The Harley-Davidson Sportster S isn’t your grandfather’s Sportster. This is a bold, modern interpretation of a classic name, designed to deliver exhilarating performance and cutting-edge technology wrapped in a distinctive, muscular package. For riders in the U.S. who crave a cruiser with serious sportbike-like punch, the Sportster S represents a thrilling new direction for Harley-Davidson.
Aggressive Styling with a Performance Edge
The Sportster S immediately grabs attention with its “crouched and powerful” stance:
- Revolution Max as a Centerpiece: The powerful Revolution Max engine isn’t just an engine; it’s a major part of the bike’s chassis, contributing to its strong, athletic look.
- Massive Front Tire: A chunky front tire gives a nod to classic bobbers, while the short, stubby tail section and high-mounted dual exhausts are inspired by flat-track racing bikes, creating a unique visual blend.
- Minimalist Lighting: The compact LED headlamp and clean tank design emphasize performance, stripping away excess for a focused, aggressive aesthetic.
- Forward Controls (Standard): The standard riding position features forward foot controls and a low handlebar, putting the rider in an aggressive, stretched-out posture. However, mid-controls are available as an accessory for a more upright, athletic feel.
- Low Seat Height: With a laden seat height of 28.9 inches, the Sportster S is accessible to a wide range of riders, making it easy to put feet down at a stop.
The Revolution Max 1250T Engine: A Powerhouse
At the heart of the Sportster S is Harley-Davidson’s advanced, liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250T engine:
- 1252cc Liquid-Cooled V-Twin: This DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) engine features variable valve timing, delivering a broad powerband. It’s built for thrilling acceleration.
- Horsepower and Torque: The engine produces a potent 121 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and a robust 94 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. This means quick throttle response and strong pulling power throughout the rev range, offering a very different riding experience than traditional air-cooled Harleys.
- 6-Speed Transmission: Power is delivered smoothly through a 6-speed transmission and a belt final drive.
- Maintenance-Friendly: Features like hydraulic lash valve adjusters contribute to lower long-term maintenance needs.
Advanced Ride Dynamics and Safety
The Sportster S isn’t just about raw power; it’s packed with modern technology to enhance handling and safety:
- Adjustable Suspension: It features a 43mm inverted (upside-down) Showa fork up front, fully adjustable for compression, rebound, and spring preload. The rear uses a linkage-mounted Showa piggyback monoshock, also fully adjustable, with 3.2 inches of travel (a notable increase over older Sportsters).
- Premium Brembo Brakes with Cornering ABS: High-performance Brembo braking components with 320mm front and 260mm rear discs provide excellent stopping power. Cornering Enhanced Anti-lock Braking System (C-ABS) provides confident braking even when leaned over.
- Rider Safety Enhancements (RSE): A suite of electronic aids managed by an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) includes:
- Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS)
- Cornering Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS)
- Enhanced Lift Mitigation / Wheel Lift Mitigation (helps control wheelies)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Riding Modes: Three pre-programmed riding modes (Sport, Road, and Rain) adjust power delivery, engine braking, C-ABS, and C-TCS settings to suit different conditions, plus a customizable mode.
- Cruise Control: Standard cruise control makes longer highway rides more relaxed.
Digital Connectivity and Convenience
The Sportster S brings modern connectivity to the cruiser segment:
- 4-inch Round TFT Display: A sharp, full-color TFT screen provides all essential information, including speedometer, gear indicator, odometer, fuel level, and more.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Connect your smartphone via Bluetooth to access calls, music, and turn-by-turn navigation (via the Harley-Davidson App).
- USB-C Charging Port: A convenient USB-C port is included for charging devices.
- All-LED Lighting: Full LED lighting ensures excellent visibility.
- High-Mounted Exhaust: Inspired by flat-track racers, the high-mounted exhaust system is designed to direct heat away from the rider’s legs.
Fuel Economy (MPG)
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S, with its performance-oriented engine, offers a combined fuel economy rating of approximately 49 miles per gallon (MPG). Its 3.1-gallon fuel tank provides a decent range for spirited riding and cruising.
Price in the U.S.A. (MSRP)
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is positioned as a premium performance cruiser. For the 2024 Harley-Davidson Sportster S, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) typically starts around $16,999 for the Vivid Black color.
Other color options (like Billiard Gray, Sharkskin Blue, or Red Rock) usually add a few hundred dollars to the MSRP. These prices do not include destination charges (which are commonly around $700-$800), dealer preparation fees, sales tax, title, or registration fees, which will vary by state and dealership.
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is a clear statement from Harley-Davidson about its future. It combines a bold, aggressive style with a high-revving, powerful engine and a full suite of modern electronics, making it a compelling choice for U.S. riders who want a high-performance American motorcycle that’s as thrilling on winding roads as it is stylish on city streets.