Too much of the wrong things?! 2024 Harley Sportster S review

[@TheLastCrankers]

I don't really care if it's the worst bike in the world, it's got me by the balls with the looks and I just want one. Didn't help that one of the instructors had one when I was getting my license and it went from "oooh, that's a nice bike" to "I am in love and getting one as soon as I can afford it" as soon as my butt touched the seat.

[@ewganhoff]

Lots of the stuff reviewers moan about is stuff an owner would get used to. Lots of reviewers moan about Honda's upside down horn and indicator switch, but I've owned a couple and it actually makes more sense. Same with Honda's DCT. Many reviewers don't get on with it. Some, bizarrely, don't even understand most of the different ways you can set it up and use it. Then you go to the comments and in amongst the usual BS comments (tHeY'eR tAkIn AwAy OuR gEaRs!!!) you will find actual owners who absolutely love it and can't imagine going back to a manual. If you buy this bike you will get used to extra input needed for cornering and it will become normal. I hope you get your dream bike. Ride fast!

[@Younggun775]

A lot of people always stop me to ask what bike it is it looks mean my bike handles just fine super fast super fun great bike no matter what anyone says

[@welfare_baybee]

But the Indian Scout 101 is way nicer looking and technically superior.

[@TheLastCrankers]

@@welfare_baybee what part of „I don’t really care if it’s the worst bike in the world” do you not understand? I acknowledge the Indian is technically better. But I don’t get the same feeling when I look at it, it doesn’t make me want it.

[@welfare_baybee]

@@TheLastCrankers sorry that's just crazy to me. It's so ugly lmao

[@GadgetyMV]

I tried an air-cooled Sportster many years ago. It vibrated like crazy. Sort of like a mini workout making the legs feel wobbly after the ride.

[@Grasshoppa65]

OMG!!! Where has this channel been in my life???? Hi from Australia. I just discovered your channel, and mate, I have never laughed so much watching a bike review. You are actually brilliant. You deserve so many more Subscriptions. Absolutely love this. I even pressed the bell. I rarely ever do that. Just brilliant.

[@christianscott4664]

Ive owned this as an additional bike for nearly 1 year. I've added a few extremely overpriced extras, along with a Zard exhaust, etc. I'm not normally a HD fan but this thing is amazing, and quite possibly my favourite from my small collection. Great content. Few keep my entertained, but ive subscribed!

[@ewganhoff]

I might have said this before, but you are entertaining in a way that transcends mere motorcycle reviews.

[@timrodierides]

Thank you - you're too kind and that's made my day :) -Tim

[@kevinmaes4438]

Tim, it's obvious no one here gives a single shit about this ridiculous bike. But yet here we are. Thanks for the goofs. A fan

[@timrodierides]

Thank you!

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I went to see a few Harley's a couple of weeks ago with the intention of choosing my next bike. I was torn between a full dress tourer or a soft-tail. In the end I bought the one that I felt was the most visually appealing. A stunning work of art, with proven reliability, and shaft drive. Yep, I bought the Honda Fury that was sitting among them all. Cheaper, better looking, and it attracts more attention than any other vehicle I have ever owned.

[@logangodofcandy]

Honda? Fury? 🤮 Well, at least it isn't an HD

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

....really enjoyed the vid as ever, I'm getting one of these on Monday (possibly this very one), crossing my fingers that I like it....

[@timrodierides]

Thanks! Yeah it’s a lifestyle experience… just don’t leave it a week before discovering the “deafening exhaust” button like I did! 😂

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

@@timrodierides Yes I'm very glad you pointed that out - that'll defo be set to "on"

[@woodywood3388]

Three observations: 1. I have zero interest in Harleys. None. To the point that I even harbor a certain amount of animus towards the brand. Not fair, perhaps, but it is what it is. 2. To my shock , I managed to watch the entire video. To my further shock, I even found it really interesting. Nice job, Tim. 3. Unsurprisingly, as much fun as the video was, it’s done nothing to change my view of the bikes, the brand, and to some extent, the buggers who ride them. So, in short, nothing to see here, but I don’t feel soiled the way I do with other Harley videos I have watched. Thanks for that, Tim.

[@johnharris7353]

What's the difference between a Harley Davidson and a vacuum cleaner ? On a Harley, the dirt bag is on the outside !

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@johnharris7353 😂

[@neilbenton1152]

My brother in law has a Harley he wouldn't have anything else , worst thing is its worth more than he paid for it 😂

[@damianmaguire1648]

Stop being absolute wankers!!I

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Turns out the CEO of Harley Davidson (Mr. "sustainable Taliban") has zero interest in Harleys too.

[@Jack908r]

High price, limited fuel range, single disc up front, passenger seat optional. I think this bike was the result of a bet between designers at Harley about what people would willingly hand cash over for.

[@nscott26]

6:43 😂🤣🤣😂 that was great, I laughed way to hard!

[@mrpoizun]

Way to the hard?

[@trevordavies5793]

I would leave the exhaust flap in the open position, so when it seizes up.............

[@cfzero72]

I own one. A good bike for an all around ride. Handles fine. We don,t all ride like GP/TT riders.

[@TheOriginalCoda]

The exhaust button is genius. Probably the only good thing HD have come up with in 70 years. I could do with one for my sports bike for trackday noise limits.

[@Dan-56]

I noticed you never showed us the left side of the bike……because OMG 😱 there’s more exposed plumbing than a renovated 18th century apartment house ! And no, you’re not a “commie leftist liberal”, I know this because you have a sense of humor 😉.

[@kadimsilahtar]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@donniebaker5984]

The exposed plumbing is on the right side of the motorcycle there's nothing to look at on the left side

[@TheGospelofKenneth]

The video started on the left side of the bike. Good day sir

[@trailrunnermike]

It’s funny how I am watching this and I’m only interested in the entertaining bit’s coming directly from the character upon the motorbike and not so much in a HD. I’m an American spending a few months in Italy so not sure I’m the target audience but yes “thrilling content” none the less. I can listen to Tim “yank” a 1978 Puch moped and I still would be very happy. Maybe I need to set a higher bar.

[@xsheashea]

Fun bike but you need to keep up with the warranty because these engines blow up and it’s $13k to replace them… look into the cam chain tensioner issue that should have been a recall

[@tedcity5861]

Thx for your comment from 2021. 😅

[@zoomvidsjc1]

I quite like your review of the motorcycle. Same, not a primary motorcycle but no reason it can't be 2nd, 3rd or 4th. Most people dismiss it and move on. That's how the internet reviews are these days. You said you haven't experienced the real Harley and you're right. You need to experience that. But! with that said, this is an offshoot of "real" Harley Davidson. The R12 Nine T is still the same engine mainly and not an offshoot of "real BMW". I have experienced real Harley Davidson and I appreciate it but I also appreciate the Sportster S and prefer a modern experience. I own a Sportster 1200 Roadster and owned a HD Switchback. Those were not my primary motorcycles but motorcycles with great character to be in my "fleet". that said I'm also a more standard naked bike fan and for now the Sportster S is as close to the Bronx as we'll get. I did NOT like the sportster S looks until just recently though only recently actually sat on one at the dealer it totally changed my mind with the seating position, the feel of the controls which differ significantly from the fat, thick heavy normal Harley controls/levers that I am seriously considering the Sportster S. Won't be a primary bike for sure, neither would any cruiser (Bronx would be if it had more than 100 mile range) but I like it's unique position and position by a well respected, authentic brand with an original effort and I kind of want one now. Excellent, review after actually riding for a bit and not just echoing other "content creators" and just moving on. I'm 5'6" by the way so it fit me well. Well I've had some Christmas Ales so a lot more typing than I should have done here but good honest and more importantly, open review mixed with good humor. Subscribed.

[@mart7798]

Loving your work sir!keep it up,you're in my top 3 bike reviewers now!😂

[@davidball7323]

Funny stuff mate Enjoyed this vid.. Informative as well . Cheers

[@EEscapeTheMatrix]

What a stunning bike! Can’t wait to get one

[@Steve-motorcycles]

I want a button for the exhaust thing 🎉

[@TheLastCrankers]

On another note, I love that harley is finally making something more modern than 1963 bikes for 2024 prices. These are still 2024 prices, but at least now it's a 2024 bike. First panam, then this, the small nightster 975 (which was almost a score instead of a miss)... I'll certainly be looking at their stand on upcoming eicma and other shows.

[@dkelli6020]

That exhaust looks great on it

[@barryrose4850]

Sarcasim is the lowest form of whit,we’re going to get on just fine bro 💪

[@dexradio]

Is there something wrong with me? I have never ridden a HD, never even sat on one, but I find myself with no interest whatsoever in doing so. Might I like one if I bothered to have a go?

[@thebobster9848]

That passing train almost certainly would handle better. In fact, like it was “on rails” 😆 Another great entertaining review thanks Tim.

[@larrrevenga49]

I’m not a Harley fan but I do like this one . I like my full throttle scrambler more but am drawn to this model

[@donduick6423]

can you do another review after about 2000 kilometers ?

[@tolob]

That bike makes me think of that odd Hyundai car with 3 doors, one side looked like a coupe and the other side like a saloon. Weird

[@clarencecrowcarter]

If I was looking at this, I would definitely ride an Indian FTR before I bought anything. I can't imagine HD thought anyone would buy this for carving canyons.. surely it's an urban commuter/burnout bike, no?

[@craigjaundrell3304]

I love me some open flaps!

[@TheRealYorkshireman]

Sunbeam S7 with those balloon tyres front and back

[@Jacob0209]

I watch the video, as an American, and hear your accent. Then you “speak with an American accent” and I just hear you stop speaking with your accent. Then I wonder if you’re right and I’m the one with the accent - it’s called English after all. 🤔. Great review, I won’t be buying one, but I enjoyed your take on it. Too often the American on a Harley reviews are so respectful of its status as a national icon that they give the bike more credit than it deserves. No such bias here. God bless and safe riding!

[@timrodierides]

Hahaha thank you sir.

[@JochenThe1]

Try a BMW R12, classic air-and-oil-cooled-boxer-engine

[@albertlira7443]

Tim needs the full size Harley. The valved exhaust is a nice touch. I can't use the word Americans use as i might get removed!

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

Yeah I would go for the Standard for about the same money.

[@mick4715-j7d]

I test rode a street bob a couple of years ago and was surprised how uncomfortable it was at motorway speeds in typical british weather. Needless to say i didnt buy one but was surprised what i thought of it and didn't expect it. It must be how your sat on it and are fighting the weather conditions more. I tested a v4 diavel in same conditions which was better but was 25k short so got my mt10 instead

[@rebellucy6200]

I agree. Sold my Streetbob and got a MT07. The Yamaha is faster, lighter and more comfortable to ride.

[@mick4715-j7d]

@rebellucy6200 good choice the MTs are great bikes.

[@SvenTviking]

What makes me laugh is that you seem to recommend the R nine T one of which I had, but that has an even worse riding position and a seat made by Torquemada.

[@DontPanicDear]

Just before you were yanking it, did you say Poof-formance at 12:44 🤣

[@davidb5552]

Such a sarcastic review Tim, and you couldn't even be bothered to wear a leather cap, thick mustache and chaps...just dialed in lazy journalism! Hopefully, the paint also comes in rainbow flag though, which would settle it down a bit.

[@johnharris7353]

Assless chaps !

[@hughmac7423]

I prefer the Pan America, at least it is a real size, and has much better handling.

[@bertinfreckmann6553]

I love this Bike...but a single Front-Disc.....only for the Design ?!

[@whylie74]

Harley stuffs it up again because styling, the Bronx concept was a much more suitable home for this engine.

[@stevieG.]

Bikes like this and 'Cruiser' things like the R9/12T always look amazing parked up but once you see the guy riding off ..nah 😂

[@HONMONSTER]

I tested rode this bike. The worst bike I've every ridden in forty years of riding. No wonder HD are going broke.

[@GusPineda-ev5uk]

Who cares what you think, I mean who are you , that is a awesome machine, you just seem to nag a lot

[@timrodierides]

@@GusPineda-ev5uk at the moment 5 million people have watched my bike videos so maybe I’m nagging for a good reason. Do you happen to own a Sportster S 😂

[@donaldsoncole3095]

HD = HUGE DISASTER!!! Nobody is buying this turd for a multitude of reasons! 🇺🇸

[@John900C]

What you want is the Bronx. I would have bought one.

[@davidrochow9382]

I'll stick with my 82 VF 750 Magna thanks.

[@neilbenton1152]

Funky looks aside can we get back to a proper motorcycle please 😂

[@Nick-Gye]

an 100 litre fuel tank is just silly

[@Mike_P646]

3:43😅

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

I was touring up the coast this week and l saw my first 2 parked up in Skegness on Tuesday. OMG they were worse in real life than l'd seen in pics & vids, lardy arsed blobs of nothingness, it's criminal that it's called a Sportster, an iconic lithe slim & cool motorbike. Wouldn't be seen dead on one. I actually saw them riding out of town and from the rear they looked comical.

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

Hardleys have been designed by committee since the amf years...

[@thomasreynolds1530]

"frotting patellas" find then take my sub!

[@mrcintheuk4641]

Harley is very successful at making over priced bad motorcycles.

[@ElectraWillem]

It doesn't look like a Harley, it doesn't sound like a Harley, and it doesn't ride like a Harley, it's water cooled, so probably it isn't a Harley, even saying so on the fuel tank.

[@Matt-l9s]

Where is the rest of the rear fender? Is that to save weight?

[@gmoney6508]

They absolutely missed it one this one. The nightster s with this engine was the move ...harley missed again

[@kennyh5083]

HD should make this into a cafe racer and continue on with the true sportster engine! Cuz this ain't it!

[@hughmac7423]

There is nothing wrong with brown motorcycle jackets.

[@conkerman01]

Does it say HOMO on the side. Figures.

[@PrestonMcCarthy-gf8nx]

Would rather walk than ride that !!

[@logangodofcandy]

Overpriced compared to the Indian or triumph, both better bikes

[@elithegreat6463]

The Exact Color is “Ketchup Red” cause when you look at a bottle of Heinz Ketchup, it’s the exact color. Should be called the “Ketchup Glide” 👎👎🍅🤮

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I am reminded how much I like my Ulysses every time I ride my wife's sportster. It's rough on the tail bone.

[@milodebruin4821]

They tried so hard... but came up short.

[@FourIntoOne]

I was going to make a comment but in the end decided not to.

[@timrodierides]

You missed

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Ironically I was going to reply but I too decided against it.

[@HumphreyvanLee]

I had a go with it, just for fun, what a POS. Seating is terrible, performance is MEH ... sound is nice, but that is the only thing. Totally made me forget the brand, not ever looking again to HD. Maybe I'm a spoiled Triumph/BMW guy, Looks 'good', sounds great, but nah, thick pass on this one.

[@clemfandango9534]

Tim picked the wrong Harley.

[@logangodofcandy]

They're all wrong

[@clemfandango9534]

Nope. They make epic touring bikes. And some like the ST models are genuinely fun to ride. This sportster is a weird thing that even die-hard Harley riders don’t know what to make of. Tim picked the wrong Harley. And without being a snowflake about it, the anti Harley cliche comments annoy me personally. We are all bikers. The rest of the world hates bikers, so the last thing we should do is attack each other. I would happily own a Harley to go with my KTM.

[@bojan2501]

Now check Indian.

[@mattwilliams9758]

😂 this or the Stepway?

[@splodge57]

This bike is horrible, l don't like anything about it. Won't be selling my 2001 Sportster 1200S.

[@Wintersdark]

It's funny. I love the RevMax. It's a great motor and it's about time Harley made an actual modern engine. But then they absolutely ruin the bike in every other way. Which is a crying shame, because aside from the RevMax engine (which should be in a proper modern naked Bronx, not this travesty) the most fun Harley was the Sportster. This has NOTHING that the made the sportster great, nothing at all. There's nothing but the name linking it to its storied past. Sportsters where dog slow, sure, but they where *insanely* customizable, and really fun to ride. Had an Ironhead sporty back in the day and absolutely loved it. You could do anything with them, make them yours *easily* with an absolutely breathtaking aftermarket. This? It handles far worse. It's ugly. Practically no range and no way around that. It's weirdly small. Ugh. And God help if someone sees you from the left.

[@troppo4872]

Junk.

[@markstaley5922]

Harley have lost their way I’m afraid hmmmmm doesn’t even sound like a Harley call suicide this bike 👍

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

just buy a yamaha bolt and be happy

[@johnengland8619]

That bike is terrible. Short travel suspension, single brake up front, small tank, big double can exhaust, big heavy tires.

[@nigelcb1300]

Much rather have a Diavel or a triumph than that thanks 👎

[@kennyh5083]

its no true sportster and HD can stick it!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

So long as Jochen Zeitz ("sustainable Taliban") remains CEO of Harley Davidson, you can kiss anything of heritage, history, image, or representation of what HD used to be known for..... eternally goodbye. He's woke, and woke very very hard. And doesn't care.

[@adamlannerd1408]

everyone loves plastic engine covers.

[@FrankBonessa]

This is still the fugliest bike I've ever seen. Looks like it came out of some weird cartoon. I have a '23 HD Low Rider S 117 with CR483 cam and TBR pipe. It looks and sounds excellent. What a Harley should look like. I have lots of bikes , but I have to say, this thing is a blast. Shifts smoother than my Z900 RS. Gets with the program power wise and still gets 49 mpg (US) two up. Very happy.

[@trailrunnermike]

Oh and the word you asked for sir. impotent

[@logangodofcandy]

Liberal @#$& ? Okay, that word is F49907

[@BossGT500]

Hello Tim you Democrat! You must be getting older, you almost liked a Harley😂

[@KevinofWessex]

Soyboy

[@timrodierides]

Is that a good thing? I quite like soy sauce, especially in a stir fry

[@philliprobertlawman2232]

​@@timrodierides Gold

[@mr.poseidon6247]

Too small.

[@timrodierides]

Too rubbish too