What do you guys think of the new Sportster S? Let everyone know down in the comments!
@daviddomingo7768 Жыл бұрын
Went into the dealership 2 months ago, test drive the 2023 sportster s ...wow, amazing bike . Reminded me of the fun I had with my old Ducati street fighter some years ago . Anyways, traded in my sportster 48 and came home with 2023 sportster S . You will not regret it .
@MOTOBLADE Жыл бұрын
Congrats on the new ride!
@MichaelCalderon-zl2bx5 ай бұрын
I’ve seen some people making claims of it being unreliable? In the time you’ve had it have there been any issues ?
@jonathanclague9422 жыл бұрын
I’ve got one of these bad boys, and I love it! Disclaimer: I’m a newbie, been riding 6 mo’s so no real deep bike knowledge base, but I have been very impressed. Thanks for the detailed review, confirms what I’ve been feeling, but again since I have zero reference it’s good to see someone seasoned talking about my ride.
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
Glad to hear from someone who owns one and is enjoying to so much! What an awesome bike to be riding when you're starting out! Ride safe and have fun man!
@jonathanclague9422 жыл бұрын
@@MOTOBLADE I will tell you, I 100% agree with the seat "skimpiness" issue you pointed out. And I, too, have experienced the feeling of sliding back in it when I hammer the throttle...it is somewhat unsettling? But H-D does offer an upgrade, about $300, and by photo of someone who'd commented on their site with them side by side, it looks like it is 2.5-3 times as supple. And with maybe a tiny little rise/lip to the back? I've ordered mine, it's to be delivered Monday. That was also my ONLY COMPLAINT so far, hopefully that's now a non-issue
@bharsen2 жыл бұрын
I've owned my S since september 2021 and I gotta say it's the best bike I've ever owned. It's also the fastest I've owned considering I ran 10.93@119mph in the 1/4 mile and 6.91@100mph in the 1/8 mile at Lapeer dragway. Super pumped to finally be in the 10's bone stock.
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
That's AWESOME! Do you have any video of that on KZbin? I'd love to see it.
@bharsen2 жыл бұрын
@@MOTOBLADE I do not, i was at the track alone. I do have a print out of my timeslip though. It seems youtube won't let me post it from my Google account. It breaks down like this, 60ft : 1.658 330ft: 4.489 1/8: 6.917 @ 100mph 1000ft: 9.069 1/4: 10.939 @ 119mph If you go onto the Harley Davidson forums I posted it in the rev max/sportster s section months ago.
@douglasradowick508 Жыл бұрын
Hey Motoblade, Doug here, what's been going on in your bike riding world? I am the guy who spoke of being 351lbs(with a "Tex-@$$" sized back porch" I've dropped down to 285lbs and re-evaluating which Harley-Davidson I get for my first bike! Doug, good to see you on KZbin again!😁🧸😇
@MOTOBLADE Жыл бұрын
Hey Doug! Haven't been riding at all since November due to cold and snow. Been focusing on building my aviation business and working on other projects. Got a snowmobile to do winter videos for you guys but we haven't had enough snow to open the trails yet. Good to hear from you! I will have something new for you guys soon I hope!
@GusPineda-k2h10 ай бұрын
That's the ultimate bike , l would love to have 1 , I want 1 really bad . Awesome simply Awesome , Harley Davidson is still the king
@neilsbaker97902 жыл бұрын
Great review nice calm voice and thorough examination of the bike….well done !
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! ✌🏻😎
@peterjones46216 ай бұрын
Thank you, I'm picking my new S up tomorrow, this old timer is going to have some fun!! Excellent review, you covered it all!
@MOTOBLADE6 ай бұрын
Congratulations! 🎉 have fun and be safe! Glad you liked my review. Thanks for watching :)
@johnbarrett75343 жыл бұрын
I ordered a Pearl White bike minutes after the July 13th reveal. I test rode one on October 9th. That sealed the deal for me. On the 12th the dealer called and said 2 Black bikes came in and asked if I wanted one. I passed as I ordered Pearl White. Being told now around Christmas for mine to come in. A long wait indeed. I rode my Shovelhead for 24 years. Looking forward to a more modern bike. I can already see the speeding tickets being written.
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
You're gonna get into a lot of trouble on that bike 😉 it's worth the wait for what you want. Ride safe brother✌🏻
@allanmobley9403 жыл бұрын
I own one. Two weeks now. Absolutely love it!
@CNNLA3 жыл бұрын
Didn't know they were available yet. What was the price otd?
@allanmobley9403 жыл бұрын
@Merle J. Stadnyk Never been on a V-ROD, so can't say in comparison but the high exhaust is only noticable in stop and go traffic. You feel the heat a little but it's not burning.
@allanmobley9403 жыл бұрын
@@CNNLA They started hitting the dealerships in late September, early October. I got mine at MSRP.
@CNNLA3 жыл бұрын
@@allanmobley940 I've got my name in to 2 orange county dealers... no calls. Hafta reach out to them this wknd.
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
Congrats on the new bike Allan! Ride safe man ✌🏻
@jasong5463 жыл бұрын
I was so mad I couldn’t buy the 1 model that showed up at my dealer, but then I thought about how much over the other bikes are over msrp and maybe it’s better this way. I think it’s really cool, and I would like to add it to my touring model, but it might be better to try next year.
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
Who knows, you might have some guys decide they don't like them and trade them in, in like a month or 2. You could snag one with hardly any miles without the new price tag! I check cycle trader for deals like that all the time. Good luck! Thanks for watching :)
@johnlucas8924 Жыл бұрын
No heated grips you have to add them and the staples under the front seat digs into the tank
@tubeee872 жыл бұрын
does your back get dirty? there's no mud guard in the back. Thanks!
@rangered2010 Жыл бұрын
I was really thinking about getting one of these but….. I’ve never had “ride modes” or ABS, traction control or any of that stuff on any of my numerous bikes before. I’ve never needed a GPS or music ( don’t want a bigger bagger) on a bike. Heated grips are optional on this bike but once again I’ve never had them before. There are lots of complaints about the seat, sounds like you will have to buy an aftermarket one! So it kind of seems like I would be paying for lots of stuff I don’t really need and not getting some things that I do need. So I began to look at other bikes. I think the retro Kawasaki Z900RS may be a better bargain for me. It looks great, has almost as much horsepower as the Harley and I’m not paying for lots of “stuff” that I don’t really need. Plus it supposedly has a very comfortable seat. All this for thousands less . I have owned several (3) Harleys in the past and loved all of them ! But I’ve also owned Japanese bikes too and enjoyed them as well. I think people should use the internet and shop around and research as much as you can before you lay down your hard earned money. I don’t know of any company that gives its customers a discount for brand loyalty, unless you’re a movie star or something! The new Sportster S is a really cool looking bike but I just don’t think I can justify spending more for stuff I won’t use.
@MOTOBLADE Жыл бұрын
I agree, if you're not gonna use the features, why pay for them! Shopping around and riding the bike for yourself before you get it is 100% the best way to do it. Never understood people who bought a bike before test riding it. Gotta do the research and find what works best for you. Don't want to buy something and end up having a garage queen, they're meant to be ridden!
@worldtravelstar11483 жыл бұрын
That's a very cool bike. Good looking too! I like the more modern options we're starting to see from Harley. I'm not a believer in the frame being the engine yet. I guess if they don't fall apart going down the road over the next year we will see that it does work 😉
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
I was skeptical at first too, but if you look at the bolts at the mounting points on the thing, they're huge. It ain't coming apart 😁 thanks for watching!
@kevinesh85442 жыл бұрын
It doesn't come stock with heated grips!! That's an option they do not tell you about before you purchase...( the button is there, but that's it).. also, it's rated to get 34.7 mpg ( the worst I've gotten on any of my 5 Harley's)
@ar10ultimate2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic easy going review. Just one more remark from you on the heating issue to right thigh if any in traffic conditions ?
@MOTOBLADE Жыл бұрын
It's been a year since I made this video, so going solely from my crappy memory, I don't remember (or didn't notice) any heat issue on my leg. Sorry, it's been a while since I rode it.
@racerboy44 ай бұрын
Great review!! And thanks for the info on the optional lockable fuel cap!! Only review with that tidbit. Ok so...one of these or an FTR SPORT? Both have tft,cruise,120hp 85+ ft.lbs. both a hair over 500lbs. Man I'm torn!!!
@MOTOBLADE3 ай бұрын
I would throw one other motorcycle into the mix to complicate things a little more 😂 the New Indian 101 Scout. As far as the style of bike it’s more of a direct competitor. More comfortable, more refined, can be built out a little more. I have that video linked in this comment for you. I also have videos on the new 2024 FTR and the new 2024 Sportster S coming in a few weeks. Filmed, just in the queue for editing. I do like the Sportster S and and the FTR, but my personal opinion is I prefer a bike that allows for a long day of riding. That means - seat and bars being customizable for cruising. Between those 2 bikes, that’s the sportster S (or the new scout) for me. Advantage of the FTR is with some off road tires, it is a flat track dirt racer. That was its original intent. So if you intend to go off road for maybe just a little adventure riding, the FTR with the right adjustments would be the better option. So think about your mission, and what you really need and what kind of riding you intend to do. As always the best advice I can give is test ride both for yourself before you buy. You will generally know right away which bike fits/feels better for you. Hope all of that helps 😂 2025 Indian 101 Scout - Ultimate Test Ride Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKrQdpuGja2iaaM
@BillyBrewington2 жыл бұрын
Just bought one on the 26th. They have to get it all put together and ceramic coat, so scheduled for delivery tomorrow.
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
Congratulations!! Enjoy your new ride and have fun 😎✌🏻
@BillyBrewington2 жыл бұрын
@@MOTOBLADE Thanks, I'm sure I will by the looks/sound of all the info from videos such as yours
@ulyssesmcdowell4471 Жыл бұрын
I have one & love it. I'm waiting on some aftermarket pipes to arrive.
@damid3272 жыл бұрын
Question about the starting. Midway through your video it’s made a strange starting sound as if it struggled to start. On what sounded like the second attempt, then it started. Is that normal for the sportster s?
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
No, the bike is fine. I was an idiot and filmed a bunch of stuff and took pictures around the bike for almost an hour. Then went back to start it again. I forgot to turn it off when I did that, so I had drained the battery a bit and it hesitated briefly. That was my fault, not the bike.
@wakajawaka44 Жыл бұрын
I thought the same!! Thanks for asking MOTOBLADE the question. It seems a nice bike, I have never owned a Harley but I am now tempted!
@damid327 Жыл бұрын
@@wakajawaka44 turns out that the starting issue I was having is a known problem with the sportster. Harley Davison had to change the starter friction assembly. It was a pain dealing with head office and disappointed Harley Davidson needed so much energy to fix an in warranty problem. The bike has been at the garage most of the riding season and eventually the engine had to be replaced.
@wakajawaka44 Жыл бұрын
@@damid327 Thank you for the reply. That’s extremely annoying, frustrating and disappointing that you could not ride your new Harley during the riding season. I was under the impression the Sportster S engine’s were very reliable. Harley Davidson like KTM seem to have earned themselves quite a reputation for unreliability!
@toofastnobrakes3 жыл бұрын
Still reeeeally hoping they bring back the Bronx. I test rode this bike, And its nice. But not quite what I’m looking for
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
I'm hoping for the Bronx as well! We haven't had an American 'sport' bike since buell tapped out. Would be nice to see a lot of good variety from Harley.
@jeepstertj5563 жыл бұрын
they have more sporty models of the sportster like a cafe racer and a tracker but I think the bronx is dead
@vtbaggerbro62912 жыл бұрын
Hella sweet ride dude. Nice video!
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@Elgixxer2006 Жыл бұрын
3:00 riding position can be change with mid controls , some ppl prefer mid controls
@BenalRida3 жыл бұрын
HHi, very nice and comprehensive review of the new HD. Thanks very much! I would also like to test ride it but I would be very much interested how it exactly works with the connection to your phone and the actual displays on the screen when it comes to the navigation. Would it be possible for you to cover this in a video as well? THanks so much!
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
Glad you liked the review! I can try to cover the 4-inch screen with gps/map function in a future video. The one that was available at my dealership sold, and the next closest dealership is 3 hours away, so it may be a little bit before I have a chance to review it again. I will keep it in mind for the next time I'm at a Harley dealer for you!
@BenalRida3 жыл бұрын
@@MOTOBLADE Thanks very much and Happy Halloween! :)
@FUNOW1693 жыл бұрын
Is that front master cylinder an after thought?
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
If I had to guess, I think they're going for more of a sport bike master cylinder reservoir look. Clear, prominently placed. I agree with you, it could stand to be A LOT more subtle.
@bnplaza2 жыл бұрын
would you consider those MidControls or forewardControls , thanks for the video.
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
They're definitely forward controls, especially compared to the mids Harley has on any of their other sportsters. I do believe you take them even further forward though.
@jonathanclague9422 жыл бұрын
These are def forward, but not super forward like some Harleys I’ve seen. And the mid (they sell an optional setup for it) might feel too tucked under, given the seat height being so low. Or maybe it’s my height, I’m 6’4” so I have more leg than most to tuck up under my arse 😆
@Alfisti1562 жыл бұрын
What do you think of sporster s as a beginner bike?
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
It's lightweight enough and has a low seat height that anyone should feel comfortable on it. For controlling power, anyone who doesn't want a lot of power/speed at first can use rain mode and have a much smoother learning experience before switching to the other ride modes. With that ability, I'd say it's a perfect bike for a beginner to learn on and grow with when they're ready.
@EBT2arch2 жыл бұрын
What do you think about the occasional long trip on this bike? Like 500 to 750 mils a day?
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
I'd probably want to upgrade the seat to something like a saddlemen road sofa for that kind of range. That paired with the cruise control already on this bike and you could cruise in comfort forever. 750 miles no problem.
@jonathanclague9422 жыл бұрын
I’ve not taken any long trips, just getting into the bike culture. But I did buy the one optional other seat from Harley just last week. Well worth the couple hundred bucks it cost me! I feel next to nothing, now, whereas before it was super sensitive to every pebble, and the rear bolster was so flat that wide open throttle felt like you were gonna slide right off the back! Not anymore.
@waynebruce24893 Жыл бұрын
6:16 this guy really said he likes the sound of the exhaust 🧐
@DocXitij2 жыл бұрын
Hello Sir ! I’m 6’4” tall. Do you think sportster S will be a bike for me ??
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
Bike is plenty big enough for you. You can also get extended reach bars or seat if you need a little more room. Best thing to do is try to test ride it and see if you like the feel for yourself!
@jonathanclague9422 жыл бұрын
I’m 6’4”, and have one. It’s fine! Be honest, every bike is “small” for us, but this one works comfortably
@sk54373 жыл бұрын
How about clutch? Is that light?
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
I would say it's "normal" compared to the other sportsters. I had a performance clutch spring installed in my sportster, so when I ride something that is stock like this it always feels lighter. But compared to other sportsters, about the same. Certainly lighter than a large touring bike clutch or the clutch on a M8 engine.
@nickpapagiorgio80382 жыл бұрын
I'd say it's much lighter than the standard Harley
@RogerBuffington Жыл бұрын
Great review great job.
@kevinesh85442 жыл бұрын
I've owned the 2021 Sportster S since 11/29/21, and I'm impressed with the speed, and the quietness of this bike, but otherwise, I'm not impressed with this bike ( I've owned multiple Harley models, from 1988 to 2014, every size and shape..) I like the handling, but otherwise, that's it.
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
Good to hear an opinion from someone who owns one. I liked the speed and handling as well. Is there anything specific about it that you really don't like?
@kevinesh85442 жыл бұрын
@@MOTOBLADE Probably the main thing is the MPG. The fuel guage isn't consistant. You can get a wide variety of miles, once the idiot light comes on..( I've ran completely out , and I've had 3/4 of a gallon left...with similar distance traveled)..and once the low fuel light comes on, it nearly blocks out the entire display.
@rangered2010 Жыл бұрын
So did you use or need any of the “gimmicks “ (traction control/gps/ music ect.) Was the seat as bad as everyone says?
@8000theone5 ай бұрын
Nice video thanks:)
@MOTOBLADE5 ай бұрын
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching :)
@pietrosanfilippo96063 жыл бұрын
What gloves do you have?
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
@Pietro Sanfilippo They are the @IconMotorsports Icon Anthem II gloves. Very comfortable, breathable, and offer good protection. I did a review a couple years ago on my channel in the video I linked below. Same gloves I'm still wearing. They've not worn out yet! Hope this helps, thanks for watching! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXzWfJ6coq6ghqM
@pietrosanfilippo96063 жыл бұрын
@@MOTOBLADE Thank you very much! Amazing review of the bike. I just bought one.
@my2wheels2 жыл бұрын
Fuel tank lock?
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
Yes, they have that as an option
@my2wheels2 жыл бұрын
@@MOTOBLADE It should be standard you know that.
@patland733 жыл бұрын
Ahhh you....Now i have to go get my butt on one and test it out hahahaha, it sure looks like a fun bike! Not sure abour the look of it, but i guess we ll get use to it. Thanks for the great review!
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
I'm always going to prefer classic looking bikes. But I think these "modern" bikes are here to stay now. It is a lot of fun to ride though, can't deny that. Thanks for watching :)
@odysseusking1 Жыл бұрын
I am a new rider, I want a fat Bob but now All this review has done is torn me between this and the fat Bob… 🥶
@MOTOBLADE Жыл бұрын
Fat Bob is more comfortable in my opinion if you want to spend more time riding. Definitely test ride both!
@jesusaarellano71532 жыл бұрын
I just got my in white
@Dudeaidsdad9 ай бұрын
I disagree. I find it's very sporty. The previous iterations did not evolve fast enough. It was like buying a 1957 Volkswagen and a 1975 Volkswagen and expecting something new.
@Mr.Quizzable3 жыл бұрын
I want it. I want it soooo bad 😂
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
Me to bro, me too... 😂
@waynebruce248932 жыл бұрын
You need to adjust your camera. It's pointing too low and it's off center. It's distracting from the video
@MrChancebozey3 жыл бұрын
Test ride the bike. Don't take anyone's word for it's capabilities. I recently test road this Sportster S. On California roads this was a nightmare to ride. The short travel stiff suspension spot lighted the crappy stock riding position and baby sized hand grips. Uncomfortable pain. The bike I rode had the front tire worn round instead of having the advertised peak so it was a slug to maneuver. Not flickable. The rear brakes were non existent as in I could not tell if they even did anything. You could definitely feel the heat from the exhaust on your leg. Noticeably uncomfortable. The overall experience might have been a little better if it had mid controls and adult sized hand grips but it wasn't because it didn't. I was looking forward to the test ride and came away very disappointed.
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
Sorry you had an unfortunate experience with the bike, but you are probably in the minority there. I preferred the forward controls and the riding position very much. I never noticed the heat from the exhaust, nor did any other riders I spoke to that had tried the bike. But yes, everyone should always test ride a bike before purchasing. Everyone is going to have their own preferences and opinions.
@silversurfertim2123 Жыл бұрын
I wish they called it something else, it’s not a Sportster.
@toofastnobrakes3 жыл бұрын
First thing this bike needs is an exhaust
@MOTOBLADE3 жыл бұрын
Agreed! I like em loud 😏
@preacherman6212 Жыл бұрын
I’ve heard a few different exhaust on this bike and it still sounds like the Jetsons😂. I own a Indian Scout bobber with the Freedom Combat exhaust and it sounds like war.
@toofastnobrakes Жыл бұрын
@@preacherman6212 yeah, most of the exhausts I’ve heard still make it sound corked up. The only two I’ve heard that are not is the TBR exhaust, and the Toce. And it’s because they are basically straight pipes
@Sgt-Green2 жыл бұрын
I have a sportster s and I am not so happy it’s a verry good bike don’t get me wrong but the paint is weak plastic weak tyres to expensive the dealership verry cold and verry expensive the bike a lot of issues for that price you can get a lot of better motorcycles no more Harley for me
@MOTOBLADE2 жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with it. Come to the Dark side. Get and Indian. Join the tribe ✌🏻😎
@johnlucas8924 Жыл бұрын
I have a 2021 this bike sure ain’t worth what you have to pay for it so many problems seat wiring a bunch
@stevesyncox9893 Жыл бұрын
It’s a Porsche.... like the Polaris “Indian”..... may as well be an AMF.
@joellaurin90072 жыл бұрын
Not a real sportster.... putting the sportster name on a complete departure from what the sportster wad and still is doesn't make it a sportster. Sorry but Harley is dead and this is the death of Harley and what it means to so many people. I guess the hipsters and new age wanna be bad asses like it.... they won't though over time.
@demon8173 жыл бұрын
My bike is way lighter and 130hp with tons of torc the T is for trash all that money and need a seat off the bat, that's harley for you, and a ton of other over price items. The suspention has been on most bikes for years nothing special. Sounds well not so good. Modes been out since 2017 on other bikes. They just stole the technology. WAY TO GO HARLEY.