Is This Harley Davidson Sportster S Even Really A Sportster ?

This is the biggest battle I have seen about this bike. Should Harley have made the Sportster S. I really love and enjoy this machine and even if its not traditional, I am glad it exists and is opening the way for the future Harley Enthusiast. Even at the cost of the current purist.
If you live in NE Florida and want to test out a few these bikes check out. Twistedroads.com and Riders-share.com to schedule a ride.
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Motorcycles
1995 Honda Magna
2010 Honda VFR 1200F
2021 Harley Davidson Sportster S
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1998 Yamaha YZF-R1

[@1219Tank]

It’s my second Harley and yes; Harley should have made this bike. It’s a beast of a bike. I have a completely customized Road Glide, and I wanted something smaller/ sportier as a second bike and after a text rude, I had to have it. The power of this thing is on par with some of the liter bikes I’ve owned in the past.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Oh ya. My next trick will be trying to get this thing to make pan America power!!! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 not sure when though.

[@scoylevids]

Have to say I’ve never had a bike where I’ve had so many people want to take a pic or ask me what it is. Case closed Harley should build more bikes like the Sportster S. Love it

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Broooo same here. So many random people do the same with me. Even non motorcycle people are interested and ask what it is !

[@alainelanders5652]

I love "our" Sportster S. It's technically my husband's but I ride it now 😂. He has to get on his Indian Roadmaster when I want to ride. It is the first bike I've ever rode and it is a great bike all around. Everything you say is spot on, especially the hot looks and the hang-up on the shifing. Great video, thanks!

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Hahaha thank you !! And don’t worry you’re not alone when I leave to work my wife takes mine out for joy rides too !!

[@northvanwan7428]

I thought this bike was ugly as sin when it came out. Its grown on me since. I'd turf the hugger, get an exhaust and it'd be great.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

I think it looks pretty awesome. Mainly because it looks different from other bikes. I will say I agree it looks better without the hugger but I don’t want my back all soaked if it rains lol. So it’s a function thing. Working on the exhaust.

[@grumpyvegan6439]

The Sportster S is one of the bikes I own. From the beginning (2 years ago) having issues with it tbh. It seems they are all finally solved. Now it rides like it should and....I love it. But yeah, maybe they shouldn't have named it a Sportster. It reminds me more of a V-Rod, or is it just me? Greetings from Belgium.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Very similar concept to a v rod. I think it’s different enough as the rod was more cruiser. I think it should have had its own name personally. What that is I don’t know 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

[@ArmageddonAfterparty]

Would be great if they could make bikes like this without a computer in it.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

This bike would literally not run hahahaha. I do agree though !

[@brianbraden2697]

Spot on analysis. You get it.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 I bought one lol. Of course man

[@christianscott4664]

The best review on KZbin, for sure. I have a 2023 that ive spent money on for upgrades... highly recommend the Zard exhaust, that sounds vastly improved. Never had an issue and im still loving the bike as a second toy. I have now subscribed and looking forward to seeing your other vids. Keep up the good work, mate. Any suggestions for having a play with the rider modes? I thought sport mode is fastest?

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Thank you thank you. That zard is nice. I think my heart is set on the cobrasport. I use A mod always. Which is basically sport mode with engine braking turned up. But full send all the time lol.

[@markgoode77]

Now look here, kid, a little less of the cheap shots at the 'old people' if you please. I'm 67 and I ride a Sportster S. And I ride it fast.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Hahaha your not the people I’m talking about for sure. I know there are a lot of older riders who love this bike. It’s more of the closed minded individuals than the older group if I’m being honest!! Just ruffling feathers is all !!

[@markgoode77]

I know, I'm just yanking your chain a bit. 😂​@@NostalgicMotorcycles

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

@@markgoode77 Hey When I get there I would love to be ripping around a faster bike. I can see it now. I can appreciate the tradition, but it has its time and place.

[@icyGrip666]

Sportser s is a bad ass bike jist really wish they did dual breakes up feont.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Ya I’m sure there is enough space for it lol. People will mod them later on down the line

[@NicePantsLance]

The biggest and sometimes only issue with Harley Davidsons, is price point. The Sportster S is a fantastic machine, but its over $16k msrp, and that means you're spending around $18k out the door! Ridiculous price for a bike that should be around $15k brand new. The Indian FTR1200 is $13,499 and makes a strong case for being an equal or better machine. The 130hp Suzuki Boulevard M109r is just over $15k, and is a proven machine. A Harley Fatboy is over $20k and it's lacking in almost every catagory in comparison. Objectively, Harleys are friggin AWESOME....but as soon as you bring price into the picture its game over!

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Ohh hell ya. The Harley Davidson is branded very well and can charge for such. People still buy them, brand is strong man. I do agree this bike is expensive and most Harleys are. Other Brands for sure give you bang for buck. Thats not Harley. I can say I have not been upset at any Harley I have ridden until I consider the price.

[@1219Tank]

Check out the videos of the Sportster vs the Indian…. The sportsters motor is unmatched. It walked away from both the Indian and other bikes in its class. I agree… it’s expensive though.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Hell it walked away from my zx6 lmaoo !!

[@xsheashea]

Have you tried swapping out the tires yet to improve the turning thing you were talking about?

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Nope that is still the factory front. I am struggling to find a front tire that wide. Not many tire companies make them. I can get a rear and mount it to the front but I haven’t seen anyone else doing this. I am considering going slightly more narrow in the front when I replace it but I haven’t done the research to see what sizes will fit the wheel. So no not really.

[@WTF-rm7lv]

Yeah, love my sportster s also.. just put yss susspension on it to soften it up for my skinny arse, big change.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Nice is it any longer ?

[@derbestrafen]

I test rode one, a little small for me. I'll keep my VROD until they make something comparable, and my VRSCF still looks so much better and has triple discs.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

I will say the v rod is a bad ass looking bike man. This looks good but the vrod looks bad ass especially custom builds. It has a presence for sure.

[@Diabeekei]

Hope to see you test ride the pan am soon!

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Bro I want to. But more importantly. I want to figure out how to get pan am power in the sportster. I’ve been trying to figure out what the parts I need are !

[@Diabeekei]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles I got my 23 sportster S tuned with a cat delete exhaust from Freedom Performance with a dyno tune. It was putting out 115 hp 93 torque to the wheel. I hope it’s possible to get pan am specs onto Sportster. I do plan on trading my Sportster in for a Pan Am, it is miles above with regards to comfort, and the power is just a bit higher at around 6-7k rpm rather than 3-5krpm!

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Ya for me I have other bikes that are more comfortable so getting another bike for the same purpose isn’t really beneficial to me personally. My vfr is comfortable and faster. However a muscle cruiser that’s fun ! Also the sportster wouldn’t really be hurt by a higher powerband it will still rip as it’s a lighter bike for 90ft lbs of torque i doubt it would be something anyone really notices.

[@Diabeekei]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles aw hell yeah dude! My current stable are a ‘23 Z H2 SE, ‘23 Sportster S, ‘06 R6, ‘17 690 Enduro R (specced for 90-10 off-on road), ‘23 TNT135(my lil baby). I’ve been wanting a more long distance tourer and a VFR was one of the choices, but I went with the Pan Am as it has some off road capabilities. I also have been wanting to test ride a Diavel, VMAX, and the new Rocket 3 R Storm to add to the stable as a pure muscle cruiser. If you also end up doing some reviews on either the Panigale V2 or the 990 RC R when it comes out, I’ll for sure keep an eye out on your channel if you test ride any of these! Haha

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Oh hell ya man you have the speed end covered so I see why the adventure would fill the gap. I don’t go off road ever really. And I have a street fighter v4 I should be doing any day now not a v2. But I did a Supersport s before I know the v2 has more juice for sure. I’ll do my best to see how I can source them. A lot of these bikes are locals letting me ride so it’s kind of the willingness of others to make it happen.

[@StormHypermoto]

Sportster S is one of the most beautiful motorcycles of 2020s Amazingly powerful motorcycle . Looks classic and modern at the same time. Being a owner of 2 traditional and 1 modern harleys i love this motorcycle.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Hell ya man, That is Awesome to hear ! I talk alot of crap but one of my "dream Bikes" is a last gen Dyna low rider S. I love the dyna Low more than the softtail for sure. Getting hard to come by and I knew the sportster would be more fun for me right now over the prior dyna engines.

[@JR-sp5xu]

Going back to the passenger seat, is it just really uncomfortable and needs an aftermarkey seat or is it not practical to have a passenger?

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Very small seat and not comfortable. She hurt her back riding on this thing lol. It’s worse then riding on the back of a sport bike lol

[@atv4x4pr]

💪

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@atv4x4pr]

At 9:10 minutes into the video you explained everything. That's the reason I bought mine.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

@@atv4x4pr lmfaooo !!! Comfortable to while speeding ! 😂😂😂😂

[@Txcowboy80]

Faster than the New 101 Scout Bobber?

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Very close. I will race them if I get the chance !

[@phillippugh2161]

The Sportster s is fas ..until you ride a Ducati diaval 😮

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

lol No one said anything about the diavel. Yes its faster. yes its a twin. Completely different bike for a completely different user. Ducati Calls it a cruiser but really. Height, weight size this thing the closest thing to a naked sport tourer that ever existed and that's not even a class. This bike is 100% sport tourer regardless of what Ducati calls it. It is fast though I would love to ride one and make a video explaining what im saying. I like ruffling feathers lol

[@phillippugh2161]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles I'm pretty sure Harley said the S is a sport cruiser , just like Ducati said the diaval is a sport cruise, same category . You mentioned that the S is a fast cruiser. I've ridden both the duck is hyper fast just stating a fact ....fyi the X diaval has the same set up as the sportster S forward control an belt drive

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

I don’t disagree. The sportster S is a fast cruiser. The diavel is faster. Those are facts. Harley called this a sport cruiser but really it’s a muscle cruiser lmfaoo. Cruiser with power. It doesn’t sport handle or sport stop at all. Just being realistic. Same with the diavel. It doesn’t cruise handle or cruiser ergos. Control location doesn’t make it a cruiser. Put a diavel next to a MT-10 it’s the same size and shape. Call it what you will. Manufactures use names that sell like I said in the video for the mustang and the (Mach-e). Both are called “mustangs” Doesn’t make it true. Make sense ?

[@richardparnell8402]

So this bike would take my rebel 1100 no problem eh?

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Oh god yes. No comparison. The Sportster had like 50 more HP and I think 20more tq. And this is me guessing in the 1100s power I think it’s 80/70 something around there. But ya that’s motor is a beast !

[@richardparnell8402]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles yea it's somewhere around there.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

I will say the rebel is more comfortable to ride the position is more friendly. Lower seat taller bars. The suspension on the rebel has no comparison to this. The sportster will feel like it’s riding with no suspension after getting off a rebel. And the rebel will handle better. It’s an easier bike to ride. Not that you can’t just more approachable. The sportster has its quirks But power no chance.

[@elithegreat6463]

These Bikes are a Hot-Mess for H-D, they are unreliable turds..Especially, the 2021 you're on. Strong Sport Mode, but very unreliable. Perhaps they fixed all the Gremlins with the 2024 models, but ultimately, it's a Warranty Junkie, with a Host of issues

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Honeslty never been stranded bro. Haven’t had any issues outside of the original battery drainage which was updated and solved in 2022 so it’s old news. When it’s off for too long some light turn in at start but go away after a minute or 2. I can say in my experience as an owner I disagree.

[@elithegreat6463]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles Issues with this engine is all over KZbin. From the Pan-America, to this Sportster. There’s a channel with some poor guy in Canada with a 2021, that just documents his trips for warranty work with his. It’s a Beast in Sport mode, but as far as trusting models all the way to 2023, never. Hopefully they fixed the Bugs By 2024, But the stigma of unreliability has been set.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Always remember the negative voices will always be heard the loudest. I’m pretty sure I know who you’re talking about but if you go on the forums there are plenty of good stories of this as well. As I said. I own the bike. It’s mine I paid for it it’s in my garage it’s not hear say it’s not internet research it’s hands on experience. It’s fine. I replaced a remote battery and the actual battery 3 years into that’s it. 2 software updates at the dealer and off she goes. I have 100 miles short of 10k on the clock.

[@elithegreat6463]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles And I wish you well with it, I hope H-D Pits this engine (A reliable Engine) into the pending “Bronx”, and not the 975 Version like that Trainwreck Nightster. My Bikes are a 2023 Triumph Rocket 3R, and a 2023 Ducati Monster SP, and 7 prior H-Ds. All BulletProof. 🇺🇸, So far My Ducati has been Flawless, and my Triumph is a Nuclear Weapon. Either way, Ride safe 👋🛴

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Hell ya man sounds like a fun group of bikes. Diverse. That’s awesome !! You are well man sunny side up.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

That thing is not a Sportster. Not in any way,shape,or form. It is an ugly abomination and a shopping list of mechanical issues. HD makes BMW look cheap.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Lmfao sounds like a BMW fan commenting. I agree it should not be called sportster as I said if you watched the video lol. As an owner with 10k miles. I have not been left stranded.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles not yet you mean.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

@@frankmarkovcijr5459 Hey Anything is possible I can not say 100% that it wont happen but that statement is true for any and every bike on planet earth. so grain of salt type thing

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles it has many problems, so many bikes are deeply discounted just to move them. The list includes catastrophe engine failure.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

@@frankmarkovcijr5459 Do you know what percentage of these bikes have had any of these problems. I understand that there have been bikes with issues (this is true for every motorcycle ever created) do 20% of the bike have engine failure? 50/60/70% or are we talking closer to 2-3% again like all motorcycles. Pick your favorite. The one you ride or don't. I guarantee the percentage is the same. people who complain, scream the loudest. I know of a few Japan model bikes made in Japan and different from USA made bikes have these issues not many here that I heard of. Same with electrical issues ? software issues are annoying and shouldn't happen but I don't really count that as a problem as all companies have software issues. Again check the percentage compare that to your personal preference and see the difference. Again percentage of units not number. Harley sells more bikes so total units are higher but percentage. 2 out of 100 is 2% Same as 200 out of 1000. Once you get your research done, I would love to hear your findings. I'll make a video about if you would like. Regardless of your findings good or bad. The title of this being unreliable will be very attractive and I look Forward to blowing some serious stats up people's backsides if it's really that bad.

[@SUPERCY4NS]

What do you think of this review kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJauipyNp8R2oKssi=oeOLwAypF94pBRo5 About having problems with rev maxx engine? Are you experiencing any now? Im planning to get nightster special or the sportster. Im torn about the reliability as im 250miles to HD mechanics if worts comes to worst

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

That sounds like one bad experience to one person but I have heard of different oiling issues. Personally I have not had any. I had an issue with my front sprocket but that was a mechanical part nothing electronic.

[@SUPERCY4NS]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles i see. I hope the newer models are much refined now. 🤞

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

I know there was some electronics issues nothing keeping the bike from Working. I know all that is done now to my knowledge.

[@silversurfer3202]

🧐 I don't care WHAT it is....JUST DON'T CALL IT A SPORTSTER!!!! 😠😡🤬 ( It AIN'T no Fuckin' Sportster, don't Look, Sound or Feel like a Sportster....Just as Dylan Mulvaney is NOT a real woman, THIS is not a real SPORTSTER) 😠!!!! (It's something else entirely to be fair, but it's no Sportster) 🫤.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

lol I said that in the video. I do agree !! And I own one