D Yep that’s why ROYAL ENFIELD IS KILLING THEM ( H D really lost the plot ) Cheers 🇦🇺🇦🇺🎄

[@chrissmith7669]

If BMW can make a euro5/6 emission compliant air cooled 1200/1250 there’s not an excuse for Harley not being able to do the same.

[@charlesvan9726]

You can buy a new one, SWM Stormbreaker

[@icyGrip666]

I think we need more information on how the clone got through. Also pretty sure you going to have a hard time telling modern entry level riders that hey guys it's OK it doesn't run right but if you put another grand or two into it will run right. At 12k you can but some pretty nice bikes at this point if they sold it at 10k. But hey gl on getting the bike back in production.

[@mikegla1746]

For me personally, the line is clear, you want technology, performance and speed go with Indian, if you want characteristic and sound go with Harley and now Harley wants to be both. If go with just pure performance go with any Japanese brand.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, Harley has never relied on performance to sell bikes.

[@scootdawg3535]

i think if the rev-max looked more like a traditional Harley engine and not a plastic toy people would be more accepting of it.

[@ricardosalcedo2824]

Were the Evo Sporty's still selling OK up until they were discontinued? Seems like most models were not selling like they used except for maybe the ST models.

[@thakery5720]

I have a 2006 XL1200R - the last model with a carb - and I live just outside London (UK) so the bike cannot go ‘inside’ the Ultra Low Emissions Zone without my paying a £12.50 ‘fine’ for doing so, but you know what ? I don’t wanna go there when you’re restricted to heavy traffic in built-up areas, nah , I have a 1250 kit,cams and inlet manifold (45mm Mikuni) from Hammer Performance on my reworked Sporty which boasts about 100 bhp and 90 ftlbs along with reworked front suspension and decent rear shocks make this bike the most fun ever. Sportiest will never come back into production just like Vincent’s didn’t but they will be sought after by those who like a motorbike, not everyone wants a rice grinder ! PS, I also have a Dyna with over 130 bhp and ftlbs which has no longer got EFI - emissions checks don’t happen on bikes here -YET !

[@per-arnehjorth9785]

I would go for the 48, although it's got a too small tank. Maybe a 1200 Custom?

[@johnharris7353]

Yeah I like the old sports and the 888 and that's all, other than that I'm not a Harley guy.

[@sankalandey4043]

Harley needs to revive its sportser( Iron 883 , 48) and street (750/500).....these are the most practical harleys ever made

[@RobertTrombley-g6l]

SWM have a sportster clone coming out,called stormbreaker, it passed Europe emmisions.prefer the Indian scout sixty ,great bike had one for 3 years very reliable.

[@devinbraun8315]

The Nightster frigging rules. It is an absolute killer machine. I can't imagine going back to a small Evo after riding the rev max.

[@malikknows3510]

Many good points here and I fully agree. The new bikes with their enormous mufflers are just plain ugly, imho. I just bought a new Low Rider S, in part because it was the simplest, cleanest design of the current line-up. And, yes, I put a stage 1 muffler and tuner on it. Absolutely love it! All the best.

[@ethanbowles3029]

Only thing I can say about the sportster s is go ride one then you will know it’s 12% cruiser 88% performance bike it’s nothing in common with the 883 or the 1200 sportsters it’s just a power cruiser / street fighter they are expensive that there is no doubt. The sportster S is pretty much in its own category which is why everyone is sleeping on it

[@masonchitwood1509]

I think that the brand definitely needs too go through a season or two focusing on power output and new ideas so that hopefully we can get a good mix of everything once the ceo is gone

[@mikegordon6870]

Put the buell engine in into it with dual disc's, that would be a fun bike.

[@SurajSinghTomarArya]

They should make the 848 & 1200 in India with their partner Hero Moto Corp. Triumph, KTM, Apprilia and others are already making excellent bikes there.

[@HilltopZombieShop]

The Sportster S smokes evos, but the seat is like sitting on concrete and your option for putting a girl on the back sucks too.

[@karlbishop7481]

The EVO was the best engine HD ever built. It not have made a lot of power but it was simple, reliable and easy to work on. I had an 883 Custom and wish I had kept it. At the time I sold it Sportys weren much in demand and could be had for little money. Now they bring substantially more. If the Chinese can meet emissions with a clone HD could have also with not a lot of investment, the hard work had already been done. Would it make a lot of money, no but still a revenue stream which it badly needs now.

[@BlackSkull2395]

I have a 2005 XL883R and its gonna be with me till the very end. Harley in Europe is expensive, the iron 883 was around 13.000€ if new (no stage 1, no extras, just bike and papers) So yeah harley dont wanna match the price. But as i said i dont plan to change my bike, and if i have to i will just look for a second hand 2000-2005 sporty again.

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

They need to offer it with a shorter 3 1/2 inch stroke and the 1200 bore that will bump the horses up a bit and end up being about 900 c.c. add a 6th gear and a balance shaft.

[@TribalGuitars]

99% spot on. The 48's 2-gallon tank makes it a bar-hopper at best unless you really like gassing up every other gas station. Bring them back with a 6-speed tranny so we don't have to listen to the motor and tranny winding out at 60MPH on a highway trying to keep up with traffic and maybe achieve that mythical 51MPG they said they go. I don't drive like an a$$hole and never came close to getting 51MPG. Also, add an inch or two to the tank width and bring it up to a 4-gallon peanut tank. I have a 2001 883XLC, the last year that you can do whatever you want to them shy of not having baffles and they can't do anything about it, here in the States anyway. I've had it for almost 23 years now and I wouldn't trade it for anything! If someone knows what that clutch is Mrs Spokes had installed in her Sporty that reduced the pressure needed to pull the clutch in I would greatly appreciate it.

[@HilltopZombieShop]

Clean the Nightster up like the Scout and put the 1250 rev max in it.

[@orientationandmobilitywith5902]

Thanks for the great video! :)

[@millinutz]

To bring back the EVO would be a step back in time and I don't think Harley (J. Seitz) is prepaired to take that step. Anyway, to do that, it would be admitting to a mistake... and that is a big thing to do, for any concern, especially HD.!

[@gabbax2hey77]

My 2005 XL is hangin’ in there but I’ve got the itch to buy something new … HD has lost me with its axing of Sportsters & Dynas. I’m leaning toward a Kawasaki naked/Z bike … fun to ride, reliable with modern tech and … super affordable.

[@3wheelmannc860]

I really like the new 1250 motor... sure it's new, but the power speaks for itself. The new sportster s is a nice option, but not an old school frame / style that many folks would enjoy, imo. Options are a good thing. Take this full power 1250 and offer it in 3-4 bikes of different styles at a "reasonable price". I would be interested. I am not interested in going backwards. H-D does need to do some serious work on image at the corporate level. If you are going to keep producing these very expensive bikes, you must deliver. There is very little margin for error.

[@RockstarVeganRecipes]

Awesome video, thanks. :)

[@ronaldlebowitz7409]

oh yeah I love my evo sporty 1200!

[@grüneKRIEGSTREIBEREI]

There is now an italian/chinese company who still sell the original sportster in Europe. HD sold all their knowledge about this bike to the Chinese. Its sold unter the company SWM and the model is called Stormbreaker V1200. HD told us they can‘t get euro5 restrictions on the air cooled sportster…the Chinese can?!

[@samkloster3416]

Disagree 100% owned a 1200 Iron....and many other bikes in the 90's up. Currently riding a LRST 117 and a 1250s. Both bike are exactly what I'm looking for. The SportsterS is no joke it moves.

[@stevematthews641]

The sportsters are like a horrific partner that you look back on with misty nostalgia

[@1941392]

Huhhh?

[@dgross2009]

Agreed. Those new Sportsters won't be around long. Just bring back the 883 and 1200. I had an 883 and although top-heavy and underpowered it got lots of looks and smiles because of it's classic looks. The new Sportsters are just ugly and too smooth. I like my Low Rider s and it's a better fit for me now but I don't see the entry-point for Harley with these new ugly Sportsters. What's to get the newer riders in the door?

[@chadgruver4423]

The Indian Scout was already outselling the Sportster before HD dropped it. So bring it back in just North America so that can still be the case? I appreciate the Evo Sportsters, plenty to buy on the used marketplace. They're not coming back.