Harley Davidson Sportster S: First Impressions Review!

[@MrEiniweini]

I pre ordered it in 2021, no regrets. I put a 40mm up/20mm back riser on it to take the bend out of my back. I changed out the seat for the Corbin Smuggler Gunslinger to hold me in better. It is really better described as a foot forward street bike rather than a cruiser.

[@shreyanshmalewar1208]

you should upload A GOPRO VIDEO OF RIDING IT FAM. because there are places in this world where we can't get this beauty to ride for it's true potential.

[@peterjones4621]

I just bought mine, thank you for the seat suggestion!

[@MrEiniweini]

@@peterjones4621 Great to hear mate. I would really suggest the riser first though. It seriously costs something like fifty bucks and just makes the ride position easier on the lower back while still retaining the slammed look of the bars ( saw a video where someone put on the reach bars from the Nightster but it changes the aesthetic where the riser does not)

[@ponyboy1664]

I love mine. I have an '81 hardtailed Sportster which is onky slightly less comfortable over distances. I think this new engine has saved the brand. The tank isnt the tank, its an airfilter, but a few more miles would be great. I love how it rides in S mode and a couple of weeks ago i was caught in the torrential rain we had in the SW. With the bike in rain mode i felt very confident on it. I have the Cobra cans and love the sound of them.

[@BikeMatters]

Thanks for the comment!

[@davidturner447]

I love my 2023 RH 1250 and with a cobra exhaust it sounds fantastic. I also have a Street Glide Special and so the best of both worlds.

[@peterjones4621]

Well done and detailed video, the bike has new technology and quite a bit of it which I love, I'm a tech guy all the way, I realize there will be a learning curve for those not fast at assimilating new tech but with time and constant use it will become second nature for most of us, thank you, new subscriber! Peace!

[@midlife-crysis]

3:08 that’s the sound of a sewing machine.

[@peterjones4621]

Do you mean sewing machine? Back to school for you Einstein.

[@mint88rx8]

If you "took some soft panier bits on the left side" it would be on the swingarm which would not effect the suspension in anyway. But hey, without adjusting the suspension who would know anyway!

[@joemann3536]

too bad Harley didn't take a page out of Triumph. you can not tell the Triumph 120 bobber is liquid cooled and it still looks great. This bike looks more like a an improved version of the V-Rod. I loved the V-Rod and I love the real Sportster. this is a beautiful naked sport bike but not a sportster. I wish Harley would put a bigger version of this motor in a lean low-slung softtail frame. I own a 2023 soft tail standard with low drag bars and a 120 Inch Version of that motor would be something...I can dream, thanks for sharing. stay in the wind.

[@BikeMatters]

Thanks for the comment Joe.

[@shomarihead1807]

Great review. Checking one out this weekend. Did your girlfriend have anything to say about the exhaust being so close to her leg while riding 2-up?

[@BikeMatters]

Thanks! She said she was aware of it, but made no complaints about it.

[@TheMponde]

How is it for long rides?

[@decimat777]

waiting for a set of rear controls before I get one, i have a 120hp sportster iron 883 with rear controls and it's a blast. (not anything 883 about it anymore if you know what i mean)

[@BikeMatters]

Rear set controls will be lovely on this!

[@M_Proximo]

Would love to see your review on the triumph bobber

[@BikeMatters]

Keep your eyes on the channel!

[@euanwilliams1204]

I’m 6’2, would this be a problem as I have heard some people say tall people may struggle

[@BikeMatters]

I'm 6'3" and got on with it fine, so you should be okay! Definitely worth at least sitting on if you can

[@desmojsn4350]

En personnalisant la moto elle peut etre tres belle avec un bon échappement sa claque très fort je possède cette moto et franchement sa tourne fort pour une harley

[@waseemnapawala7563]

Anyone know where to get the pillion seats and backrest in UK?

[@AdamForeman]

Harley has no idea of the European bike market. Why buy this over the Ducati Diavel V4? There's no comparison

[@sanojx3161]

This one is far better looking than the Diavel, also people who buy Harley's are not looking for speed to money ratio.

[@AdamForeman]

@@sanojx3161 you need to ride the Ducati Diavel V4! It's development and technical design makes it not just a Cruiser, but pretty amazing even on track. The HD Sportster is thirsty for one thing, cumbersome riding ability due to old 50's suspension and £300 a piece fat tyres making it slower and more difficult to corner. It only has one disc brake, no technology. All you're buying is 1950's technology and the Harley Davidson brand name with a TFT screen instead of analogue dials. You'll be filling up at petrol stations more too! It's fuel tank is way too small, in fact, I have no idea how American biker's deal with it. Far better off with a Motoguzzi, BMW GS etc etc.

[@TheFirstCause]

Looks and price. The looks are subjective. I actually think both bikes are beautiful. But the price? You get great performance with the Sportster S, an amazing futuristic muscle cruiser look, and a price at least a third less than the Diavel.

[@joeburr7537]

You're clearly a not a fan of it. Wow😂

[@nkatekomhlari]

It sounds really boring I don’t blame him

[@michaelgarcia8293]

I’m only 5’1 would I be able to flat foot 🦶 this bike ????

[@BikeMatters]

I reckon so! It's not too wide

[@davidjones535]

It's a bobber you children should have tried riding one of the hard tails from back in the day

[@lusjsjmsmsksm7347]

Your pathetic

[@lenphil9875]

First harley motor that doesn't sound out of tune. Welcome to the 21st century harley.

[@martyn_g]

Mmmmm. Preload is NOT to adjust the softness of the bike. You set it for payload, (20% of extended travel for road bikes to set the sag) and you leave it alone. It’s basic motorcycle suspension set up guys. You risk a) bottoming out the shock and b) ruining the bikes geometry.

[@hexy514]

im a new rider and big fan of harley range, but this to me has no appeal to me and that includes the nightser they sound horrible and ill be going for the low rider s

[@David-bf6pl]

Everyone in the world should at least sit on a Harley-Davidson and listen to it roar.

[@DonMachado]

The left side looks unfinished to me. No question why we never had a look at it in this video.

[@pauls3696]

I'm not a fan give me the soft tail standered anyday there no room for bags because of the exhaust big put of for me

[@cormac8836]

Why would this succeed when the vrod failed?

[@auspaso]

Failed ? They are selling for 40k standard here in aus , people fkn love vrods

[@ISEEORBS]

Ill wait 8 years and pick one up for $2500 and see if I like it or not. I'll stick with my 1999 sportster until then .

[@donzanz9001]

sounds/looks like my wifes indian scout.

[@WidleyWesident]

A nice looking bike but SMALL! As a 6’2”, 19st man it is physically too small for me to be seen on, even though it seems ok to sit on, if a little low. If it were physically bigger I’d consider it, but for now I guess I will stick with my Guzzi.

[@allwheeldrive]

No excuses for a bike - today! - to have so little suspension travel, and at this weight and power, dual discs in front are a necessity. And then the price... All poser.

[@paleo704]

It’s very well priced

[@midlife-crysis]

Tested it myself. So,sooo disappointing. No sale!

[@patrickgoldenbridge1891]

Wdym? I'm thinking about purchasing this bike.

[@midlife-crysis]

@@patrickgoldenbridge1891 did a review on my channel, sound, and electrics broke down on first ride, not a great experience, and ride was a bit crap

[@josepina8793]

@@patrickgoldenbridge1891to each their own I love mine.

[@johnengland8619]

@patrickgoldenbridge1891 the bike is a monstrosity, tiny seat, 2 inches rear wheel travel, forward controls on a sport bike is a no no, single disc up front and heavy tires

[@frankjgornickjr3676]

No wonder Harley-Davidson is going out of business😮

[@joker-ze6hq]

Fall in love In India this Beast price 21,90,715 rupees can’t afford in this life 😢

[@antvn222]

Cry more

[@warrior_singh111]

To padhai kar jake ch*** nibbe, Social media se depression mai mat ja

[@ianbestor1528]

Biggest mistake HD did was cancel their standard sportster line; this model is too "overly designed", so to speak. There's no rawness or timelessness that appeals and is what's attractive of HD's. I've got a 91 softail and don't plan on getting rid of it because of it's timeless appeal. The Sportster S is in an aesthetic category of japenese metric bikes. That's why the HD V-Rod didn't take off.

[@scottkaercher1733]

I would have to have the loud Harley sound.

[@christianscott4664]

You should hear it with a £2.5k Zard exhaust... pure quality!

[@scottkaercher1733]

@@christianscott4664 im asking everyone what exhaust i should put on to make it loud and rowdy. Im leaning toward vance and hines. Im gonna put 40 over forks on the front to make it a chopper.

[@alvacole2372]

Woah man, keep in mind that passenger seat is made for American women. Zing.

[@Johnclark300]

Harleys are junk, I just bought a 2024 Honda gold wing, let me tell you about the Honda gold wing, its perfectly balanced, it's quite smoother than a fresh sheet of ice, it's the best motorcycle I have ever owned. I used to own a Harley, it's the worst decision I ever made.

[@BikeMatters]

Thanks for sharing, the golden status of Honda is undeniable!

[@albimaks]

What a dick...they're completely different bikes. Golding is great for a 60 year old...this is a nimble fun bike.

[@robertprosser6856]

Far too little travel in both front and rear suspension! Dual disc front brakes would be a better idea! There's far too much cheap looking plastics compared to most HDs! The bike looks very scruffy from the left lots of not very well routed cables etc. Riding position is just awful!👎

[@craigmcvean7911]

Have you ridden one?

[@colinrobinson9674]

All bullshit this is a magnificent bike, fast, fun and extremely cool

[@robertprosser6856]

@craigmcvean7911 no but lots of reviewers and journalists have.

[@robertprosser6856]

@colinrobinson9674 how is what I've written all BS explain?

[@colinrobinson9674]

​@@robertprosser6856 you talking referring to reviews and journalists, have you ever ride one? if not you are just writing bullshits to me

[@ponowai1]

Hard pass.

[@ace-lv5gp]

We call them junk over here. Sounds like a sewing machine not a HD

[@WR442olds]

I'm not very impressed with the looks of this. Too much plastic looking stuff for me. Sorry I don't know what I like about it. I'm going to stick with my 2005 custum sportster.

[@dereksmith5551]

This bike is not meant for a passenger sure they sell the pavilion seat, but it’s not meant for a passenger

[@antvn222]

Lol what

[@msrbuka]

@@antvn222 He is right. You want mass transport, ride a bus.

[@barefeet55]

I’m so disappointed. I’ve got a 2012 sporty, got it brand new back I. The day. This right here is not a sportster, and I stand by that. The simplicity is gone. It looks bloated, like they’re trying to make a bike that looks like it’s from they year 3000. I ride my bike long distance. Toronto to Texas, to the Yukon, etc. you can’t do that with this. It’s so heartbreaking to see this.

[@BikeMatters]

Those are mega distance rides! Toronto to Texas is up and down the UK 5 times! 🤣 This new model would likely not be up for it. Thanks for your comment.