The Sportster S Can’t Be PERFECT Can It ?

[@TheFirstCause]

Amazing bike and fun videos! The Sportster S is dream bike for me currently along with the Diavel 1260S. Do yourself (and all of us viewers) a favor and fix the paint on the exhaust already! Haha! I imagine that happened because of the passenger heatshield or something. But for such a beautiful bike to have such a blemish! Come on!

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Thank you bro ! And ya you’re exactly right ! Passenger heat shield melted. But honeslty I’m just waiting to get a full exhaust.

[@algee0218]

Great video. I have that exact start issue on my Nightster 975. It is so annoying in the morning trying to get to work. I thought I might need a new battery. Thanks for the hack!

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Ya not sure its much of a hack lmao. More like desperation of ohhhh noooooo. Its just happened so many times now that its just a part of the process.

[@grantdeizel4844]

How do you like your nightster?

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Not sure about this guy but my Sporster is awesome man. Is the nights yet had a 1250t engine I would have gotten that for sure.

[@grantdeizel4844]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles I’m pretty sure the nightster is 950. Yea it’s night I just love the sportster look. You should see mine. Wish I can share a pic. Only thing I’m debating is to upgrade the pipes for a meaner sound.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Do you have a SS or nightster ?

[@izzojoseph2]

Concerning the gas tank, the reason they do that with the gas gauge has to do with “saving” People. People are less likely to get stuck when it reads empty, and they ALWAYS push it to the limit. Giving them extra mileage, helps prevent getting stuck on the freeway

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Lmfaoo ya that’s true. People are dumb sometimes lol. I fill up at 1/4 tank always but that makes sense.

[@noahknight4039]

Gas tank is too small is my main gripe and I have the weak starter clutch. I just got service done and they said there’s no recalls for the bike yet.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ dammit man. And I agree the tank is not the greatest for sure !

[@GiuseppePaleologo]

This is an excellent in-depth analysis of the bike. I wish testers were as careful.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Thank you. It’s very hard to do that in a day. I’ve had the bike for a year at this point.

[@kevinlandsey851]

The starter motor clutch is a recall in the UK

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

It might be here as well I need to give them a call it’s been a while since I checked

[@izzojoseph2]

Subbed just to get your numbers up, Bro! But I’m loving the edits! Good input about the bike, too!

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Thank you man I appreciate it a lot ! I have a lot more coming ! Found a connect at Indian. So I’ll have access to a few. First bike I’m doing is a scout and sportster comparison !

[@izzojoseph2]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles ~ I’ll watch and comment. Best of luck

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

You’re a champion bro I appreciate it !

[@johntaylor1341]

Hey, I enjoyed the up front 'cons' as it gets me thinking. As I always say "For every problem there is a solution"; 1) Battery starting issue solution: > Buy an Antigravity ATX12-HD RE-START Lithium Battery > Also check to see if a recall or bulletin too 2) Bar end mirror solution: > Buy Harley Davidson Adversary Mirrors 3) engine Hydraulic lifter solution: > Do those oil changes on par or even early > get new motorcycle after 30k miles or after 5 years. 4) the gas tank: > That was GREAT to know, thanks!! 5) radiator heat solution > Always wear jeans and boots and no heat issue. Also agreed NO backpack on this Sportster S. IT CAN DO IT, but no. My wife agrees as she rides her own Indian Scout bobber, lol.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Honestly I would call those minor, minus the starter clutch. There is something out on it. But 22+ does not have this issue just 21. Everything else is basic. I doubt the lifters will fail that soon I just know it’ll happen eventually. There are plenty of pan Americas now with 50k+ miles and haven’t had an issue yet. Haven’t seen sportsters with that many miles so I don’t think it’ll be too big a deal over long term. Only reason I have the back seat is because the factory cover doesnt fit with the mud guard 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️. If you notice I don’t have passenger pegs anymore lol

[@grantdeizel4844]

Oh my! 10k already? I’m sitting @2900 and my neighbor thought I was crazy lol. 😮great video man.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

First year bike lol. So it’s been 3 years. And I rent it lmao. Also thank you thank you.

[@bradyelich2745]

I live in near northern Canada and I ride 8 months of the year. I am used to putting on 10k miles per year. If you live in Florida, Man! No fucking excuse.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Lmfao your right no excuse but I have more than 1 bikes don’t mileage is spread over different bikes 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

[@bradyelich2745]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles I did a 9 month contract at TECO in Tampa in 1998-1999. I imported my Harley from Canada back into the US. I was the only one riding in ur winter with a tshirt and vest. The morning fog condensed on the mirrors and soaked my arms, and every 5pm was a race home b4 the thunderstorms let loose. At least the rain is warm in Florida. In Canada, rain is freezing and hard.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Bro that is glorious but sadly when you live in Florida you aclimate. The same way you have to the cold. If you lived here for 2-3 years that goes away. I’m from Boston originally and that was the case when I first moved but it really does go away 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️. Wish I was lying.

[@LingCaoThuBLV]

I enjoyed your review. This is moto i will try to buy in the future

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

It is very fun ! Fast and comfortable.

[@harleysontheisland]

Hi there, try pulling in the clutch lever when you start it makes a big difference.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Never tired that. I’ll give it a try for sure !!

[@satyricon420]

Click and clatter noise when starting up? Mine clicks and clatters the entire time it’s running ever since brand new.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Ya lifters and those cam phasers. I don’t like the sound honestly. And I have hear some sound louder than others. Mine really does quite down a lot after start up. But I also use motul v300 lmaoo. Way better than factory oil.

[@satyricon420]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles yeah I use factory synthetic might try that. The clicking is loud but the TBR pipe drowns it out. As long as the chatter doesn’t match the rpm’s I don’t worry much about it. Just annoying if anything.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

How ya for sure. Mine doesn’t have clatter at all when riding as there is active oil pressure to the cam adjusters. I would bet this bike would benefit from higher oil pressure regardless of what it currently has. It does use thick oil so that doesn’t help much it’s already 15-50

[@billybifocal]

That could be your battery too. Check the connections on your terminals and put it on a tender

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Strangely enough the battery helped with not keeping it on the tender. But that’s about it lol

[@kirk9899]

I want you to do a comparison video between your bike and the new Indian Scout 101.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

I’ll be able to ride it for sure. Should be able to !

[@MattMurowski]

The bike is hard to start sometimes because the compression is so high at the top of the stroke

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

I wish that solely was the case. Most bikes have higher compression lmfao. Sport bikes specifically. They have close to 13. This is low 12s

[@MrEiniweini]

Seriously, get that starter couch replaced ASAP., I am pretty sure it will get worse because mine did. It also killed the battery. Mine drained the battery 3 times by fail to start. The replacement starter clutch has done about 10,000 miles and has never failed to start the bike on the first press of the starter. Thanks for the tip on the fuel gauge, I had thought I was running on vapour a few times but I might take a bladder out one day and run it dry to get a proper range in kms.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Awesome to hear that fixed your issue I’m touching 10k any day now ! And yes do it you will be surprised. It doesn’t not stress me out to see it run out of fuel but I know when it’s in red that’s it’s not the end of the world. Still freaks me out.

[@ancienttsar]

Awesome..... thank you

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

@@ancienttsar no man thank you !!!

[@bluesriderDF]

Loved your video! I had a 2007 Sportster, and it bears no resemblance to the modern version beyond the name. 😊 Pretty funny you wear shorts on a "cold" day in Florida. Oh, your wife is HILARIOUS 😂😂

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

It’s a completely different bike. The nightster is the updated sporty for sure. Not this. However my legs don’t feel temperature apparently lol.

[@PeterColl-b7h]

Hey, Nos, nice head of hair. I thought you might be hiding a bald head beneath those baseball caps. I'm 62, now, and I finally went bald enough to give it up and shave my head. Fully bald looks better than partially bald. 😂

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Lmfao I’m not there just yet! The line is moving back but it’s not gone ! I just like wearing hats to cover the helmet hair. My hair is a mess once I ride and I record after riding so a hat makes it wasy

[@Tyronetrinity]

Awww…. Love that bike❤❤❤. I will afford it. Once my kids are grown. More power to you.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Yessir it’s an awesome bike man for sure. It’s fast. Not the best for the long haul but I’ve don’t a 4 hour day on it

[@bradyelich2745]

The perfect bike is mine: 1996 XL1200S, one of 640 something in Patriot Red, an early one with a 1995 wiring harness. The only problem that happens when battery is weak, is I have to push start. On your bike, a weak battery seems to cause a multitude of issues.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Lmao glad you love your bike bro those old 1200s are fun for sure. And i appreciate the oldies. Far less issues for sure !

[@bradyelich2745]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles I like your bike, too, 150hp, cmon. I still have mine after all these years. Do you hope to keep yours? If so, you better buy 4 wrecks so you have parts. I can still get parts for mine, but I fear you can't get parts. Your vids are top notch and I subbed.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Hey hey. Thank you !!! And I do plan to keep this bike. It’s new so there are still parts for many years to come. In 20 years no clue but I know they still make it so at least 5-10 there will be parts

[@GeorgeEdmonds-v7e]

I was not talking down your bike,but I have delt with Harley for over fifty years and I know what they are about.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

No worries bro I get it. I’m open to all thoughts 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️. I still like it

[@Venomthe1andonly]

Put nord lock on your rear mirror. Should stay in place

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Never heard of it I’ll give it try for sure !

[@TheRealJohnDoe2.0]

Dude, you look soooo familiar! Did you go to Wolfson?

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Negative sir but Im from jax for sure lol

[@TheRealJohnDoe2.0]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles thinking about getting a bike but you and I both know Jacksonville drivers are sketchy af. Do you think its worth it?

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Lmfaoo I have a bike and have been riding for 7 years bro. I have no issues with it at all. Not saying I haven’t had close calls but I can honestly say not riding out of your comfort zone and being comfortable while riding eliminates most of the problems. Most. Accidents don’t have camera footage and I hate to say this but I personally think it has more to do with rider carelessness than driver carelessness. Drivers are careless. Always. Texting driving etc. but when the rider also gets careless that’s when bad things happen. An active rider with a careless driver stays alive. Most of the time. Not 100% I know it’s the word accident but I from the bottom of my heart believe riders are to blame in most situations. If the drivers are to blame us as riders can’t do anything. If the rider takes responsibility now you can take action to ride safer. Just my 2cents. But at this point I have time in the saddle and am not scared to ride on anything in most any situation.

[@TheRealJohnDoe2.0]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles Thanks bro! You def earned a sub for life!

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Hell ya my guy ! Thank you ! I’ll see you out for sure hit me up on IG (same name) we can get out and ride if you go that route !

[@patrickoneil6817]

Do Harley hydraulic lifters actually have a tendency to fail?

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

All hydraulic lifters have a tendency to fail. Just a design thing. I know there are 50-80,000 mile pan am with no issues.

[@grimeyhonkyracing3938]

Mine did but it was on a high hp build, after that I would throw in some new fueling lifters if I had the top end open.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

What bike do you have ?

[@JohnMcClain-p9t]

My first Harley was a 74 sportster, all the complaints listed relate to all the changes done to make the bike "amateur friendly" and didn't exist on an "actual sportster". I've got a 2005 sportster, a 96 custom built chop, a 78 triumph, and a 60 sportster. None of them have any of those parts or problems. Of course I have to watch the odometer when I fill up, the bikes don't watch it for me.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Ya I agree all the other sportsters I have ridden did not have any of this. But really this bike is not a sportster. They called it that to satisfy customers, I guess. In the same way ford built a mustang SUV. you call it what you want but that it is not lol. This bike with a different name would be perfect and leave the sportster name for the nightster which is obviously a new version of the same bike. I know this is not that but I didn't pick the name.

[@dentistrey5323]

One thing i seen you do wrong is not letting the fuel pump cycle before starting. That’s on EVERY motorcycle!

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

@@dentistrey5323I do this just happens to be a video so the bike was on and running before what ever clip that was.

[@andree9200]

Do you get error codes? I just bought a new one, got a error code just after 100 miles and the shop just erased it but it recurrs

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

I have a few times when the bike sits for a few days with the oem battery. I would crank it get codes and they would go away after a few seconds of being on. New battery has never done that. I have gotten a few others but always go away within 2-3 minutes of riding. Always after sitting for a few weeks.

[@andree9200]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles alright, i have a ctek charger on basically every time, i recogize all of the things you mention in the video already.. just annoying being a brand new bike.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Do you know what the code is ? Also check engine light or a thing that shows up on the diagnostics ?

[@andree9200]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles yes, first it was the p227100C but that went away the next day, then the p052300C came on along with the check engine light, so i went to the shop, they turned of the engine light but when i run Diagnostic the p052300C is still there with a yellow varning sign on the home screen which is driving me crazy

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Interesting. Is it over filled ?

[@NightSkywalker69]

I really wanted this bike to be good. Looks like I'm going to the Kawasaki W800. Thank you for your review.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

I would check out my other videos on the Sportster S if your looking for more positive information. I would say these are fairly minor and none are a reason to avoid this bike.

[@s.i4102]

​​@@NostalgicMotorcyclesCiao Nelle spiegazioni sei fenomenale 😅 Sto pensando di acquistare questa moto perché mi piace tanto la linea, ma i continui problemi e lamentele dei possessori mi mandano in confusione. Ma nelle versioni aggiornate24/25 il problema nelle punterie idrauliche non è stato risolto? Con tutto il dispiacere di non avere la Sportster S sotto il sedere, forse vado di Rebel 1100, 🤷. Grazie delle informazioni e le spiegazioni che ci dai Saluti dall'Italia 🙋🏼😊

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Hydaurlic lifters aren’t a “problem”. No issues have been reported with them. I just know it’s a design on the bike. And that’s a part that will wear over time. Not an issue and won’t cause premature failure. It’s a fun bike. I would encourage you to ride one. I still have mine 10k miles and nothing really caused any issues for me.

[@dougiequick1]

I want to see someone swap the entire front end maybe R1 forks brakes and WHEEL then a matching rear wheel some mid controls and better bars...not worthy of doing such but it WOULD be so interesting! Be more like what Harley was GOING to originally build then new CEO chickened out

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Lmfao I agree. One thing that I will do just need the cash is get 150whp out of this bike. I know how to do it just takes money and time. As it sits this thing can get 115 with exhaust and tune. With about 90 wheel torque. The aftermarket will not pick this bike up yet but dam is it a fairly simple process from what I can gather.

[@Anthony9592]

Loved your review...🤟

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Thank you man More to Come !!

[@martinwesterstrand]

How did your ass survive 10K on that? Ive had one or a couple of days and I almost had to amputate the lower part of my body after 45 minutes! Great video! Good content! Im subscribing. /Martin, Sweden

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Thank you, Martin, its crazy to me to see these videos making it that far ! But this bike has a sun downer seat which is a lot softer than the OEM seat. Also, I did soften the suspension in the back a lot and keeping a straight spine helps as well. It's not as comfortable as my magna for sure, but I don't think it's that bad.

[@WTF-rm7lv]

Hahaha, i hear ya, the sundowner seat by harley is a bit better, corbyn seats do a comfy lookkin seat but i cant spend the bucks without sitting on one..

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

It’s a good seat(sundowner) it’s still thin but it’s soft and supple yet firm to where it’s not overly squishy. Like a gel. Corbin has a lot more padding to it. It’s a lot thicker.

[@VitoVisintini]

It's like: Hasn't Harley been around long enough to know how to build a bike???? I almost bought an S last year, but after being jerked around by the dealer, I decided I'ed had enough with the BS and gave up on it. Fairly sure Harley is about to go broke and shut the doors anyway.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Haha some dealers are a hassle. Harley co will not go out of business. I can see dealers doing out of business. And Harley along with all manufacturers selling direct to consumer. It’ll save 3-5k per bike by cutting out the dealer. The company makes $3,500 per bike at msrp every cent over msrp is all dealer fees

[@tommyg1636]

The hydraulic lifters should not be an issue. First: the "S" is not a sport bike. You won´t rev it that high constantly...you don´t have to because of its´good torque. Second: the technology of hydraulic lifters is reliable. Look at high reving car engines like Hondas K20/K24 or BMWs S58. But I go with all your other complaints...and I have some more about my Sportster S. Despite of this all it´s one of the coolest bikes you can buy.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

I would say that used case is based on owner. I rev mind a decent amount. It gets ripped on a few times when I ride it. Now I’m not banging it off the rev limited for minutes at a time but a nice pull here and there. K series have roller lifters not hydraulic. Not sure about the BMW stuff but the engine blow up due to oil starvation prior to that ever being an issue. It’s a cool bike bro that’s why I got it. This list isn’t really an it’s a trash bike list it’s more of a nit pick lol.

[@waynegoldpig2220]

Has no business having 'Sport' in the name with forward controls unless there's an option for mid controls or rearsets.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

It does have an option for mids

[@Broken-six]

I’m amazed you have a wife and 3 bikes 😂😂😂

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Lmfao ya bro a whole person out here living life !

[@Broken-six]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles love it man, keep up the great content! I’m hoping both our channels continue to grow!

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Keep doing the work bro, it’ll happen !

[@MissMan666]

modern bikes cannot messure fuel level anymore, you need to go back to 90's bikes or whatever. It's simply not something we can do anymore.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Lmfao why do you say that ? Fuel level sensors have not changed since the 90s they work exactly the same.

[@JorgeFerret]

by hitting the fob it helps to start the bike. I have to replaced batteries every three months or my bike will start doing the same.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

I did replace mine when it died. This battery is currently maybe a month old.

[@JorgeFerret]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles yeah but every time you are within 5 feet from the bike that fob it activates. Im putting a switch on mine, maybe that would save more battery.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Yes that doesn’t help but I’m also sure it has a small drain. It has to.

[@johntaylor1341]

Go to Batteries plus and buy the LIFETIME Battery replacement for your HD FOB. so every 3 months get a new battery replacement for FREEEEEEE.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Didn’t even know that was a thing that’s awesome.

[@jacklowe9017]

Nope, it can't be. Its a toy, not a real "riding" motorcycle. You can wheelie, you can burnout, you can go for short rides. Not good for distance, much like other bikes made that way, unless you have a cast iron back, and butt. In addition, why did Harley use the same engine in their Pan Am, but give it way more power? Which one is the real "sporrtster"

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

I 100% agree this deserves another name lol. Not sure I can say it’s not a real riding bike. I really ride it all the time lmao. It’s not a distance bike but the small cruisers are usually not distance bikes regardless of

[@jacklowe9017]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles Its like a streetfighter. Fun to rip around on, but not cross country.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

100%. I have actually taken it about 250 miles though. My neck was beat up lol. Bike was fine I was stiff lol

[@jacklowe9017]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles I used to ride a v-rod. I could do 3 - 4 hours on it.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

@@jacklowe9017 Very different bike. This bike has a taller seat lower bars. fatter tires. Its not the same. They both have awesome powerful twins but that's about it lol.

[@sebg2086]

10 000 miles.....i would not complain about thoses little thing....when you see how much of them have engine failure lol

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Lmfao the internet is loud my man. I’d love to see percentage of total bikes not how many I see in the internet.

[@sebg2086]

@@NostalgicMotorcycles for me its one of the best looking harley.....but i wont chance it with a used with no warranty....new motor with the labor is well over 10k

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

That’s true for every bike that ever existed. The engine is always the most expensive thing than the frame. Etc. m8 when they first came out had oil pump issues causing catastrophic engine failure. It’s been 10 years basically and those engines are still around. A lot of people made the same comments yet here we are and no one remembers. Yes there are people on KZbin and forums that make videos about having engine issues. That’s a tiny tiny percentage of the total bikes sold and the people that don’t make comments saying how good or bad there bikes are. The internet makes everything seem out of proportion. However I do fully understand your standpoint and it makes perfect sense. However I will say this don’t buy anything without a warranty as that’s a risk on any vehicle you own. The newer the bigger the risk. Or get a warranty lol. But plenty of people have the bike with no issues they just don’t complain about it online.

[@ilookalot1]

Harley with a design flaw 😂😂😂😂 like every model since the evo

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Maybe once or twice !!

[@GeorgeEdmonds-v7e]

Really poor design.For the price of the bike it should be better.Harley charges a premium price for their bikes.but you do not get a premium bike.

[@NostalgicMotorcycles]

Interesting. They do charge a premium and Harley tax is a thing for sure. I don’t agree that it’s a poor design. I love the bike !