As Iconic As Its Predecessor? The Harley-Davidson Sportster S 1250 Is Not What I Thought

[@Beastius24]

I test road this and own it since early August. I never thought I would be a Harley guy. Have always loved the looks, but I love spirited cornering. This bike does it all! ❤

[@MidnightExpressMC]

But if you like this bike, you’re still not a Harley guy 🤪

[@Beastius24]

@MidnightExpressMC lol. My HOG badge etc states otherwise. I also like the low rider S and the Fat Bob. :)

[@robbyclark6915]

@@Beastius24. If you own a Harley Davidson, you’re a “Harley guy”. I mean there are guys who DONT even own a Harley Davidson and call themselves a Harley guy. I have a ‘21 FXLRS and the only reason I didn’t get this bike is I could only have one and it had to do it all. Thinking of getting a second bike next year or so, and this is back on the radar again! I just don’t like that high pipe!

[@Beastius24]

@robbyclark6915 thanks mate. I meant I was not a Harley fanatic: I rode Indian, Kawasaki, BMW and even had a Suzuki gsxr750 a few years ago. :) Now I am already thinking about buying a Fat Bob ....lol

[@karllev8763]

Same here, Harley hasn't been at the top of my list but when I saw this bike, I couldn't resist and just went ahead and bought one. While I understand that everyone isn't happy with this new direction, I think this bike, along with the Fat Bob, will be able to attract new riders to the brand.

[@letsgobrandon6992]

Ive had mine for about 3 months and still love it. I have the fender eliminator and tbr exhaust just waiting till after my next service to get it installed.

[@MrAndrew1953]

I would definitely change the forward controls to mids as I feel my feet would be too exposed. I’d opt for the comfy seat and the small handlebar fairing. Congratulations on getting your A2 licence.

[@MrEiniweini]

fair rewiew. I own the 2021 and I had issue with no back to the seat, the clamshell ride position and the wind protection. I fixed all three and I love it. The great thing with HD, if you need to change the ride, there is something there to change it.

[@jaywatson8720]

The first thing I changed on the bike was the far reach I needed to reach the handlebars. I like the foot position but the handlebar reach hurt my back nearly immediately. I found handlebar extensions while I was signing the contract and they made it to my house in two days. That 2 inch rise and 1.5 inch closer was a game changer.

[@felipedourado5721]

Hello Darcy, first of all, congrats for achieving your full motorcycle licence. Now, moving towards the bike on the video, I noticed that you, as many other reviwers, said that the left side of the engine is not as pretty as the right side. I totally get your point since the right side is more, lets say, "polished" but, please, alow me to look to the motor from another prespective. For me, an old school Harley rider (I ride an old, but faithful, Softail Deuce that I love to bits), when consider the the left side of the motors of the new Sporster line up with all those pipes and all the the "relief" they have, they give me the impression that the guts of those beasts were carved out of a block of iron and such feature provides (at least for me) that satisfying heavy industrial appearence that we are all used to associate to Harleys. So, in that regard, I guess if that bike was mine, I would preffer to look to it from its left side. Anyway, it is just my taste and to be sure about what I'm talking about I have to see one of those bikes in the flesh and I still did not have such pleasure. Best regards from Brazil, hope Ol' Man is doing well. ✌

[@iivaridark6850]

Yes, the left side looks better - the right side looks like 2 toasters or old pc:s... front tire is a bit too fat. And should have some mudguard rear. Compares with Ducati Diavel maybe. Or maybe not.

[@lukegilsenan200]

I have bought the Sportster S about a year ago. I love it, I changed the exhaust to the Jekyll & Hyde to make it sound more grunt. The only problem I have with it and its a BIG one is I have had nothing but problems with it. Every time I ride it, I get error codes (the problem with a new engine I guess). I know a lot of people had to have a whole new engine replacement at around 5,000 revs. It is a shame as I absolutely love this bike and ride with a smile on my face every time.

[@Nathan-ct9eh]

Is there any fix for the error codes? I have heard basically only good things about the engines, and am looking at a few that have 500-2000 miles on them currently...

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

what error codes ? @@Nathan-ct9eh

[@MyMotorcycleObsession]

Another thing to mention about this bike is that this new water cooled engine really likes to be revved up high. The power doesn't really kick in until you hit about 6,000 RPM and I think the max is about 9,000 or 10,000 RPM. I've seen people come back from a test ride saying that the bike is slow. It's actually super fast but you need to hit 6,000 RPM before you feel it and ride that RPM up to 8K or 9K. Don't ride it like a Harley, ride it like a sport bike. At 2,500 RPM this bike is a slow dog, most Harleys have lots of power at 2.5K.

[@mockbattles]

It’s more a successor to the V-Rod than the venerable old Sportster.

[@MrPoliarinis]

​@mockbattles it not a successor of anything. They just tried to made indian ftr copy, with name of Harleys best seller

[@mockbattles]

@@MrPoliarinis since the VRSC line was discontinued this new liquid cooled model is the only one to take its place.

[@terrykirby6718]

Sportster s compared to traditional sport bike yes. It's not gonna win there but compared to anything else in Harley's line up aside from the vrod. It is the fastest production Harley as of now.

[@terrykirby6718]

​@@MrPoliarinisthe ftr is shit and the fuel system is riddled with problems. Had 2019 ftr new. 3 months and i got rid of it.

[@barryowen2921]

Hi it’s been bad weather so took the softie option and checked out the reviews on the Sportster S started on yours. My interest was spiked when you said it was a Sycamore demo loan . I recently purchased an ex demo from them and blow me down it’s this actual bike !!!! Fantastic. Fitted the Cobra pipes . Love it Love the Grunt. Great review . Barry Northampton 👍

[@GetOutterMeHouse]

Wow I’m pretty impressed with what HD has done here, I hope in the long run they end up being good reliable bikes. Something tells me this thing will be end up being one of those vehicles that are very sought after in the relatively far future! Great solid video! Love every minute, very lovely (format?) if that’s the word you could use for it! Edit: to me it quite literally looks like a cafe cruiser

[@grahamtricker4103]

You should get to ride one. I waited 3 years for this bike to come out, but I was so disappointed with it after riding one that I drove straight to my nearest Triumph and bought a new Triumph Speedmaster. This Sportster S is one of the most uncomfortable bikes I have ever ridden...

[@GetOutterMeHouse]

@@grahamtricker4103 I currently have a rebel 1100, you should try one of those out! 😂 I promise they’re worse

[@Ukuleleal]

Have to agree!. It does look much better in the flesh. Not a Harley type of guy, but saw one at my local bike shop the other day and I really did quite like the look of it.

[@cloud9847]

First Harley I've ever seen that made me say 'wow'. I love everything about it except the exhaust and the back of the seat. I really would like to change those.

[@ianpotter5840]

I think that’s your best ever review Darcy. Brilliant presentation and photography, many thanks. I really like the look of the bike it’s got some attitude!

[@ShortsMrDarcyandTheOlMan]

You definitely enjoyed this one. A great Harley review 👍🏼

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks! 👍

[@trooper64428]

Beautiful looking bike definitely a sportster for 2023.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

No doubt!

[@RB-jr4he]

Not a cruiser… not a sport bike… It’s the bike version of a muscle car. The first models had some software problems and the starter clutch had to be replaced… after those issues were corrected in the posterior models, it’s a perfect bike!

[@Nathan-ct9eh]

Should I stay away from used 2021 models then? First I've heard of any issues... Update, it looks like the software issues in the display were for one minor, but also only in non-American markets. What about the starter clutch replacement?

[@Detox206]

​@@Nathan-ct9ehany updates? About to pull a trigger on a 21/22 and also concerned about these issues...

[@chriscook2930]

Congrats on the full A, Darcy🎉🎉🎉 Another first class review. As always 👍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you so much 😁

[@MidnightExpressMC]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Too bad that you will forget all that new A license knowledge in two years 😢

[@a13bkd62]

Nice review. Having owned a number of Harley's over the years, I really like this bike. For me the forward controls are great but the one thing I would just have to do is swap the pipes for a decent exhaust note! Cheers

[@chrisbolton5461]

Great presentation and congrats on full license achievement.

[@MidnightExpressMC]

Tens of years …also known as decades 😝 …just ribbin ya’ - couldn’t resist. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@adamsimper6364]

It’s like a Rocket and a Scrambler had a baby and called it Billy Bob…!! Love it.

[@SS-ck3ew]

Ummmm...This is more like the product of an evening of mindless beatnik and privates-piercing punk-bitch "passion" coupled with prior decades of massive drug and adult beverage ingestion. In plain speak...stoopid-fugly and useless in the real world. Who or what ever moronic being designed this travesty should be fired. SS

[@henrysmith5604]

I’ve owned 2 Harley 1200 sportsters in the past I took the new sportster 1250 S I was mega impressed boy does it go compared to my 2005 and 2017 bikes 😊

[@MetalCooking666]

Great video, thanks! I’d be really keen to see what you guys think of the Kawasaki Vulcan S

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

my 2nd choice ; but allot more options hhere that would cost allot to put on the vulan S. ignoring the extra power.

[@elithegreat6463]

I test ride this Bike here in NJ, the Thrust and Torque in Sport mode is absolutely incredible ‼️‼️😲

[@williamheinsinger7390]

Direct Competitor to My 21 Indian Scout Bobber 👊💪

[@TheRealChetManley]

It's a neat bike. Glad to see HD finally doing something different.

[@TerraMagnus]

I’d like to see Harley riff on this a bit more. Like try a faired variant with rear sets and clip ons. Or in the style of a Versys / VStrom give us a Sportster with adventure ergonomics but clearly meant for road use only.

[@rodneybutler7939]

kinda sacred me watching you ride, take it easy. great video !!!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks haha!!

[@denisg4288]

Mr D. Congratulations on getting your full license. Been out of the country for a little while so catching up. With your (easier?) location for getting bikes and you dad’s unique style (well, nearly unique as the Acorn definitely didn’t fall far), then this will mean the channel can only go from strength to strength.

[@oldsoulbiker575]

Have one parked next to my Road Glide ST. The Sportster is more fun to ride around town, will spank my ST easily. All comes down to the right bike for the application.

[@richarddavies7135]

I've been on Harley's for some time and a sportster nut of the evolution models. Im 53 now and purchased a 23 sportster s and i think it does everything better its a fantastic motorcycle and i can ride her a few hours no problems

[@jeffmaxwell8821]

Puts the sport back into Sportser. Great that Harley have a range of different styles of bikes. Good looker too. Enjoyable review. 10:32

[@kwakithailand]

Only a short VDO, however, all what's important was mentioned👍 *GREAT WORK* , mate 👍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Glad you liked it!

[@kwakithailand]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Darcy, you and OldMan review, focus and present the important things of the bikes that are important for us riders. Other channels concentrate mainly on the spec sheets, instead of the ride quality. Keep up your good work 👌

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

That’s our plan! Glad it’s working 😁

[@kwakithailand]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan looking forward to your highly appreciated future work, mate 👍. OldMan will create stuff while in Spsin too, I suppose?

[@1990-t1j]

Good review, Mr Darcy. If it's genuinely 225 kg, it's reasonably light for a big-engined bike, especially with the weight being carried so low. I love the style, but I don't think I could get on with the feet-forward position, although my trike has feet forward. I also ride two-wheelers, but no feet forward ones. Nick J

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes it feels very light! I struggled at first with the forward controls but after half an hour I rather liked them

[@hollygoldmark4400]

brilliant video as usual Mr Darcy😎

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks mrs Lovely

[@silverrambo1508]

I like engine how sounds, revs, pulls, engine design. I like overall look of the bike - beautiful futuristic look, especially look when you seat on the bike and looking on the handlebar - beast. I like seat which is comfy. I do not like seating position, I do not know who designed to make foot controls forward, This feeling when you seating on the bike stretching forward your arms and legs - difficult to describe but yes you can ride like that, Harley proves that this is possible. In my opinion foot pegs should be backward ( not even in the middle) to have feeling that you properly seating on the bike and you can squeeze motorbike using knees. I like very much Revolution max engine. Moreover Sporster S 1250 with REvolution MAx engine and this fantastic look can be modified and look much more Sporty with Belly Pan , This motorbike begging for backward foot pegs.

[@hexy514]

i recently got into riding and was in the market for a harley, i thought these were cool at first and then i started looking at the range and looking at the old sportster models it just lacked the character and the sound that i would expect, they are trying to hit a certain market and i think people would look else where..i ended up with a streetbob 114 which is definitely where its at ;)

[@WhisperingWolf1]

riding Harleys for over 40 years I will stick with the older ones that you can work on yourself with and digital displays GPS ABS etc just picked up a 3rd Harley and older sportster 1200 with the bigger tank and it has fenders

[@Zube53]

My first Harley was a 1200 custom model, great looking bike with so much style and traditional heritage, this new one is like a japanese bike, not for me!

[@williamwintemberg]

I can appreciate all the features of this bike. Look Mom, no expensive valve adjustments! Everything is so nice. Great review! I'm going to most likely get myself in trouble but I must say, for my taste, this bike flat out hurts my eyes. I have never said that about any bike in my life. Sorry!

[@mikefule]

Harley have painted themselves into a corner going so much for the bad ass, weekend warrior, outlaw in accountancy cruising market, because that is an ageing demographic. They tried to update themselves years ago with the V Rod which was widely seen as a pretty good bike, but never seemed to catch on. Established HD fans didn't like it, and other bikers may have been put off by the association with the HD image. The market has moved on, and just maybe they might get a new customer base with this sort of bike.

[@MidnightExpressMC]

How has the market “moved on” if they still sell $1.3 billion worth of bikes worldwide with over 175,000 units sold? Anyway …it’s just a thought 😀

[@MidnightExpressMC]

@jimdoar2546 Right you are. Discontinued here in the states too, now 😒

[@tonybrett7974]

Blimey, a Harley I actually like the look of. Sounds good too. Reminds me of the bikes Paul Sample used to draw in his Ogri cartoons.

[@keepitshortnsweet]

"As Iconic As Its Predecessor?" The spirit of the 54 cubic inch Sportster of 1957 was kept alive for 65 years in the Sportster 883. One look at a 1957 Sportster and a modern 883 and the lineage was obvious. In 2022 HD laid the Sportster 883 to rest. Long live the real Sportster 883, "The Last Original Harley Davidson" "As Iconic As Its Predecessor?" No, it's not; slapping a decal on the tank that says "Sportster" doesn't make it a Sportster and never will. This abomination is an affront to the legacy of the Sportster.

[@richpuller1348]

Currently the Sportster S , Nightster and Pan America are not selling in North America. Everyone that wanted one has one. I just rode with 500 HD bikers not one had one of these bike and no one was talking about them. I have only met one person that owned a PA. After a year of ownership he traded it in for a RGS. He told me he learned the PA was not for him.

[@inkbytes9440]

Just watched your 883 iron ride vid. I’m curious as to wether you’d recommend one as a first big bike. I’m 52 and just got back into riding and getting my full licence. Salesman that sold me my duke suggested I skip getting a rebel 500 and move straight to the iron.🤷🏻

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I’d definitely go for the iron, it’s got oodles of character, sounds amazing, and there is so much you can do to customise it!

[@inkbytes9440]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan thank you, wasn’t sure if it was a sales pitch I was hearing, I’d have been disappointed as the guy wasn’t pushy at all. Customising is definitely my bag…as well as loud😂 Thanks again.🤘🏻💀🤘🏻

[@kevinpollard1550]

Its a nice bike and different good reveiw again sir

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks buddy!

[@bikerbeliever8169]

This is my favorite Harley after test riding it. It is better than the traditional Harley's imo, in basically everyway. Its smooth, its fast, its light and handles good, light clutch and brake lever. Loved it. I test rode the new 2024 117ci Harley softail lineup and they are nice, but kind of brutal and just not as refined, the levers are heavy and exhausting and for me I dont want that, especially at the prices being asked for them. I much prefer the new harleys they are just so much more refined and better, riding experience wise for me. i appreciate the traditional Harleys, but definitely dont prefer them to this sportster s and nightster 975.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Each to their own! That’s exactly why this is my least favourite Harley haha

[@Germain73]

hello, what do you personally prefer, the sportster S or the honda cb1000r black edition? greetings Belgium

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

To be honest neither would be my personal choice 👍🏼

[@Lee-cz7ht]

It's a great bike. In sport mode it will put a smile on your face!

[@gunner799]

What is the jacket you’re wearing at 7:55? Looks great

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It’s one of the Harley jackets, not sure which one. Knowing Harley they probably don’t make it anymore as they are usually seasonal

[@lylemacdonald6672]

I am totally not a HD guy but I do like the styling. But over here in Western Canada this Sportster, like all previous ones with 'peanut' tanks, can pass everything but a gas station. It really needs at least 15 liters on board.

[@oknevals]

It is surprisingly good bike but, with that engine from Pan Am it actually shouldn't be surprising. It costs too much for what it is. I felt it was made for shorter guys than my 5'10". I felt lil cramped up.

[@thomasschofield6633]

It sounds louder than the USA model, very nice.

[@jonwragg3822]

I rode one of these about a year and a half ago. I think the engine is tremendous but the bike itself uncomfortable. I felt crunched up with arms and legs so far forward, and because the seat is flattish there is no support. If the bike were longer, keeping the wheels and everything else, exhaust lower down and maybe mid controls with different bars then it would be a better bike. Oh, thanks a Cruiser I suppose. I owned an Ultra Limited when I went for the test ride, now have a FatBob. The 1250 engine in a lighter softail frame, that would be good. As a comparison try a BMW R1250R.

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

This is a power cruisers. More HP then a VROD.

[@mariodelpicchia1]

Would love to see your take on kawasaki vulcan S 650 ❤

[@patrickjamessimpson7268]

i see plenty of these on the second hand market. what is the reason for that? other harleys owners tend to keep, mod and then part ex for bigger if coming from the old sportster or low rider. ive also noticed these are not holding value like other harleys. could be because this bikes been out for a couple of years and older or traditional harley riders are not getting the noise from the engine that is what harleys are famous for. i still own, ride and build the old sportsters and i think the only other harley i would buy at the moment is the street bob.

[@High_Desert_Tanner]

Congrats on the full license!! I hate that the "olde world" subjects you to that nonsense... What a great review!

[@jayneteale9782]

Harley are getting up to date with their engines suspension headlights I have a highly tuned twin cam,should have just bought an m8

[@speedtriplerider7853]

Great review Mr Darcy and congrats on getting you full licence. Does this mean th'owd chap's out of a job?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thanks buddy! Not yet, he’ll still be making videos too 😁

[@jackrichards1863]

I wrote an interesting note about this for y'all. Then found the clip had stepped on to a Kezia Noble video. So it's lost but i know where im going to see some lovely jubblies and its not to the HD dealership for a sporty 1250 and on to the pub for a close up.

[@borkfork3163]

Nice review.

[@truckerownerops]

It's a modern motorcycle it takes away from what Harley is suppose to be.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes they have done that on purpose, they want to appeal to a new audience while still having a range of bikes for their usual customers.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

the only way they'd sell here. low rider with power for good passenger runs. a bike is functional .

[@TerraMagnus]

I see the quick shifter isn’t standard. (Should have been!) but is available as a post-sale accessory.

[@wellsbibo6175]

If it were reliable and didn’t have the CPU issues, it’d be a solid bike and I’d probably own one.

[@peterhannan3816]

This will be a classic one day, it won’t be heritage, but will be classic. There’s a generation that don’t take efi seriously, people don’t like change they like where they started!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Do you have this bike out of interest

[@peterhannan3816]

Ha, no I don’t, I have a late iron (stage 2) with efi. And a custom hardtail. I love heritage and custom and the old school “frisco” vibe. But also see the value in progress and evolutionary change

[@1SaG]

Seems like "the market" shares some of my reservations re this bike. I just took a look at second hand examples and besides some of the usual loony-tunes offers from dealers, I found two private ads for basically brand new bikes, one with just 650km on the odometer (and a minor scratch on one of the tailpipes), the other with just 7100km. Both are around 13500 Euros, which I'd almost call a bargain considering that the bike sells for over 18k over here. That's quite a lot more depreciation than even early examples of the more popular XL-Sporties I can find. A low mileage, near unmodified example of an early 48 will still run you at least between 10 and 12k. None of which would deter me from buying this one, but I don't think I'd be able to live with that hilariously unfinished look of the left side of the bike. Plus I'm not a huge fan of those weirdly plastic-looking parts covering the engine and exhaust pipes on the right side, nor of the lack of effort to integrate the radiator and hoses a bit more neatly into the frame, either. I'm sure the new Sporties are much better bikes than the old XL-ones, but I don't think they're the better Sportsters... if that makes any sense.

[@gzk6nk]

I do wish bike reviewers wouldn't quote their height in relation to the height of the seat. Your height doesn't matter a jot - what matters is how long your legs are!

[@splodge57]

Someone 6ft tall will usually have longer legs than someone of 5ft.😏

[@gzk6nk]

@@splodge57 'Usually'. Not always. And there is no direct relationship between height and leg length, Someone of 5' 11" could be anywhere between 27" and 33" leg length - makes a heck of a difference to bike seats that can be accessed!

[@hughmac7423]

I imagine it is like the Pan Am, just with less horsepower. I have a Pan Am, and it is magnificant. I also have a 1988 Lowrider and it is also magnificant, but for opposite reasons.

[@MyMotorcycleObsession]

I love this bike, I've done a review two years in a row. The only one big problem is the back brakes, they are so bad you can hardly stop. The first year I thought I just got a bad bike but no, the second year the brakes were the same. I ended up buying a new Fatboy, the brakes on the Fatboy are great.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes Harley’s have never had particularly good back brakes tbh!

[@mikefule]

Who uses the back brake to stop? Back brake is for trim and balance as you slow down. Front brake does all the hard work.

[@FTStratLP]

​@@mikefuleFor emergency braking BOTH brakes have to be used. And for slow manoevres the back brake should be the preferred one.

[@rubo1964]

Not true my Vulcan 1500 rear break is twice stronger then single front break.Without the rear I would most likely crash into something@@mikefule

[@SS-ck3ew]

Really? You "love" this bike. "Sigh"... As for the brakes on the Phatoy? They are just as cheapass with a single rotor up front and one (that's all that you can put there) out back. On something as heavy and expensive as the Fratboy, that is C H E A P of Harley to do to their customers. Same with this gnu "Snortster". SS

[@TerraMagnus]

This thing reminds me more of the old Honda Magna and Yamaha V-Max muscle bikes.

[@NobilityandLoyalty]

Have you compared it with the Indian Scout? They're both the similar size, looks, design and power.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Not as yet 👍🏼

[@1234567marks]

Your presentation skills have gone through the roof!!, I mean seriously congrats and well done, but what happened, is it just practice or have you had training??.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you very much! Purely practice never had training.

[@1234567marks]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan I have to talk to camera occasionally and it’s so much harder than people think, not just remembering the script but getting the inflection and emphasis right on the words, anyone that thinks it’s not hard should video themselves on their phone and see how idiotic they sound 😂.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@1234567marks totally agree, I look back on old videos and cringe at myself!

[@darrenhall6509]

Darcy, I think that kind of suited you. You said it wasn`t really your style but I think you liked it a lot. Are you sure you would not like to trade in your std/classic for one?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I liked it but I definitely wouldn’t trade in my bike for it!

[@ruffleschips9055]

It looks more like a scrambler than a sportster. The high exhaust doesn't say Harley to me.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It’s definitely different to what they usually make but that was on purpose

[@michaellipman6065]

Sat down on one at factory test ride, and found the riding position laughable. Call this bike a v-rod light. Then the bumps will feel even harder as you are all stretched out. Not arguing with its performance and handling, but for me it’s a bike I would lose tolerance for after 15 mins

[@tedcity5861]

We'll mark you down as a "maybe".

[@grahamtricker4103]

I waited 3 years for this bike to come out, but I was so disappointed with it after riding one that I drove straight to my nearest Triumph and bought a new Triumph Speedmaster. This Sportster S is one of the most uncomfortable bikes I have ever ridden. The engine also sounds dreadful. Not like a Harley, but more like an out of tune Rotax...

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Certainly very different bikes, it’s a very firm ride and not great for the British roads depending on where you live.

[@iivaridark6850]

Strange whine there, sound is not that nice...

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

wanted a lo rider for passenger w/ power; only other optoin is the vulcan S. but less power. Other sport bikes are not passenger ready unless youir a tall, big dude.

[@Jack908r]

Always like to see manufacturers try something new with bikes, but I just don't get where they're going with this bike. I'd of preferred if they had gone with a more sporty sportster. Like the xlr1200, but updated, or an Indian ftr competitor. Interesting bike this one, but I wouldn't buy one. Front tire is too big, only one front brake disk, and no ground clearance for cornering are my biggest gripes.

[@grantkokich6906]

Nice bike. Looks good, is fast and sounds pretty good , but i prefer my 2005 super glide. It has more character ie. Vibrations and thumping sound.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Oh yes I agree!

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

How to get it cooler. We ride with shorts, all year around !!

[@simonwalker7957]

You failed to mention the obvious and somewhat ugly elephant in the room, the radiator! So what we have is a small bike that neither looks or sounds like a Harley with an uncomfortable saddle that only likes to be thrashed down perfect tarmac and achieves 40 something to the gallon, has a piddly little tank and with styling based on ‘2 Face’ from DC Comics; no wonder they don’t sell. Oh and they deprecate like a stone too.

[@SS-ck3ew]

Well stated sir! SS

[@splodge57]

Why did they even bother.

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

has a low ride for passenger and plenty of power. No other sport bike can compare with price/ features.

[@JonAtack]

I tested this bike quite a bit a year and a half ago when choosing between it and a 2012 Dyna Wide Glide. Fun, efficient, works very well, good acceleration, stays cool, noticeably tiring on the wrists to corner hard in the twisties due to the wide front tire, and it doesn't sound good. Maybe the main thing was that it doesn't suit a smooth cruising riding style, and incited me to pilot it like a bit of an a** through the twisty country roads and hills I like to ride in. That seemed to be the style it was made for to feel sensations with it, to make up for the lack of classic Harley character, sound, and vibration. I had fun and like the bike but ended up going with the Wide Glide.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Totally agree, it wants to be ridden FAST. So you can certainly end up riding like an A**H***. I too prefer a bike with character but I can see who this bike would appeal to. I’d much rather have the spostster s over any naked or sports bike

[@philipwoodacre1644]

would like to see one fitted with APE'S

[@FeatheredDino]

This bike is falling on its face. Harley just is not selling any, because this isn't what people want when they look towards Harley-Davidson. In my own opinion, HD made a grave mistake by cancelling the actual Sportster line (which have been the most consistently high-sales bike since 1957) in favor of this _thing._

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Anyone reading this over 6' tall with mid controls? If so, how is it size wise?

[@peterhannan3816]

What some people forget is: it’s not Harley or any other manufacturer driving these changes - it’s climate sympathy, it’s progress and legislation that helps drive a positive change for the existence and continuation of humanity on this planet. Sure you can have a 2 stroke heritage bike with lead paint…….so many things are wrong with this that as we learn we progress!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

It doesn’t matter what is done, when there are over 8billion people on the planet.

[@dhc8guru]

One front disk brake… It may stop fine until repetitive hard use and I’ll bet it starts to fade fast.

[@mattdog1982]

Isn’t for me. I’d have been happy if they’d kept knocking out the evos. Although I can appreciate it’s a good modern bike. Should be for the price😂

[@TerraMagnus]

That exhaust note sounds so mean. Not typical Harley but that’s ok.

[@loddude5706]

A Harley built to address English corners? - wearing 'sensible' shoes, & . . . silly stirrups? (Strange fashions often maim the trendy, to wasp a waist, or just winkle-pick our whims) Swapping out those 'Western-Duds' & the 'Centre Pompidou' exhaust for some 'Savile Row' tinware in a rustic Houndstooth Tweed, along with a suitably raucous Brooklands can, these subtle 'tweaks' could only enhance it's social acceptance within the Shires. Perhaps some superior Brough-worthy basketware too? . . . hmm, as yet undecided. : )

[@ed.t.hansen6499]

why not shorts; sandals for beach runs ?

[@sportyeight7769]

So they kind of remade the V-rod ? I don't know why they keep the "sportster" title for a bike that doesn't feel nor look like a sportster.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Kind of except the Vrod is way cooler and sounds way better

[@sportyeight7769]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan of for sur. And the rear tire looks amazing too. But still, the new Sportster feels wrong with that name.

[@Lee-70ish]

Great over view mr D . Vtwin? Think as a bike which in my opinion is trying to go head to head with the Japanese and Italian sports bikes its not going to do well. Harley riders want a foot forward cruiser and sports bike riders want something leaning towards a GP bike . This sits in a void neither type of rider will really go for imo

[@TriumphBeezaman]

Looks very Flat Track inspired Certainly very different from Harley Davidsons of late.

[@TerraMagnus]

The oversized scrambler style exhaust is a bit of a wank, isn’t it? Something smaller with low exit point would have allowed for panniers to be fitted.

[@mechanical_otter1708]

How would one of these be for a guy who's 6ft3in

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I went into the size of the bike in the video so you should be able to gauge from that 👍🏼

[@aceofspades5786]

Best Harley since the VROD, refreshing change from their heavy baggers

[@SS-ck3ew]

Yes, and we all know just how big a seller that was for HD.

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Could a mature and sensible 'novice' use this as a first big bike post DAS?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

You probably could but it is VERY fast, I would probably start with one of the old sportsters but that’s up to you!

[@tedcity5861]

Could. Shouldnt.

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

@@midlife-crysis Similar price to a 890 Duke, 765RS, Monster SP so thankfully not a blocker.

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

@@tedcity5861 Power or approachability? I'm a more mature rider so not really interested in winding it open - I just love the look of it.

[@tedcity5861]

@@Otto-AutoPilot alot of new riders make mistakes... me also. I'd rather do it on a cheap ride than the HD. And i think you'd have to be superman to ignore the power.

[@jag1963]

Man I those Tyres. Love what they did with it. Brave of Harley. Looks like a Indian Scout on Steroids.

[@SS-ck3ew]

Oh lawdy! "Brave" you say? Pffffft! This thing just goes to show you can put lipstick on a hog. And some folk will then date it. How "brave", indeed. Beauty is found at the bottom of one's fifth or sixth pint, eh? Pass the salt. I don't "love" any inanimate object. Typists abound here. By all means, buy one and don't forget the full face helmet. SS

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

l like & ride cruisers but if l wanted this type of bike then the HD badge wouldn't hold any premium appeal to me & l'd be more likely to buy Japanese or perhaps a Ducati. Risky move but good luck to them.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

I was saying the same until I rode it, plus I really don’t like the look of nakeds or sports bikes

[@marathon8649]

Strangely , this bike will outperform and run smoother than the sportster of old but it'll never live up to the name....

[@deantaylor1512]

Will stick with me 2009 street bob ( lack of funds) which I like to refer to as The Black Slug …😂

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

A 2009 street bob is still a seriously cool bike!