All-new Harley-Davidson Sportster S launched internationally

Harley-Davidson has been in a bit of a reinvention phase lately, which has been proved with the introduction of the Pan America, and now 2021 has brought forth the all-new Harley-Davidson Sportster S. While the Sportster name tag has been around since the late 1950s, Harley-Davidson has now given it a new lease of life with significant changes, so let’s dive in straightaway.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is powered by the all-new Revolution Max engine as seen on the Pan America adventure tourer, which means it gets liquid-cooling, variable valve timing, and dual overhead camshafts (bye bye pushrods), while also retaining the V-Twin design as seen on most Harleys. The 1250cc engine has been tuned to provide more torque in lower rpms, while power figures stand at 118.3bhp and 127.4Nm of torque. It also receives a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch.

The Sportster S does away with a traditional frame, with its powertrain doubling up as a stressed member of the chassis, which is said to reduce weight, but a 227kg kerb weight is not exactly lightweight. The Sportster S features fully adjustable suspension, with 43mm inverted Showa forks at the front and a piggyback reservoir monoshock at the rear.

We’re yet to see it in flesh, but based on pictures, it looks like, well, how a Harley should look, but with one wheel certainly in the future. The Sportster S makes do with minimal use of chrome, instead opting for a Chocolate Satin finish on the magnesium engine covers with dark elements present throughout the body. The massive front tyre also gives it the appearance of a custom Bobber, while the rear section is said to have been inspired from the H-D XR750 flat tracker. The Sportster S will be available in three different colours ranging from Vivid Black, Midnight Crimson, and a Stone Washed White Pearl.

The feature list of the Harley-Davidson Sportster S is a pretty extensive one. It gets a total of five riding modes out of which three are pre-programmed while two will be custom. These can be selected by pressing the Mode button on the right side controller. The Sportster S also receives a 4-inch TFT screen display which supports bluetooth connectivity and provides information such as pop-up incoming phone calls, low fuel warning, engine temperature, and diagnostic codes. In addition, it also supports bluetooth connectivity for on-the-go phone calls and alerts and streaming music through a separately sold Bluetooth headset. The Harley-Davidson app for iOS and Android will enable you to use the Navigation feature on your device with an option of choosing from a moving map display or a turn-by-turn map display.

Harley-Davidson will also provide the Sportster S with accessories such as a pillion kit, detachable windshield, a sundowner solo seat, tailbag, and a mid-control conversion kit for those who do not feel comfortable with H-D’s traditional feet-forward footpegs.

On the safety front, the Sportster S receives Cornering Rider Safety enhancements, which includes ABS, traction control system, drag torque slip control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Harley-Davidson says the Sportster S will arrive in US showrooms by this year’s winter season at a price tag of 14,999 USD, which converts to Rs 11.18 lakh without taxes and duties. Harley-Davidson’s India subsidiary recently tied up with Hero MotoCorp, an announcement which became a meme-fest on social media, and while the Pan America is bound to arrive in India soon, there is no word by Harley-Davidson about bringing the Sportster S here, but we have our hopes high. Considering the Pan America will be priced at Rs 16.90 lakh (ex-showroom), we can expect the Sportster S to be priced at Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom).