Harley Sportster S: What's it Like to Ride?
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- Опубліковано 2 гру 2021
- The 2021 Harley Davidson Sportster S incorporates Harleys new Revolution Max 1250T engine, and claims to be the 'Ultimate Sportster'. But what's it actually like to ride?
Massive thanks to Guildford Harley for the loan of the bike, check them out at www.lind.co.uk/harley-davidso...
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I have owned mine for close to two months now and absolutely love it so far. The first thing I did was ditch those forward controls and put the mids on. Completely changes the ride comfort and handling of the bike. Love the styling looks like something out of a batman movie. I'm an old die-hard Harley guy in my 60's and I think they hit it out of the park with this motorcycle. I understand that the styling is not for everyone, but I love how it has that dirt track racing look to it. The engine is scary powerful damn near have to strap my hands to the grips to be able to hold on. I have to admit that before I put the mid controls on this, I was thinking I made a big mistake. Hated the weird riding position and felt like the shifting was awkward with too much upward travel. Not any more man it is tight like it should have been from the factory. Personally, I think Harley did that on purpose gets them another $700 plus labor and they can still keep the sticker at $14999. Thanks for your video and review.
How tall are you? I'm 6'4 and worry it'd be too cramped with mids - my knees are already level with the top of the tank with forwards.
I know I’m late to the video, I went and did a test ride on this and the fatbob and I instantly fell in love with this bike, great power, great torque and looks awesome
I’m wanting to pick one up in October and I’ll be swapping from my R6
Keep safe dude
I completely agree with you Mid controls, a sleeker exhaust and a tail tidy would make it look far better
8:50 Yep, there it is. That good old 'hang on a minute, this doesn't feel right' sensation that keeps you riding into old age! :D
Hey hey, I feel like a kid at Christmas, I'm picking mine up tomorrow, same black color, I test drove it today and I was so happy that it fit me!! I'm a bit over 5'10 and it fit me perfectly, I love the electronic gadgets, the style, the water cooled!!, the fat tires, the horsepower and the list goes on. Great video, new subscriber, ride safe brother, God bless, peace.
From I started riding at age 17 I rode sports bikes right till my early 50s, for me the most important thing was performance closely followed by looks, but as old injuries and a bad back got worse I had to switch to something that still had a good performance but was comfortable, I eventually in 2017 found the bike that had the performance of my GSX-R750 but was comfortable (my Street triple 765R), but every so often I need to ride a sports bike to remind me why I switched to a middleweight naked and in the summer borrowed my nephews CBR1000RR-R SP for the day it was without doubt the most extreme uncomfortable bike I'd ever ridden (at that point), till four weeks ago I booked a test ride on the 1250 Sportster S, to me it was a torture implement which concentrated all your weight on your lower back, simply by the weird positioning of the bars, seat and footrests, I often ride my mates Harley 48 and never have had a problem with it so it's not a Harley problem, simply this model as I spoke to another fella who also had the same problems when he took a test ride, I then seen Rocket mans blog and he'd the same problem with it, of course it may just be old age lol.
Solid review. I love the look of this bike as is. Saw it in local Harley shop. Yet to demo. And and you mentioned forward controls. I would definitely do mid controls due to the sport nature of this bike.
Great vid Bruce. I think you’ve summed it up perfectly, good performance but suspect looks, and let’s face it you don’t have a HD for the performance, you have one for the character, and I was feeling your pain going over those bumps 👍
Been watching videos of this bike past couple days and I’m in love with it. Love the look
I own a sportster s, and absolutely love it, yes the 160 front and 180 rear handles superbly. The 3 base and 2 customizable ride modes give enough flexibility for all situations. Will agree partially on the appearance that it could have been better. With that being said Harley Davidson went for a concept design and putting performance into the sportster. This is a muscle cruiser, similar to the short production v-rod.
Thanks for the review mate. I have bought my first HD: the Sportster S 2 weeks ago. Absolutely loving it. :) Sporty, stunning looking, turns, handles well but not intimidating at all. :)
As usual, excellent video. I have one of these in my collection. The Zard exhaust really gives the bike a completely different feel and adds to the grin factor. The sound is very different, too!! Highly recommend.
Just found your channel. Love it. I’ve just bought the sportster a in the new green colour this weekend. Gotta wait till May for it but ohhhh I’m so excited
Welcome to the channel
Fiona, great to have you along and thanks for the support!
Enjoy the Sportster when it comes 👍
Oh yes Bruce, two Harleys and best American style burgers 🍔 👌 next vid for your channel after the pie and mash 😋
I'd prefer an Indian scout and a bison steak.
I'm a fan of the old sportster and I'm not too happy with the new one. You said it spot on, it looks like it's been made out of a plastic model kit, not hewn out of steel. I've no problem with the new engine at all but I'm not convinced with the style. I'm hoping future bikes look far better.
The looks grew on me, specially in person. But the old sportster looks pretty great still. When I rode the new one, I had to buy it…. Great bike, if anyone like the sport/cruiser ish…. I have mine since it launched, so far zero issues. And yeah, the exhaust doesn’t sound like a Harley sadly, but the riding this beast feels amazing to ignore the less than epic sounds lol
Yer a dork. You want slow. Keep yer old junk.
Old sporters are pur clunky slow junk. They look like shit. This new one way beyond any old junk sports term. This is a bike. 883 pure shit box.
power to weight ratio… hence the fun
@@fernandosestini3373same here rode it two day ago bought it yesterday with a modified exaust
Great review Bruce....and a nice "real world" review of the brakes too!! Good effort bud!!
Thanks man, glad you enjoyed it 👍
I’ve got the TBR exhaust and license plate on mine. I can’t go anywhere without randoms stopping to compliment it. It’s a beautiful bike.
I purchased the Midnight Crimson RH1250S on Nov 19; my birthday present to myself.
Yeah, you need to adjust the preload in the rear... probably 11 clicks for you. I ordered a wind-screen and engine guard.
I love this bike more every day.
marcus
Solid review. I love the look of this bike as is. Saw it in local Harley shop. Yet to demo. And and you mentioned forward controls. I would definitely do mid controls due to the spire nature of this bike. And for me it’s more commanding of the bike.
If you haven't gone into the A Tune and customized it you haven't felt shite. Max out throttle response, engine braking. With the bike in neutral hold the traction control until the light stays solid. And then hold the F on because you're going for a ride like you won't feel in the sport mode. It becomes a whole nother bike and you can feel the torque and BHP.
Yep 100% want a spin on one now! I think it looks good! Cooked breakfast on Harley's !! The hunt that is!
You could have adjusted the rear shock! But I must say your enthusiasm for the Suzuki GSXS1000 far exceeded the feelings for this sportster!
Aye absolutely - I did actually stop and look at adjusting the shock but somehow I managed to miss the great big knob to adjust it 🤦♂️🤷♂️
The GSX-S1000 is a fantastic road bike 👍
@@teapotone The Suzuki has a different riding position than the Sportster S though. In comparing the Sportster S to the Fat Bob, the Fat Bob weighs about 150 pounds more than the S, so IMO, comparing the Sportster S to those two bikes is comparing apples to oranges. I am looking for a high performance bike with a relaxed riding position because of my hip issues, so it looks like the S would fill the bill, any thoughts would be appreciated.
I agree about the design, too much plastic and from a distance, I'd never know it was a Harley. Hopefully there will be aftermarket parts to enhance the look of the S.
Genuinely, I’d ALWAYS recommend people try a bike for the self if they’re thinking of buying one - that’s the only way you’ll know if it’s for you 👍
Great review, bike looks badass for sure!
HD's never appealed to me and haven't ever ridden one, but must admit the Sportster looks nice and as you say that 1200 sounds a nice engine. Cheers Bruce
So the sitting position is the, ‘Dennis Hopper’ then!!! Great review as ever. Cheers!!!
I think that looks great, reminds me (a bit) of my Guzzi Griso. I agree though, that a few bits could be blinged up nicely
Great bike! I really think this Engine will be the future of HD. Question Bruce, what camera’s do you use?
Great vid lovely looking bike, but for the price you would think, a nicer sounding can ,and a choice of where you would prefer the controls ,would be nice thing for Harley to do ,customers new and old would think a lot of that ,
Nice one Bruce! I’ve never ridden a Harley it’s something I must do at some point.
Nice one Bruce. I'm concerned were going to see you owning a HD very soon, you're already pimping that one up in your head!
Guilford Harley seem really good to you, hope they keep it up.
Great vid and looking forward to the next one.
Take care,
Adam.
How about a back to back with the FTR?
Mate, if you haven't gone into the A Tune and maxed out all the parameters, throttle response, engine braking ect. You haven't felt shite. It becomes a whole nother bike. I recommend putting it in neutral and holding the traction control button until you get a solid light. This essentially disables all the stops. CAUTION: HOLD THE F ON.
been wanting to do a tune on my sportster s do you know the top speed on a tuned sportster s ?
This Bike and Engine need to evolve. I have seen one up close, and it does look cheap in some areas.
Plus a first year platform always go through teething pains of reliability and first year issues that need to be corrected.
I wish H-D the Best, they will sell a lot of these regardless.
Late to the comments aswel.
Just passed my Mod2 and the boys down at M&P Cardiff let me take the sportster out all day… fell in love straight away, took a few miles to get used to the forward pegs but feels good to me.
I’ve not been on to many bikes so can’t compare. Ktm 890 gp was my other option but think I’m more of a Harley person.
Picking up mine in mineral green next week…. Great videos aswel
Cardiff Alloy Repair (new rider)
Welcome to the biking family Mark and congrats on passing your Mod 2.
Enjoy the new bike 👏👍
How are you getting on with it? How is the rear suspension and ride quality?
I did a review on this bike. But if a funny one for me. Didn’t like the big front tyre and didn’t like the seating position but I loved it. It’s weird what Harley’s do to you.
Finally a semi acceptable motor from HD. But I hate those massive Cans!! I don’t mind them up high, but the diameter is insane and FUGLY. Thanks EPA
I still fancy a test ride in the Pan-American when the chance comes round though if I were after a cruiser it wouldn’t be the Sportster🤔Great review again though Bruce👌
I have owned a few sportsters from new over the years, they work best if you ride solo and you love standing around in gas stations. And there is nothing wrong with that. But now some of us older guys are looking at the clock and thinking we want use are time for other things. its good looking bike maybe the frothy coffee Sunday brigade will take it to their hearts?
opinions are subjective like leafs on tree, if it you like the bike i would be first to wish you have a great time with it
Well said 👏👍
How’s the ground clearance working for offroading? Or i mean speed breakers and stuff like that?
Try a hd Roadking special, you'll love it!.
Fatboy and sportster too small, at 20 stone imo.
How do I know?.
Same weight as myself.
Look forward to seeing your opinion.
I own the 3R Rocket. I love the look of this bike but would I be happy on this after the Rocket? Tough one..... Great video TP.
Cheers Jet 👍
Is the tyre size combo on this an unusual thing, with the front being almost as wide as the rear or what Bruce? 🤔
Just bought my first ever motorcycle tyres & have a 100/80/17 & a 130/70/17,so my MC tyre knowledge is pretty limited!!! 😂👍
You've already got the beard Bruce, it's only a matter of time until you own a Harley :)
Good comparison would be against the Indian FTR1200 and v the top cruiser league like the Diavel and Rocket 3, thoughts on neebur?
Tab performance exhaust on a Harley makes all the difference and makes it a mean machine
I'm really digging that helmet you got. Full face dirt with tinted screen. what is it?
It’s the Shoei Hornet ADV 👍
One start up the engine sounds like there's no oil there .... i had test ride in Oct at Leeds lovely bike bar's back and a bigger tank
Yes, the engine sound very mechanical, especially on start up.
The ride of the Sportster S is just stunning, very quick for a Harley and oh so easy to ride. Good to see that you enjoyed the beastie.... I am sticking with Fat Bob though, but for the money it's a bargain Harley (not a bargain bike though!) cheers....
How is it compared to a Fatbob?
If they thought lets throw this plastic on, then they should have lowered the price a bit. Plastic is cheap at the end of the day. The bike does look good but agree it has got custom written all over it. The dash also looks clear for being fairly small. You need a big hunt for best sausage roll, burger, indian, chinese, and then gym after all that :)
On a separate note thanks to you banging on about Calimoto I used it for some recent test rides, banging app. I'll be using it a lot more when I get my bike in the Spring.
Hi, I love the bike, can you please tell me what Helmet you have? I really want to take a look at them, thanks, new subscriber.
Hi Peter,
It’s a Shoei Hornet ADV.
Welcome to the channel bud 👏
I don’t know Bruce, just watching the behaviour of that bike on your video made me think it was beige….maybe the ride is better than what came across on the video. Good work as always though!
It doesn’t set your soul on fire the way a Fat Boy does certainly
For me it comes across as a more compact version of a Rocket 3. Not a beauty like a Diavel, it has a certain rugged handsome charm. I’m a fan of the central clock. Big difference between normal road mode and sport. Fat Boy v Sportster a very good comparo.
Not a fan. Maybe if I rode one I’d change my mind? Right now I think I’ll stick with my geezer glide FLHXS. Beautiful country your riding through!!
Can't get past the looks. Its proper fugly regardless which pipe you put on it. Think the sportster 48 was much nicer and this model is a step backwards. Great honest review as always though. Softail Fatbob👍
Bruce serious question for you. Do you think that motorcycle dealerships should take the responsibility to set the bike up for the rider? I weigh 260 lbs and when I bought my bike they were like here is the keys, get going. They did not set the SAG or adjust anything for me and that kinda ticked me off. I think they should set up the bike to the rider.
You'd end up with a poorly setup bike and a huge bill to compliment it.
You'd be better off riding it off the lot directly to a specialist.
No I don’t bud, it’s not the dealerships responsibility to set each bike up to each individual rider - the vast majority of people out there probably wouldn’t realise it wasn’t setup right.
my first err legal bike I bought in the eighties
I'm not against Harley innovating ( I'll get a PanAmerica when there are more used ones about ) but that thing is a mess. It could probably be made to look better but it's not cheap so why should you then have to spend even more on it.... ?
The old Sporty came with a tiny peanut tank but you could just bolt on a king tank. Progress? 😬
The Flintstones must have been the inspiration for the wheels
Make tank 3/4" higher 1-1/2" wider to gain needed fuel capacity.
Love from DeKalb Mississippi USA 🇺🇸
You should go round on harleys to american dinners for burgers or meat loaf or mac n cheese
Would you compare this to the Rocket 3?
No I wouldn’t personally bud, although you could say they’re both cruisers, they’re a totally different ride, performance, and build quality.
The Rocket 3 is streaks ahead in every area for me personally
The cornering clearance on the fatboy is abysmal. I got sick of grinding floor boards at the slightest bend!
I actually quite enjoyed that personally, I thought the Fat Boy cornered better than I expected.
The Fat Boy is miles better at cornering than the BMW R18 for sure, that was horrendous 👍
Also anybody on hear recommend an exhaust, and tail tidy ??
You need to try a Indain challenger first! 😎👍🍻
100% 👍
Why GenX and older people don't like the look of this Bike?
I love it. Next aventador, Sporster is the best looking bike I have ever seen.
The sound is not that great, gearbox is not impressive and ground clearance is no adequate for where I live, yet I want it because it looks stunning!
That bike is soooo you bud🙃you're just missing the open face HENRY COLE style helmet😉
You've just re designed the whole bike love the looks from the side view, however from your sitting position it looks really naked clock headlamp so low what comes to mind is a push bike handlebars , not for me looks too basic,
After one too many folks pulling out into traffic without looking, I am no longer embarrassed to double tap the horn as I approach.
The front tyre looks so out of place and there is a break disc missing from the front wheel and the fuel tank is far too small does not hold near enough fuel apart from that its a nice bike
2 inches rear wheel suspension travel, big ugly double can high rise exhaust , tiny seat, no rear seat or pegs, very heavy tires aside from that it's a fairly sorted bike
Thanks for that.
It’s got 120 horsepower, but it’s uncomfortable over 70 because there is no fairing.
There is no passenger seat.
There is no provision for luggage.
It only holds two gallons of petrol, which you tell us is enough for 90-100 miles. Is that all?
It’s not very comfortable
and the gearbox isn’t very good.
Bit of a chocolate teapot then?
6:05 = Tyre soap on the front? New tyres already? On a demo bike?
The JD bikes seem to be hitting the mark with you at the moment
It`s the pipes that grab my attention, they need to go, ugly and heavy. Next, change the seat, next, change the bars. the list goes on. Have`nt owend a Harley for 30yrs, but have always told myself to get another, this bike has the best engine yet, but my new Suzuki would piss all over it.Great vid by the way.
Cheers Jono, what Suzuki have you got bud?
Has to be best hot dog for the Harley Hunt
whats it like at crawling speed in traffic
Once you’re used to having your feet forward, it’s very balanced and the fueling is smooth too. Below around 10mph you’ll have to feather the clutch
Thanks for the review Bruce 👍 Even if I wanted a bike just like this one, the silly 11L fuel tank is a deal breaker! And the rear suspension is a back breaker by the looks of it lol
Cheers Rikky,
Aye the small tank is a big own-goal in my opinion, but to be fair to the bike I could have played with the rear shock a bit to try and tweak it for my weight 👍
@@teapotone Fair point - you are a full-sized man! I'm a hobbit but still had similar trouble with a Honda Rebel 1100 😊
The water cooled will likely be “allowed” in the cities just a tad longer than the air cooled’s before paying the congestion tax.
Bottom line Bruce, would you chop the GS in for one ???
Have you ridden the 2022 ftr1200???
Nope
@@teapotone should try it sometime!
I wish that Harley Davidson could design a motorcycle with a low seat without sacrificing nearly all of the suspension travel. 60mm in the rear is going to get painful no matter how it is adjusted.
Watched you and Lambchop doing the pasty taste test, great fun. You mentioned watching a Joe Rogan podcast, we’re you just kidding or do you support his theories? Just curious.
Where have you been my man? We missed you
I’ve been right here all along bud 🤷♂️👍
@@teapotone Oh OK. I just have not seen you on my feed in a while
It’s weird how UA-cam does that isn’t it. I rarely get any of TMF’s vids in my feed, or even other channels that I watch🤷♂️👍
I shared all your thoughts on the looks and the sound. Big burger hunt is a great idea, it could even be done a couple of different editions i.e hottest chilli burger challenge (my mate's place in Brighton Burger Off) being a clear winner! And or biggest burger and also best quality burger - Gordon Ramsey's high end burgers are £76 each mind 😂
Tank size single-handedly has prevented my purchase.
As an ex HD rider of 21years I no longer understand their ethos. This misses by so little on so much to be any good. Suspension, tank size, proportions etc ... Just build a Muscle bike or a street fighter or a cruiser. Not something that try’s to all 3 and fails on all fronts. Jimho, your mileage may vary.
That can is hideous, and what with the anti modding laws looking likely you could be stuck with it in the future. Overall though its not to bad looking and your vigorous style of riding sells the sound and possibly the bike. You'd make a good salesman.
Nice chugging Enfield you passed 😊
Quiet like it ,but prefer the original sportster 👍
You'll pay quite a hefty "Harley Tax" on any aftermarket accessories.
What good is a machine with more performance but less comfortable… get the fat Bob… or just use your R1250GS ( which is actually better than both)…
Cant ride one! Here in Florida, no one has one!! Nope! Cant ride, cant buy
I think the mid controls are double that price (£600+ I think). I couldn't get over the fact you have to take your hand off the left grip to operate the indicators and horn. Also with those front tyres it felt like you were walking on tippy toes as the middle of the tyre is very pointed. I also thought the engine was quite mechanically noisy. Hopefully a loud exhaust will mask that. Just hope you didn't hit too many potholes with only 2" of rear suspension travel. There are just too many faults with this bike, but you summed it up nicely - just get the Fatboy...
Part exchanged my GS for a Pan America Special and although I am not about to knock it it just wasn't doing it for me. Unlike Bruce the high revving engine just could not replace the low down torque of a GS. But now I was part of the Harley Clan and had made some new and great friends going back to a GS was a no no. So has you have suggested Graham I traded it in for a Fatboy and I am loving it. Incidentally I have also been proven to be wrong about Harley riders having a certain attitude as well.
To be fair, the Fatboy is nearly £8k more expensive so should be substantially better.
I’d much rather stare at that silver Honda. Is it a Super Four? We don’t have those in the States.
Would prefer a Triumph Thruxton, it has a normal amount of rear wheel travel, which the Harley doesn't and needs on our roads. My knackered back had me wincing over those bumps ! That engine needs a more roadster set-up, it's a lovely engine. Great review 👍👍
Over $600. For the mid controls that it should have came with!
That's how they tax you
chopsy and mr fish would be good as wingmen
Done vids with them both many times 👍
I don't understand a road cruising bike that has 90/100 miles of range
👍
Don’t understand why they didn’t just use the same engine as the Pan American, you have ridden both now.
It is the same engine, just re-tuned for more low down grunt.
@@michaellilley6725 the other engine wasn’t short on low end grunt to start with, that was my point.
@@johnharvey5338 OK, I too was a tad disappointed not to see the same bhp, but upon realising the boosted mid range I understood. What I can't understand is the almost hard tail rear end and the extra £700 for mid controls. I also don't know why they haven't catered for a pillion ( seat or suspension) as I'm sure many women would love to sit on the back of this masculine beast. I'd like to see what other models they fit this engine to in the future? I considered it's predecessor, the Pan American but the front end is just so hideous, also it appears to bottom out on the rear too easily. I opted instead for the Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport, a different breed entirely, also the last of its kind available in Europe. As my other bike is a Yamaha FZ1-S Custom, it too is a 150 bhp of sports heritage. I'd consider swapping it for something more cruiser esk, but not this Sportster which offers neither range nor comfort.
Oooohhhh......272! 👍😁
Great fun if you catch it light on traffic 😉👍
@@teapotone had some brisk rides down some of those including one with Mr Lamb chops.