Photo: HARLEY-DAVIDSON

With the Sportster S, Harley-Davidson presents a brand new factory custom bike with inspiring driving performance and at the same time heralds the latest chapter in Sportster's history – with powerful performance on the country road and state-of-the-art technology for more safety and riding pleasure. The new Revolution Max 1250T V2 engine with 122 hp gives the Sportster S a particularly rich start from the rev cellar. A taut, lightweight chassis and high-quality suspension elements ensure high agility and intuitive handling. From traffic light to traffic light and from one curve to the next, the new Sportster S offers the driver exactly the kick that has always characterized the Sportster model family. At the same time, it sets new standards for this most traditional of all Harley-Davidson series.

In autumn 2021, the first copies of the Sportster S will arrive at Harley-Davidson dealers and will be offered at recommended retail prices from 15,495 euros in Germany and 18,595 euros in Austria.

"The Sportster S is the next completely new development to build on the Revolution Max platform, setting new performance standards for the Sportster series," said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. "This is a next-generation sportster defined by power, performance, technology and style. And it is part of our commitment to build motorcycles that are in line with our strategy: to increase desirability and continue the tradition of Harley-Davidson."

Design

In profile, the new Sportster S looks flat and powerful. The tank and rear form a visual frame for the engine as the heart of the machine. The massive front tire evokes associations with the no-frills front-ends of classic bobbers, while the rear with a raised exhaust and a slim solo seat is reminiscent of the legendary Harley-Davidson flattrack racer XR750. A powerful upside-down fork at the front and the wide tyre at the rear set references to powerful sports bikes.

"Every visual design element of the Sportster S is an expression of power," said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson vice president of styling and design. "This motorcycle is a wolf in wolf's clothing."

The powertrain is set off with lightweight magnesium engine covers with a chocolate satin finish. Textures, colours, surfaces and details give the Sportster S the look of an individually built show bike.

Engine

At the heart of the new Sportster S is the Revolution Max 1250T engine with a displacement of 1,252 cubic centimetres. The latest version of the latest liquid-cooled Harley-Davidson V2 is tuned for high torque in the lower rpm range and a flat torque curve over the entire usable rev range. The power delivery allows powerful acceleration and rich pull. At the same time, Harley is once again relying on the engine as a load-bearing chassis component to save weight. In addition, lightweight materials contribute to a good power-to-weight ratio. Ready to drive, the Sportster S weighs only 228 kilograms. The raised 2-in-1-in-2 exhaust system ensures a pleasantly sonorous sound.

State-of-the-art technology for safety and driving pleasure

For a safe and intensive driving experience at the cutting point, the new Sportster S brings the entire spectrum of modern technology to the start. Three pre-programmed driving modes (Sport, Road and Rain) electronically determine both the performance characteristics of the engine and the intensity of the driver assistance systems. With two freely programmable modes, the driver can tailor the driving experience even more specifically to his personal preferences or specific situations. The "Harley-Davidson Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements", a package of electronic assistance systems to support difficult road conditions and dangerous situations, adapt the power output and driving dynamics to the available grip when accelerating, in sliding mode and on the brakes – both when driving straight ahead and in curves.

A round, four-inch TFT display as the main instrument is used to display all driving information as well as – in conjunction with a helmet headset – the infotainment of the driver's Bluetooth-compatible mobile device. With the free Harley-Davidson app, the rider has music, navigation and hands-free functions under control at all times. The vehicle lighting, which is entirely in LED technology, includes a Daymaker Signature LED headlight for daylight, homogeneous illumination of the road without disturbing hotspots. In its striking oval capsule, the headlight also forms an unmistakable design element of the front of the vehicle, by which other motorcyclists and road users recognize the Sportster S at first glance.

Chassis

Since the powertrain of the new Sportster S is designed as a supporting element, it makes a classic frame superfluous. This saves weight and at the same time results in a very torsionally rigid chassis – crucial for precise handling. The welded tubular steel swingarm with an upper and a lower beam additionally stiffens the chassis and forms another unmistakable design feature with its unique look.

The front and rear wheels of the new Sportster S are guided in fully adjustable spring elements: a Showa upside-down fork with an immersion tube diameter of 43 millimetres operates at the front, while a Showa central strut with integrated expansion tank at the rear. The spring preload can be conveniently adjusted at the rear via hydraulics with a rotary knob on the left side of the vehicle. Cast alloy wheels in a five-double spoke design carry wide Dunlop/Harley-Davidson GT503 tires. The high-quality Brembo brake system is characterized by powerful and perfectly controllable deceleration. The front single disc with a diameter of 320 millimetres is pressurised with four pistons by a radially bolted Brembo monoblock fixed caliper. On the rear wheel, a Brembo two-piston caliper is used on a 260-millimetre brake disc.

A front footrest system and a flat handlebar ensure a committed seating position on the Sportster S. With an unloaded seat height of 755 millimetres, almost every driver has safe contact with the ground when stationary. Brake and clutch levers are adjustable. From the factory, the wiring harness of the Sportster S has connections for optional heated handles and separately available heated driving clothing as well as a USB-C charging port. An air temperature sensor issues a cold warning on the display in case of possible ice smoothness. A cruise control system and a security system with immobilizer are also standard. The steel tank holds a volume of 11.8 liters.

Lacquer colours: Vivid Black; Stone Washed White Pearl; Midnight Crimson

Accessories

Already at the market launch, Harley-Davidson offers interesting accessories for the Sportster S via its "Genuine Motor Accessories" program, including:

• Centrally arranged footrest system

Moves the footpexes and levers from the factory front position further back to the center of the vehicle. This ensures a sportier seating position and can also be suitable for drivers who do not reach the standard rests comfortably.

• Passenger seat

The passenger seat, front passenger footrests and a backrest for the passenger are each available individually. The upholstery of the seat and backrest is in the same design as the driver's seat.

• "Sundowner" solo seat

This seat is characterized by a deeper recessed seat and a cover with decorative motif. An extra strong comfort foam padding guarantees maximum seating comfort over long distances.

• Flat removable windshield

With its black bracket and matching screws, the tinted windshield fits perfectly into the styling of the new Sportster S. Thanks to practical quick-release fasteners, the Sportster S can be driven with or without a windshield to your heart's content.

• Tailbag

The rear bag specially developed for the Sportster S offers a convenient way to carry important utensils on the go. It is recommended to attach the tailbag to the separately available accessory passenger seat. Its volume can be increased from 8.2 to 11.5 liters, the maximum payload is 2.5 kilograms.

More information about the new Harley-Davidson Sportster S can be found on www.harley-davidson.com.