Getting a new Sportster S next week, I have had a couple of Harleys, but wanted one that was a bit lighter and nimble. Well, I am getting rid of my Road King Special, so anything smaller than a bus is lighter and more nimble. The heat shields have gone for water jet cutting and coating, as I wasn’t a fan of the look of them either. Heated grips are an extra, but the button is there ready for them
So many people get a placebo effect with this bike. They see the high exhaust and moan about heat, they hear about the short suspension and moan about a rough ride, they see the single disc and claim the bike has underpowered brakes. It's all bollocks. The bike suffers from none of this. I own one...
I purchased the midnight crimson , States side of the pond , and I've been riding in Minnesota since about Nov 19; love this new Harley, quite a bit different from my Heritage Springer (antique) and I think that's what I like about it the best (brilliant) its a modern 21st century machine both eloquent and powerful. I am curious, do you find the up shifter travel a bit excessive? Its too high for my liking, and I think I'll ask the shop to adjust the linkage in a bit since I prefer the shift pedal to be slightly lower. marcus
@@piotrpawlak2225 I tend to have small time windows to do the reviews but round lagunas/harley/honda and other bike places quite a bit so maybe see you around :)
Ah now there is a comparison! It's been a number of years since I rode the speed twin but cracking bike. In sport mode it's wonderful. The sportster s is bigger, more brute I'd say and the riding position somewhat 'cooler'. Doesn't handle as well in the bends as the speed twin. Sportster s more of a head turner. Both great, ride em back to back and see what you think.
Hadn't noticed an issue but don't think there are any on my route! I tend to always go around them. I'll have a look into speed bump heights and start including something about that with bikes with lower ground clearance. Hadn't considered that before
If you're going to buy a bike that looks like a Japanese Harley copy, why not save your money and buy the, very competent and cheaper, Japanese copy? Being an Avionics engineer of over thirty years, the less electronic "aids" the better. In fact I recently bought a 2005 Sportster which was the last carbureted and first rubber-mounted frame version. It sounds like a Harley, not like a sewing machine.
Put a proper rear end on it with a mudguard, Lose that fat front Tyre and put twin discs on it and a skinny two into 1 exhaust that goes under the engine ?? then you'll have a GRATE Bike!!
Getting a new Sportster S next week, I have had a couple of Harleys, but wanted one that was a bit lighter and nimble. Well, I am getting rid of my Road King Special, so anything smaller than a bus is lighter and more nimble. The heat shields have gone for water jet cutting and coating, as I wasn’t a fan of the look of them either. Heated grips are an extra, but the button is there ready for them
Glad to see so many people out riding on Sunday in the U.K.!
So many people get a placebo effect with this bike. They see the high exhaust and moan about heat, they hear about the short suspension and moan about a rough ride, they see the single disc and claim the bike has underpowered brakes. It's all bollocks. The bike suffers from none of this. I own one...
How tall are you? I was worried about suspension and thought I would look towards the fat bob! Looking for more cruiser than sport though
@@bz8047 I'm 6'2''
The exhaust looks terrible. Otherwise it looks stunning.
I purchased the midnight crimson , States side of the pond , and I've been riding in Minnesota since about Nov 19; love this new Harley, quite a bit different from my Heritage Springer (antique) and I think that's what I like about it the best (brilliant) its a modern 21st century machine both eloquent and powerful.
I am curious, do you find the up shifter travel a bit excessive? Its too high for my liking, and I think I'll ask the shop to adjust the linkage in a bit since I prefer the shift pedal to be slightly lower.
marcus
Loving this review - Great stuff Tommy. Can't wait for the Livewire video!
Cheers bud! Bit of a shame with an unexpected camera battery issue at the end. Great bike though, glad to be doing reviews again after a covid break
Great video, Keep them coming Tom
Thanks! Should be doing more soon. Real life work gets hectic
Good video of a neighbor :) I can even say that I am a little jealous of the experience of riding this machine :)
Get down and take it for a test ride!
@@TommyBarnezTV I have to take your number and go with you next time :D
@@piotrpawlak2225 I tend to have small time windows to do the reviews but round lagunas/harley/honda and other bike places quite a bit so maybe see you around :)
How does it compare to the Triumph Speed Twin? More power ,better handling and so on. Thanks so much for the review.
Ah now there is a comparison! It's been a number of years since I rode the speed twin but cracking bike. In sport mode it's wonderful. The sportster s is bigger, more brute I'd say and the riding position somewhat 'cooler'. Doesn't handle as well in the bends as the speed twin. Sportster s more of a head turner. Both great, ride em back to back and see what you think.
Thanks Tommy.
Why are all the house 6 mm from the road?
doesnt look like there is much ground clearance Tommy? are speed bumps an issue?
Hadn't noticed an issue but don't think there are any on my route! I tend to always go around them. I'll have a look into speed bump heights and start including something about that with bikes with lower ground clearance. Hadn't considered that before
does not come with heated grips...it has the button to install
Thoughts on this bike for a beginner? Too much?
Depends on your training but I would say maybe. Lot of factors so hard to give a definite yes or no
I love the look of this but it’s missing that classic harley sound
Gutted
Yeah missing the shakes too
Oh my God! What is that thing? A flat-tracker? Some kind of European naked bike?
Would you agree that it’s good, but it’s hardly David’s son?
Bravo 👏
If you're going to buy a bike that looks like a Japanese Harley copy, why not save your money and buy the, very competent and cheaper, Japanese copy? Being an Avionics engineer of over thirty years, the less electronic "aids" the better. In fact I recently bought a 2005 Sportster which was the last carbureted and first rubber-mounted frame version. It sounds like a Harley, not like a sewing machine.
cool story bro ......
Looks flipping good. Sounds flipping rubbish. Must have been fun though.
Sound ain't too bad in the flesh, aftermarket would be great though
Put a proper rear end on it with a mudguard, Lose that fat front Tyre and put twin discs on it and a skinny two into 1 exhaust that goes under the engine ?? then you'll have a GRATE Bike!!