Harley-Davidson Puts The "Sport" In Sportster - I Take It For A Ride To See How It Performs!

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In this video, Kase tests a "back to basics" sort of bike. It doesn't have the modern sophisticated features or driver aids of some of its competition, but does it lack for performance?
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#Harley #Sportster #Review

[@rider14mcd63]

Good review, I am still enjoying mine for 4 years now. Solid as a rock. The motor is smooth at speed, 75 to 90 mph too. And I pull 160 miles out of a tank of gas.

[@trainermanny]

Just put some biltwell 10 inch z-bars and forward controls on mine. Love it!

[@robertbelote5273]

Hey guys thanks for this , the sportster is my favorite bike . As far as that bike all i want is that front end, it would do so well on my bike. ( 20 iron 1200 )

[@MidnightSportster]

I really wish you got a hold of one that has at least the stage 1 upgrade done (air intake, full exhaust, fuel controller) it makes such a big difference. It really wakes the bike up.

[@mariodesmo]

I bought a new 883 back in 1993 when they released the new bike/engine design. They were selling the 883 black model, which I think is still the best looking color, for $3999. I promptly installed a 1200cc kit, some pipes, a carb kit, and rode the snot out of it. Eventually I sold it and bought a Deuce in 2000.

[@vincentdavidson755]

I like the tubless tires u can plug them and keep going if u pick up a nail or get a flat. Put in some fixaflat stop and aid air and u b ok.

[@YeahNahMaybe947]

Great review well presented well filmed very informative thank you just like the bike everything you need and nothing don't.

[@crazyeyez1502]

Finally, some more H-D material

[@06colkurtz]

Nice video. I had a built R. When I bought mine, they only were available as an 883. I had it built to a Campeche 1250. Went like stink.

[@jeremyneufeld6541]

Wow, two days from the announcement that the Roadster is discontinued, let's do a review!

[@CandyBarMoto]

Right! And let's call it "BRAND NEW" totally adds to credibility LOL

[@friedpork_owl]

HD killed it with this one. Thank you.👍🏻

[@exexpat11]

Actually they "Buelled" the Roadster.

[@paulhorvath9784]

I thought they did too for a while,,but with all the cost to make it right ,I got as many ks now on the 20 FXLRS and could not be happier.

[@exexpat11]

Adjustable, larger, longer rear shocks in the rear. The Key Fob is extra. The only model in the HD line up where you have to pay for the Fobs. The inverted forks are a joy but the rear shocks are still a kick in the kidneys on larger bumps. Nice upright standard riding position. Taller riders will find their knees above their hips which can be painful on longer rides. HD Tall Boy seat swap or Mustang Extra Wide seat for comfort is a must to replace the postage stamp sized OEM seat. A simple older designed bike that is easy to work on.

[@coachron3524]

I should have kept my XR1200X!

[@paulbutler5067]

I really like the Roadster. IMO it the best current Sportster, too bad it is discontinued. I have a 2003 XL1200S, the sport model. It is lots of fun to ride. It has a very strong engine and fully adjustable suspension. What it lacks compared to the Roadster is the 18" rear wheel and longer travel shocks paired with the inverted fork. These features make this model the most road friendly Sportster in the lineup. Even if you don't care for the bars that come on it, you can easily swap them for a set that has a slight rise. My advice is if you are considering one get it while there are some left over 2020 versions sill available.

[@mysticvision9542]

Thank you for the good review

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

Great review Kase.

[@tiga66]

Beautiful piece of motorcycle engineering. Harley davidson needs to continue making this bike because I want one please. Mark in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 5 Feb 2024.

[@gregferris9378]

I have always been a Harley fan. I've had 3 of them. But I can't get past paying so much for 2 wheels and 2 cylinders.

[@exexpat11]

Buy a low mileage garage queen for half the price of buying a new one. Lots of older guys buy, ride a little, and park theirs when they get too old to ride. Plenty out there.

[@dry509]

@@exexpat11 Except in Houston where I live, they ask a lot of money for used bikes.

[@WW-wf8tu]

Good looking machine. You looked right on that bike for a TFL bike review. Appreciate the ride impressions. Was it soft or stiff going over bumps? Did you feel like you were being pushed back hard when accelerating or a comfortable balance? Could you tell if you would feel beat up after 4+ hours of ride time on it or not?

[@exexpat11]

The suspension is relatively stiff. The front forks absorb bad roads while the rear shocks will still hit you hard in the back and kidneys over large bumps. You will not be pushed back by the torque if you twist the throttle suddenly. Smooth acceleration when pushed hard. You will be in pain if you are a taller rider (5'10" and above) with the Mid Controls on a 4 or 5 hour ride. I suggest frequent stops to stretch your legs if you do not get a more comfortable seat and forward controls. 5'6" riders might find the OEM foot location to be perfect while tippy toeing at stop lights.

[@paulhorvath9784]

Had the 18 full stage 1 ,put out 79lbs and 80 bhp..106 mph @ 6400rpm Third gear. Had Bad vibration between 110-150 km/ph to point it Broke one side of the headlight housing .. Squeaky rear brk,,and Shocks too stiff. Bike lost bout 20lbs. Overall a Great platform.

[@rexmabunga]

Now that's a review! 👍👍

[@ulicloesen7388]

Very well presented

[@sickjohnson]

Calling a Harley a low tech bike along with reliable is no doubt a huge complement, and it is no doubt they know what their customers want.

[@bepponabuco7389]

The Roadster is the finest motorcycle Harley Davidson ever made! 😎

[@rugershooter5268]

The 2013 1200c had some funky pegs, eventually somebody made an adapter so you could change the pegs, otherwise you were stuck with the stock pegs......these pegs look funky too. Hope you told the shop something was rattling, that belt guard needs tightened, that looks bad on that dealership

[@didierarsenault8385]

Great video! I think you should spend more time filming while riding the bike, and maybe work a little on that helmet audio

[@kiplambel4052]

"One of my favorite things about the Sportster is the transmission. It has this really solid clunk to it..." The word you are looking for is "Agricultural"

[@exexpat11]

You really do know when it engages a gear. You might have to search for neutral though.

[@mysticvision9542]

I have a triumph street triple 765 s. I'm just a beginner. Now shifting to Harley Davidson roadster 1200. Hope its a better choice

[@mysticvision9542]

I'm planing to buy a used one here in India.. It's 2018 model with 8000 kms driven.

[@CraigSmith568]

I liked this bike until I sat on one. It just didn't fit me. Just the one position that really cramped me up. The Iron 1200 is a way better option for me. I do like the taller rear suspension and the dual disc with the upside down forks though.

[@gin3825]

I liked the dual disc and front forks. But I changed out the bars for narrow pullbacks and the seat for a le pera. It's much a more relaxed posture now.

[@lancestone4409]

Is this the 2021 model?

[@dry509]

I immediately got cramps in my hips when I sat on this bike and started to ride.

[@exexpat11]

HD Tall Boy Seat for $230 and forward controls (only moves your feet 9 1/2 inches forward) fixes that.

[@dry509]

@@exexpat11 Thank you. Good to know. By the way, exactly the same thing happened when I tried to ride the Harley 750 Street Rod. Have you found a bike you like?

[@exexpat11]

@@dry509 I bought the Roadster and modified it to fit me. It did not take much.

[@dry509]

@@exexpat11 Cool. That’s a nice bike. Did you change the handlebars also? What seat?

[@exexpat11]

@@dry509 I have a Biltwell "Cobra" style seat for around town and short hops. If I go on a trip (200+ miles) I breakout the Harley Davidson Tall Boy Seat which was only $230 and worth it. I have not swapped the handlebars yet - I am thinking about Mini Apes.

[@northrider8628]

I definitely would own one 🤠

[@andrewsmith9575]

Simple is good! H-D has always had the best fit and finish on a bike.

[@michaelcooke8665]

That's a sweet bike I'd rather have the roadster than the 883 iron

[@shawnbauman5463]

There is a more Sporty Sportster the XR1200X. Better brakes, better suspension, more power, mine dynoed 82hp/76tq at the tire. 92/86 at the crank. Same weight as the Roadster but so much more bike overall. Nice review.

[@Nightakula]

That bike is long out of production

[@shawnbauman5463]

@@Nightakula true but title screen says ultimate Sportster. The Roadster isn't the XR is.

[@kiplambel4052]

Too bad they discontinued the XR1200!

[@Ocomentador6969]

I love my roadster

[@tadearnov582]

This is 2021 years product??

[@kevinwalsh9483]

11500 for a basic mc is criminal.

[@stevenbrooks1243]

Says always the broke guys..........

[@chad6424]

It's not a "basic mc", it's a ***HARLEY***.

[@kevinwalsh9483]

@@chad6424 chad HARLEY just means crap in english.

[@chad6424]

@@kevinwalsh9483 crap?! I thought it meant "slow wallowing overpriced land beast". Gotta admit though, every time I ride past them parked outside the bar (where they usually are) or on the road (AS IF they were parked outside the bar) I can't help but notice how pretty they are.

[@varmastiko2908]

It's not basic though. This one has many extra features compared to regular Sportster, all that would cost extra if you bought it separately.

[@gogle5238]

Review cheap bikes too please 🙏

[@vincentdavidson755]

I love the Kawasaki 900 rs it's super good in the rain the Harley is not that stable in the rain. It has 68 hp which is not that great on the freeway and the Kawasaki rs has 110 hp which is planty of power to pass a car going up a mountain. The 900 has traction. Control .way more smother, more agal,more power , more extras like put on heated grips. I have never had anything go out on the kaw . On the Harley Sportster my clutch cable broke twice, my back tire spens when I take off in the rain and I fish tail. It's slow on the freeway. Going from Vegas to FLa Which I have done 8 times I will take the Kawasaki rs 900 because u would have to experance it to understand. I know the kaw will not ever break down and it's so good in the rain, and much more easy to go in and out of freeway traffic. The 1200 Harley is ok for the city and mine has 150,000 I also taken it off road for camping in the mountains it was twice blown over in a snow storm and covered with snow and ice and I dug it out the next morning and it started right up in to seconds

[@davidswanson5436]

The "sportster" is a good bike. But pokey up for a Standard for 3k more.

[@benpinter1988]

29 miles and blue smoke out of the exhaust? is that normal?

[@jminaya90]

The check engine is on too lol

[@stonewp]

That light comes on when the ignition is turned on, before the engine is cranked. Just a guess, but the ‘blue smoke’ is steam since it looks cold where he’s filming.

[@CandyBarMoto]

??? This is not Brand New! And the Roadster version has been discontinued LOL!

[@billp5424]

The kid is good. Knowledgeable, articulate and well versed in trucks, cars and bikes. Give him a raise.

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

I agree. I really like his reviews. He seems fair and unbiased like the other fella.

[@Todrick451]

why does this roadster not have the clip-on bars?! Did Harley ditch them?

[@exexpat11]

Roadsters never had clip on bars.

[@rider14mcd63]

@@exexpat11 its available as an accessory, but the Roadster is discontinued.

[@liamjay6181]

I say, don’t buy a sportster. Don’t waste your money on something you’ll regret buying because I can almost guarantee you this right now. After 6mos to 1yrs you’re gonna get a bigger bike. By the way, I just bought myself a low rider s. Damn that bike is fun. ~ from a guy who started with iron 883 ✌🏽

[@rider14mcd63]

My FXLRS sits in the garage parked behind my Roadster 90% of the time. The Lowrider is faster but the crappy shock and torture riding position are ridiculous. Of my 4 bikes, it gets riden the least. A Roadster is a different ride than your last Sportster and with a hammer kit will smoke the FXLRS. From a guy who has a FXLRS, Roadking, FXDRS, and 1200 Roadster. One more thing, they don't make the Roadster anymore.

[@edgilchrist379]

Need a mic check.

[@staycurious5982]

RE ka bachha bada cute hai😉

[@Firestorm637]

An 883 after paint, alarm, and ABS over $11,000. For the same price KTM Duke 890r, no stage 4 needed. Plus stability control, cornering ABS, cornering TC, driving modes, quick shifter standard.

[@exexpat11]

The KTM 890r will be an Orphan Bike without support 5 minutes after they announce it is discontinued. Sportsters will have parts and accessories 50 years after the last one rolls off the production line in a year or two.

[@stonewp]

It’s a motorcycle, not a Camry. Why do you want stability control, traction control, cornering abs, cornering traction control, driving modes, etc.?

[@mchristr]

There's a bit of irony here in that as the trad Sportster bows out, H-D has produced the best version. Imagine this bike with a more rounded, Brit-style fuel tank, a 2-into-1 exhaust, extended rear fender coverage, and 10 or 20 more horsepower. Coincidentally that is exactly what I'm doing to my 2017 model. Can't wait for summer.

[@JohnSmith-wv4or]

I,want,one.

[@vincentdavidson755]

Yes the moter and trans will last forever. I have 150,000 on my bike Replace the clutch plates once. U never have to worry about the belt or sprokets they will last u the life of the bike . A belt is 3 times stronger then a chain. And it also keep the belt tight so I never have to tighten it. If I had my choice going from Vegas to FLa I would take the Kawasaki 900 SE with a windshield and settle bags because it's so smooth and fast and menny other things and would out last any Harley . Harleys don't run good in the heat and often the clutch cable breaks. The Kawasaki has never let me down and never broke down no matter how fast I drive it and I have been driving bikes for over 50 years and the best all around bike u can buy is a 900 Kawasaki rs from my experance. My back wheel bearings once lock up on my Harley and I hit the payment and that was no fun. U don't ever have to worry about anything when your on a 900 Kawasaki rs their like made out of titaumin

[@mmmii702]

Dude. That helmet audio was not up to TFL standards. Roman is going to be pisssssssed...

[@27sport86]

Can't believe this t-shirt manufacturer is still making bikes.

[@stevenbrooks1243]

DRRRRRR DRRRRRRRR DRRRRRRRR

[@grabir01]

Made in India? USA? Taiwan?

[@betruly7894]

R.I.P Sportster. HD did not even made any small good bye to their trusty bike that saved them from a certain disappearing. If hey do not respect their own product i will not do it for them. 😂 I own one xl1200t . It is all good blablabla... the only down thing to this sportster line is their price brand new, although today they stop the production and distribution of the sportster, however for the lucky ones like me, who bought one just before they stop them, the good news is their price went up in second hand market and add to this H-D going to increase their price in Europe by around 30% so this is all good news to get rid of my dinosaur at new purchase price level 😎😁 and buy me areal bike , the BMW. 😍

[@shaneolsen9394]

Cool bike but heres my problem with harley in general, harley is literally one of the biggest names in the industry, and is still producing air cooled bikes in 2021, they mistake lack of innovation for tradition

[@Nightakula]

Massively incorrect. They currently make and have been making liquid cooled bikes for years. Air cooled is all about looks, styling, simplicity.

[@shaneolsen9394]

@@Nightakula im aware they do make liquid cooled bikes but the bike in this video is still air cooled in the year 2021, and you can still have air cooled fins on a liquid cooled engine i have one like that and have had 2 others in the past as well with the same design

[@cgunugc]

@@shaneolsen9394 Is it so awful that some people prefer air cooled engines? Less shit to fail. Sure, there are downsides, but if you don't like the downsides then buy a different bike.

[@shaneolsen9394]

@@cgunugc its not awful that people prefer that but literally there is almost no reason to prefer air cooled, simplicity isn't really a valid point seeing as radiators are not common failure points on motorcycles and are pretty simple to begin with also living in Phoenix where every summer reaches 115 degrees air cooled bikes are a waist of money. Also if I'm paying over 12k for a bike that's pretty basic it could at least have basic mechanical assets, I'd rather a radiator over abs brakes

[@stonewp]

Ducati and BMW are just a few other premium motorcycle manufacturers that make air cooled bikes. They work well for their intended purpose.

[@kevinbarry71]

Wow, dual front brakes. Look at that cutting edge sports technology. You've got to be kidding. This is a motorcycle for somebody who wants a Harley but can't afford the expensive one. Or who wants something that says sport on it but doesn't really want a sports bike.

[@robertbelote5273]

Man you're a bit misinformed, ive had 7 of these . I dont buy a sportster to take on sport bikes, not all of us are stupid. Simplicity, reliability, affordability, and a amazing ( sometimes overpriced) aftermarket is why alot of us by these . Me personally ,its the best daily ive ever had for instance its 30 outside with frost on the bike and im about to head to work , it doesnt complain it just goes. Im also the type that thinks the sportster has ascended HD , the sportster has quietly carried that shit show hd calls a company for years. I also have a vulcan classic .

[@kevinbarry71]

@@robertbelote5273 OK, you make some good points. Nevertheless, the Japanese offer some good, comfortable, not insane, bikes that are I would think, at least as dependable reliable etc. as that one. And personally, I don't like the noise any twin makes

[@robertbelote5273]

@@kevinbarry71 i absolutely agree , ive also had several vulcans , and when it comes to sport bikes ,I respect them and their capabilities , ive just ridden enough of them to know its not for me. As far as the sound , that is definitely to each their own , for instance i cant handle a 2stroke or a rotory for to long.

[@robertbelote5273]

@@kevinbarry71 also, I think your right about the "wow"while an inverted front end is fantastic , its not the only thing that could have been done ,so they are using that front end to hype up the bike ? Its a bit of a reach on HDs part.

[@exexpat11]

I came off a 1700cc Warrior. It was a boat. Not good at low speeds and turned like a tractor. It was very heavy, not a good power to weight ratio, but was boringly comfortable. I wanted something that felt like a 650cc standard not another straight line bike. At 60HP/70TQ the Roadster isn't that slow. It also isn't a Super Sport 600/636. The inverted fork is a joy and the big tall shocks in the rear are meh outside of lifting the bike. Having the giant forks (diameter) has disadvantages when you accessorize later on.

[@KevXRDuke]

It is a cool bike but it is far from an XR1200.

[@phantommaggotxxx]

low tech is an upside... CPUs have ruined motorsports...

[@varmastiko2908]

Exactly. The fewer electronics, the fewer failures.

[@nickchronias9546]

A bike that can be handed down 5 times over ......

[@aaronbritt2025]

Harley won't be around much longer if they continue to ignore an entire demographic. If it's not a knee dragging sportbike, I'm not interested. They should have continued to develop Buell instead of killing it.

[@stevenbrooks1243]

Well trust me you and all the knee draggers don't make up the mass as motorcyclist so in all reality WHO CARES about what you want! 🙄

[@aaronbritt2025]

@@stevenbrooks1243 tell that to Harley's shareholders. Lol

[@stevenbrooks1243]

@@aaronbritt2025 they are doing fine they won't be going out of business anytime soon just cutting back on over production but keep dragging that knee you'll be scrapped off the pavement eventually 🤷🏼‍♂️😆🖕

[@aaronbritt2025]

@@stevenbrooks1243 Yeah they will. Google "Harley" "demographics" and read any of the 20 to 30 stories that pop up. Millennials aren't buying Harley's and their core demo is dying off. They need a sport bike (and not a $25k one) to bring the younger riders.

[@JohnSmith-zi9or]

I don't have a Harley and I sure as hell don't want a "knee dragging sport bike." At some point you get older and want a more relaxed and much safer riding experience. Yeah I've seen a lot of Harley drivers do stupid things, but nobody is worse than the sport bike group.

[@pj5454302]

For 2k less you can buy a rebel 1100 that weighs 100lbs less and has double the hp

[@exexpat11]

Actually the better competitor would be the Kawasaki Z900RS. Lighter and more powerful with a little retro thrown in to boot. The Rebel looks are an abomination.

[@rider14mcd63]

And the Roadster will be around 10 years after both of those bikes and light to light will be right beside both. And that Rebel is freaking ugly.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

How many millions does this cost 😆 Harley is such a rip-off.