Does the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S change the game? l MCN review

[@nickrider5220]

It wasn't tested anywhere else in the world . How else can an oversized front tyre, single front disc and minimal rear suspension travel get through development testing ? There's a good bike in there waiting to be released, I feel sorry it's been foolishly handicapped by the development team ☹

[@fyorbane]

Completely agree. It's like the development team didn't know what to do with the rear suspension and front end setup.

[@larrys.3992]

Couldn't have said it better.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Well said, concur, not forgetting that ridiculous riding position ie fwd controls...

[@remigusker6024]

Harley gonna Harley.

[@rickybobby8224]

Its a cruiser. Dont be dense.

[@mbal4052]

First time I've ever considered a harley but with limited suspension and single disc it's a no from me. Id have a nine T over it which handles and rides well.

[@sagarthapa3765]

Well, consider this, it's not breaking sound barriers and it's lighter than the old Sportster 1200 Custom. Which means, the single disc ought to suffice. Just saying, think about it, it's lighter and for the majority of it's life will be used for city riding and one day rides. Single disc is fine.

[@mbal4052]

@@sagarthapa3765 120bhp kid, do you even ride?

[@theopinionatedmr.b7220]

@@sagarthapa3765 I agree, it’s a Sportser not a MotoGP bike. A single disc is fine. There are about a billion HD and other branded bikes out there with just as much go and many much heavier that make do with a single disc. Anyone who rides would know that.

[@Soshi12005]

@@mbal4052 at least it’s a brembo and not some trash Harley thing

[@Blballerboy]

What are you going to every video and pasting this comment? I've seen this in 3 videos now, do you need your opinion validated that much?😑

[@tommy8087]

I own a ‘07 1200.. I am all for change, but this bike should’ve just been a different line of Harley. The sportster is what it is, make this a new line and I think it would’ve been taken completely different by riders. Great review sir..

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thanks, we seem to be on the same page there...

[@willbowie4926]

I had a 19 Fat Bob, which seems very similar. I agree with all the things you said regarding front wheel tip in, poor composure round corners, lack of confidence in damp conditions. I hated those tyres too, they really lack stickiness. All these things were why i got rid of the Fat Bob after 12 months, even though i loved a lot of other things about it, particularly how it looked and sounded.

[@nickmassey9104]

Deffo needs a different front end twin discs 140 section tyre .and that rear light and reg unit looks shocking .Great honest review

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thanks Nick!

[@rattyratstuff7125]

buell front end boiiii

[@DB71170]

Think I'll stick with my 98 sportster sport, definitely disappointed but horses for courses & I'm sure new young riders will enjoy it.

[@allwheeldrive]

Great effort by HD, but it's simply not fully cooked. Compromised seating, handling, braking and heat management don't cut it. The promise is there.

[@jamessankey01]

Great detail thanks. This is the third "professional" video I had to watch to see if a passenger is an option. And thanks for calling them out on the single front disc.

[@vincentbeijing6926]

Very interesting review, thank you! While I love my 2016 HD 1200 Roadster, i am also happy about the new direction Harley is heading to, embracing modernity while cultivating their originality. I’d consider owning one of these new bikes, and probably keep my classic sportster besides, for its pleasant “new old” bike feeling.

[@wraymogg]

I guess this bike is aimed at me! I didn't liked any HD so far, but I love this one (less the scrambler pipes). I drive an Indian Scout Bobber and a Triumph Rocket 3R, so you can imagine this design is right in my yard. I can't wait to test drive it!

[@jayremi4384]

Nice review. Would be slightly more enjoyable if you showed more the bike than yourself.

[@realdevbro447]

Yeah, i thought about the same. The video is about the bike and it wasn't showned enough. Actually disliked cause of that.

[@xtc2v]

Emissions test has nothing to do with climate changing CO2 emissions. Cats actually slightly increase CO2 emissions per mile due to the extra power needed to push the exhaust gasses through its honeycomb structure.

[@Full_Deflection]

Harley had an incredible chance to build the Bronx, which would have been superior in every way to the Sportster S. Instead, they castrated the motor and mated it up to substandard suspension and stopping power.

[@avitarmageddon1721]

Great review but of course the new, improved, design has meant losing some of the traditional Harley character, that's why they stuck to the old air-cooled motors for so long. Unfortunately you can't have both and new regs mean they had to change.

[@James_765]

Appreciate the opinion from a guy who knows Harley.

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Jordan's very knowledgeable about them for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@sl4305]

I would like to see a lighter naked frame with much more suspension travel. Bring on the Bronx

[@jimmansi1187]

I 100% agree, I feel the same, that’s when they’ll get my attention. As for now I’ll stick with my Superglide

[@GRIPWOLRD]

Excellent review as usual Jordan. MCN, please more from Gibbons!!!

[@benmorgan2006]

The only thing that is stopping me from completely liking this bike is the oversized front tyre. I don't think Harley thought it through.

[@mightymikethebear]

It does look chunky and the reviewer stated that it made the handling suffer.

[@mightymikethebear]

@@lastride9159 Yes, there is a thing called opinion and yours is no more important than anyone else. Don't be rude.

[@mightymikethebear]

@@lastride9159 Please tell me what data supports your opinion. Do you work for HD? If you do not, I doubt you have any data.

[@kaliskunkog2255]

Yes it change the game for Harley.

[@gtrmadman4127]

I’m planning to purchase one when they come into the second hand market with some mods done like different exhaust, tidy rear end etc never rode a Harley so hopefully with this one

[@michaelhayward7572]

This guy does brilliant reviews.

[@markh.harris9271]

Have you even actually ridden this bike ? You don't know what you're talking about. 1) you must set the preload on the rear ; for your weight I would recommend 10-11 clicks turned in from 0. 0 is defined as turned all the way out. 2) 40 to 50% of the braking of the Sportster S comes NOT from the calipers and discs , but from the engine; and this is tunable | configurable. The Sport mode has a much more aggressive engine braking.... but the Road mode is also quite good. I often don't even have to use my brakes AT ALL on the twisties and county roads... its fabulous. The single caliper works exceptionally well with the cornering traction control and the ABS. Two calipers is completely unnecessary. That front brake will grab, but not lock. 3) Your fat tire criticism is bullshit. The front tire has a high aspect ratio and a parabolic center... do the math on the wheels... they are almost 26" in diameter, and side to side lean contact patch is only 1.75 inches. This bike is NOT work AT ALL... it is nimble, even playful, holds a line, and in the twisties is absolutely the most fun I've ever had on a sport cruiser (bar none) and with 34 deg of lean angle you're going to have to WORK to scrape ANYTHING on the ground. I own the Sportster S (Midnight Crimson) and with my little over 200 miles so far, and about 50 reviews so far, you're the first person I've heard YET say that this bike is hard work to steer. Bullshit. I will back down just a bit, and say that you may need to check your tire pressure ??? marcus

[@R3RLEE]

Totally agree, no problem with the steering, apart from this bloke!! Through his ass!

[@mikeogden5256]

Yes it does for Harley Sportster Owners

[@mikeogden5256]

I’m a sportster guy and I’m super excited….

[@cornishreptiles]

It’s got no travel on the suspension and a low seat height but vastly improved ground clearance. Maybe the massive fat tires is why. Put a lower profile tire on and your loosing ground clearance again.

[@f_r_e_d]

Is it possible to buy thinner tires? Or must you stick with fat tires in order for it to be compatible with the bike?

[@notw312]

Thx for your feedback/opinion. I still love the look of this bike and really want to try for myself before making any decisions. But I am leaning more towards an adventure or touring bike currently. Cheers!

[@raymondwright4744]

I totally agree with your observations and conclusions 👍

[@davesnowpros6785]

I ride a bmw r ninet and there is absolutely no way that this bike would ever be on my radar. Same applies for things like the Thruxton, street twin etc. I get your connection with the modern retro thing but I don't think that anyone seriously considering those bikes is going to look twice at this.

[@dannyflydays7166]

Great review, so is it it just a bit pricey for what it is then ?

[@filoIII]

This could be a hot bike, but HD bigwigs are dumb as a box o' bricks. SINGLE disc rotor up front????? THAT just shows they know didley 'bout bikes.

[@Truthfulmonk031]

I'm sure you know this already but teaser photos have already been released for a more traditional Iron style Sportster. If that's what you want it will likely be release sometime next year with the 975 engine. The Sportster S wasn't aimed to be that at all.

[@livetoride8668]

Thanks for your review. My concern is exactly the same as yours. I own a KTM duke390 that has very sharp handling from excellent WP suspensions. that's what Sportster S doesn't have.

[@MyMednas]

Cheaped out on the front brake, fat front tyre and mid controls is an expensive option. Seems like they put off lots of potential buyers in an effort to make it weird.

[@PaoloD2R2]

Riding position is something TORQUEMADA would be proud of...

[@gpzfan5272]

Harley obviously have no idea what people want. Would take the FTR over this all day long.

[@Firestorm637]

With the 120 horsepower and low weight probably one of the fastest Harley’s

[@chriscoates2399]

What's it like to ride ? QUOTE "really good really rewarding". It's a Bike for me I like it QUOTE "Really good vastly improved bike" . The soul is in NEW times and ageing will catch up

[@gray_wolverine63]

Nice review. But I'm sorry, I totally disagree with you about the handling. I came from the sport bike world. This is my first 2023 Harley DavidsonSportster-S, and that is why I bought it, I felt right at home when carving thought turns. It is all about body positioning. I also customized it with Thuderbike parts. So I love more now.

[@benclarke6646]

I'm looking forward to giving one of these a go. Although it sounds like I should ride the old one first!

[@wooddawg4868]

The ride is totally different. The revolution max platform is fully counter balanced, liquid cooled and a refined ride and not a rough sounding vibrating motorcycle. The change in refinement is something folks are gonna have to get use to going forward. Honda has their Goldwing Yamaha has their Venture Indian has their Challenger & Dark Horse And others that are Cadillac smooth refined and most of all more maintenance free drive trains.

[@alphajed7700]

So maybe this is how Suzuki got an inspiration about the map features and put it on their GSX-S 1000GT.

[@bikersoncall]

Lost me at 'Climate Change' ...lol

[@wooddawg4868]

The biggest deal about the revolution max is the advancement of the revolution max engine platform. The days of hot air cooled engines are over, the revolution max engine has designed all the problematic issues out of the design such as: No huge primary chain rotating in oil, no pushrods, no rocker arms, no bottom end cams. HD had to get into the true name of luxury motorcycles, the use of full counter balancing & full liquid cooling are long overdue as is the technology of the ride modes to produce the Cadillac smooth ride people had to go to other manufacturers to get like the Goldwing & Honda Venture. Having single oil fill and single oil draining and a refined running motor is with the modern times. This revolution max platform in some form will be in touring model in some format within 2 years to stay competitive or die. I love my street glide M8 107 but I’ll take this motor/engine in it.

[@filoIII]

Naaaa. I neither want nor NEED all the gadgets. I just ride

[@nigelhearne8368]

All things you mentioned on older Harleys are what makes them unique and nothing will change that, modern engine design can go to hell, I'll have my Streetbob over any of it, a real hog 👍🇺🇸

[@natural9743]

With all that weight how do they get away with a single front disc??

[@alphajed7700]

Is this the successor of Sportster 48?

[@SvenTviking]

Needs better rain protection. The front mudguard is tiny and the rear non existent. Plus no radiator guard.

[@steve-wu7jp]

Looks like the styling department won out over the engineers. One brake caliper on a heavy bike with 120 hp? Balloon tires 😂

[@rubensahak9178]

15K USD is lot of money for tiny gas tank with tiny suspension travel.This bike is going from bar to bar nothing more and as such I rather buy Kawasaki stunning Z900RS thousands less but has everything that HD lacks.

[@rubensahak9178]

@@lastride9159 rather pointless post.JUst think why so many HD models failed and ask yourself why consumers didn't buy.

[@WorkerBee2011]

Why would the pan America need more hp vs this bike?

[@zeplin4078]

Wow, great review enjoyed it a lot...

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewprice1189]

Great review! Impressed by Jordans presentation. Look good on the non exhaust side but looks too much like the bike worlds version of a triumph scrambler cross on the exhaust side! AU

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@devonnobles1083]

I was hoping for Neeves. But everyone doing reviews on this bike feels obligated to give it to the guy who loves the old sportster for some reason...I couldn't care less about maintaining that old je ne sais quoi.

[@christianandersson2106]

Agree, also when so called “character” is attributed to vibrations alone there’s little to no depth in it. He is basically saying “my old bike vibrates, that’s action and drama, this one doesn’t”. I guess you could say, unless you like to sit on something that vibrates, this isn’t the review you were looking for, if you know what I mean.

[@rbattson7171]

That's a shame about the handling, because I like the looks of this bike, so it would be be off to the Indian dealership for me, better value for the money.

[@Mateo718]

The new sportster looks cool but that’s about it. Why pay almost 15k for a sportster when you can buy the 114 FXBB. Yes it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles with adjustable suspension and brakes but You’ll have a blast with all the bottom end torque of the 114 also you can always upgrade to the 117 or the 131 kit while having a smile on your face while you pass all the sportsters . Take it from me I own a 16 VRSC, a 15 sportser 48, and the 21 FXBB 114. Overall they should have made that bike with the 1250 that was in the V Rod. For 15k buy a used 2012 -later VRSC for under 10k and with the extra 5k buy a Fitzgerald ground pounder exhaust and tune the bike and still have left over 💰 or go for the FXBB 114. The bike looks bad ass but don’t buy a buy for the looks. Test drive and see what you like. Don’t have buyers remorse it happens to all of us 😂

[@1990-t1j]

To answer the question on the first line: because it's lighter.

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

40 clicks of adjustment for 37mm of rear suspension travel. Oookkkaaayyyy.

[@rattyratstuff7125]

37mm is more than enough if its valved for your weight

[@rattyratstuff7125]

xr50r bbr big boy kit. around 30mm travel at best and valved for 160 lbs and i almost never bottomed except the gnarliest jumps

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

@@rattyratstuff7125 Now rationalise the 40 clicks.

[@rattyratstuff7125]

@@Unfunny_Username_389 theres no way to rationalize that part haha. maybe 5 or 6 would be fine

[@RacerJuan42]

Changing the game for Harley, sure…but against other bikes in the market, not so much. Nice looking machine though.

[@JNAMOTORSPORTS]

Hope they keep the 48 and the regular sportster

[@tedbaxter5234]

Ah, Harley continues its tradition and commitment to under achievement. Congrats to the Orange and Black.

[@gmc3578]

you could get "used" to that big front tire character? I hope!

[@splodge57]

What about the riding position, it looks horrible. I'll be keeping my 2001 Sportster 1200 it red lines at 5500rpm what I prefer.

[@martinberry1040]

Great review.

[@stevied6286]

So Harley have effectively cut off the starter bike..I'd rather have a sportster every day of the week..we like the simplicity..they would have been better off making a single cylinder 750 stripped down custom style like the good old prehistoric sportster!!

[@witofthestaircase1]

An engaging talk.

[@rattyratstuff7125]

buell front end and a modifies rear frame to fit the buel oil tank swing arm{unless new one doesnt use an oil tank haha}

[@deltaghost_zr0872]

Replace the tires and add a second caliper BAM!!! Stop complaining …….. be happy they even chose to make a bike like this one . I strictly ride sports and This might be my first Harley bike .

[@MyMednas]

This is the first Harley I would consider, but would it have been that hard for them to put twin discs in the front. Brakes are 100% not the area to cut costs on a bike.

[@stevelawrie9115]

I liked the old bike :( Particularly the 833. But the parameters are changing and we all have to get used to it. Soon enough, can see it yet, they'll be electric and we'll have to get used to it too.

[@christopherdesbaux5950]

No, we don't. I'm sick of compromising. It's time politicians had some respect for us.

[@stevelawrie9115]

​@@christopherdesbaux5950 Don't want to upset you Chris but they don't and never will.

[@christopherdesbaux5950]

@@stevelawrie9115 I'm not upset, I'm furious. Stand up for yourself before we lose everything.

[@toofastnobrakes]

Wow, this would make a great naked bike! If only Harley had something that was planned like that…. That wasn’t canceled…..

[@philgirling9192]

Shame they dont use the engine in a Buel that would make sense.

[@patrickjamessimpson7268]

in the real world you can get an older iron 1200 or 48 with all the custom bites on it for around 8-9k second hand. already the sportster S is appearing on ebay with cobra exhausts etc for 10,500. these do not seem to hold value like the old sportsters do. plenty on the second hand martket

[@Marc99999]

Well done design dep.

[@zmoney1212]

Why would someone buy this instead of a xdiavel?

[@thevtadventure1062]

I’d still rather have my XR1200

[@rattyratstuff7125]

dad saw one and is pushing me to buy one.... no where near enough money saved though damnit!

[@larrys.3992]

I am not seeing a hole lot to be excited about. Been riding Harley's over 40 years. I just don't know what Harley is thinking with this new Sportster.

[@assistanttothetravelingsec8301]

I love my 2014 Sportster 1200 Touring, but I can see where it lacks in power and handling. I'm eyeing the S for better cornering and way more power. However I'll keep my old one and just add the S. Two bikes are better than one!

[@hockeymann88]

Aesthetically a 1000 + cc motorcycle with a single front disc brake just kills it for me. Maybe it's adequate maybe it's not; why go there if you would like to attract folks that typically don't shop Harley? Does Harley just need to be so different even as they shoot themselves in the foot?

[@magicboxhobbies8902]

All those to but single disc front brake? Harley would probably sell you a twin disc upgrade for more $.

[@samjanko8946]

Bring out da Bronx, this thing is dead in the water!

[@neilcole3406]

Bit disappointed, thought Harley might go down the retro look for the sportster!

[@bigred8438]

Do you like your job Jordan or are you over it?

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Let us know what you think in the comments below!

[@davejohnson9823]

They can't keep making the same old 1950's looking bikes forever. Going to have to change something.

[@filoIII]

New tech???? NO thx. Evolution motor is tried, tested and true.

[@raymondwandell8880]

2" rear shock? Is that true? At some point you have to wonder if harley fails on purpose.

[@omarsalgado9715]

This ain't no dirt bike. 2 inches of travel are decent and plenty even in a 2005 Softail.

[@duncanorr5926]

I literally have no idea why you would but that over an xdiavel s. Apart from the HD name it is an infinitely better bike. To be fare the ducati doesn't have a bad name lol

[@porscherca]

Probably cause it’s £6000 more…

[@jonelvidge9191]

Form over function with the tyres, aimed at the US mkt with their dry long straight boring roads - I’ve ridden with yanks in America, they couldn’t go round bends for toffee, just like the sportsters boots and suspension

[@300zxdriver]

Riding position is ridiculous.

[@1990-t1j]

Not with mid-controls.

[@dalewainwright881]

It looks shocking. Cheap and nasty sold by name only. I won’t be kicking down Harleys doors to get one.

[@jonkelly1920]

Used to own a fatbob 114. Once the road got wet it was like been on skates!! Suspension and dampening super crap also as soon as you try riding it on a bit on b roads or out on the twisty’s ! Sold it for a new s1000r oh man am I so much happy 😃

[@maca600ss]

Lets face it, Harley have been scared of the Indian Scout so they have copied it, but 120hp no suspension and a single disc it will need to be developed more.

[@Gaz6002]

Not my style but great review!

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheHkluivert]

Moto Guzzi should come back with a nice California!

[@sajisebastian8412]

👌👌well said

[@PeterScream]

One big fail here is the audio guy

[@321-Gone]

All HD is going to take away from this video is mixed signals. I want a modern HD. But I want it to be old. And the fact you said je ne sais quoi while talking about a harley.

[@j.moto3435]

What a rip off for $15k. This bike puts out 111hp on the dyno. MT-09 is 110hp on dyno for $9399. Z900 is 115hp on dyno $8999. HD claims this is a "sport motorcycle". What a joke. I am the target market and I’m taking a hard pass.

[@lesjones7617]

HaHa, yupp i had a 883 Sportster and just look at a corner and something wood scrape!

[@anthonymanza4144]

I’ll stick with my ironheads

[@Hillerstrumpa]

Useless, stupid bike. Good review tho!

[@motorcyclenewsdotcom]

Thank you!

[@1990-t1j]

Useless, stupid comment.

[@ape3774]

A water cooled Hog.. That wont sell

[@kangaroo1888]

No longer a Harley then just got the label .

[@Mo-xx9gg]

They evolve not revolve! Huh? You mean that it changed and moved against the old regime! You missed that smh...