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Dynamic, powerful and stylish – the new Harley-Davidson Sportster S motorcycle
July 31, 2021
The Harley-Davidson® Sportster® S is an all-new sportbike designed to deliver a thrilling riding experience and usher in a new era of Sportster performance. The 121-horsepower Revolution® Max 1250T V-Twin engine gives the Sportster S rider the power to command unrelenting torque on demand. A taut, lightweight chassis and premium suspension deliver responsive, intuitive handling. From stoplight to stoplight and corner to corner, the Sportster® S offers riders extraordinary power and performance, setting a new standard for Harley-Davidson's most durable model.
The Sportster S will arrive at Harley-Davidson dealers this fall, alongside the 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle lineup, with a base MSRP of $14,999.
“The Sportster S is the next all-new motorcycle built on the Revolution Max platform and sets a new standard of performance for the Sportster line,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “This is the next-generation Sportster, defined by power, performance, technology and style. This is part of our commitment to introducing motorcycles that align with our strategy to broaden the appeal and drive the Harley-Davidson heritage.”
Styling indicates power
In profile, the Sportster S model appears hunched and powerful. The fuel tank and rear section of the fuselage emphasize the engine as the dominant centerpiece of the bike. The massive front tire evokes the fenderless front end of a classic bobber, while the rear section, high-mounted exhaust, and narrow solo seat draw inspiration from the Harley-Davidson XR750 flat tracker. The thick upside-down forks and wide-profile tires suggest a high-performance sportbike.
“Every visual element of the Sportster S model expresses the motorcycle’s raw power,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson vice president of styling and design. “It’s a wolf in wolf’s clothing.”.
The powertrain is highlighted by a Chocolate Satin finish on lightweight magnesium engine covers. Textures, colors, finishes, and details have been chosen to give the Sportster S the look of a custom show bike that simply sits in the owner's garage.
Enhanced performance
The mechanical heart of the Sportster S is the 1250cc Revolution Max 1250T engine. This new version of the latest liquid-cooled V-Twin engine is tuned to produce massive torque at low rpm, with a torque curve that remains flat throughout the powerband – engine performance is designed to deliver strong acceleration from the get-go and solid mid-range power. To minimize the motorcycle's overall weight, the engine is integrated into the vehicle as a central element of the chassis. The use of lightweight materials helps achieve the desired power-to-weight ratio. Ready to ride, with a full 11-liter fuel tank, the Sportster S weighs just 228 kg. The high-mounted exhaust system is designed to produce a pleasant low-frequency tone.
Technology that improves driving
The Sportster S model is equipped with a range of technologies designed to enhance the riding experience. Three pre-programmed, selectable riding modes (Sport, Road, and Rain) electronically control the motorcycle's performance characteristics and the level of technology input. Two custom modes can be used by the rider to create a set of performance characteristics that suit personal preferences or specific situations. Harley-Davidson® Cornering Rider Enhancements, a collection of technologies designed to enhance rider confidence in unexpected situations or adverse road conditions, are designed to match the motorcycle's performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration, and braking, in a straight line or in a curve.
A 4.0-inch round TFT screen displays all instruments and handles infotainment functions generated by the rider's Bluetooth®-enabled mobile device and helmet headset, including music, incoming and outgoing calls, and navigation powered by the Harley-Davidson® App. All-LED lighting features a Daymaker® Signature LED headlight designed to emit a uniform beam of light, eliminating distracting "hot spots." The headlight features a distinctive oval or capsule shape that adds style to the front end and helps identify the Sportster® S model to other riders and drivers.
Optimized chassis
The drivetrain is integrated into the chassis, eliminating a traditional frame. This design significantly reduces the motorcycle's weight and results in a highly rigid chassis that contributes to precise handling. The welded steel tubular trellis swingarm features a reinforced structure and an X-shaped embossment, further stiffening the chassis and adding a distinctive styling touch.
The Sportster® S model features fully adjustable, high-performance front and rear suspension – 43mm SHOWA® inverted cartridge forks and a SHOWA® Piggyback rear shock with reservoir. The rear suspension features hydraulic preload adjustment via a convenient knob located on the left side of the motorcycle. Lightweight, five-spoke cast aluminum wheels are shod with wide Dunlop®/Harley-Davidson® Series GT503 tires. High-performance Brembo braking components provide excellent feel and stopping power. The single front brake features a new radial-mount Brembo monobloc four-piston caliper and a 320mm disc. The rear brake features a two-piston Brembo caliper and a 260mm disc.
The forward foot lever and low handlebar position the Sportster S rider in an aggressive stance. The unladen seat height is 75 cm, low enough for most riders to lower their feet when stationary. The brake and clutch levers are reach-adjustable to best suit the rider's hand size or preference. The Sportster S is factory-ready for optional heated grips for added comfort in cold weather, and it also features two dedicated power points for heated gear (heated grips and heated riding gear/apparel are sold separately) and a USB-C port for charging a phone or other device. An external ambient temperature sensor and a low-temperature warning on the display screen alert the rider to changing conditions. Cruise control and a proximity-based safety system are standard. The steel fuel tank holds 11 liters.
Paint colors: Vivid Black; Stone Washed White Pearl; Midnight Crimson
Accessories
Sportster S accessories available at launch include the following key features:
– Mid-Control Conversion Kit.
Moves the left and right footpegs and foot controls from the forward position of the original equipment to the mid-mounted position on the motorcycle. This can provide a more athletic rider position and a better fit for riders who cannot comfortably reach the forward controls.
– Passenger Amenities:
A passenger kit, passenger footrest kit, and passenger backrest kit (each sold separately) can be installed. The passenger kit and backrest are upholstered to match the seat.
– Sundowner Solo Seat.
This seat features an improved bucket design and spherical foam that improves comfort on long trips and adapts to more aggressive riding. Sealed seams prevent water from seeping into the foam. Details on the top cover of the seat enhance the overall style.
– Compact, removable windshield.
Black mounting hardware and brackets, along with a dark tint windshield, complement the bike's styling. The windshield attaches to the fork with quick-release clamps and can be quickly and easily installed or removed.
– Sportster® S Tailbag
This tailbag is designed to fit and look great on the Sportster® S, giving the rider a convenient luggage option for their riding essentials. It is recommended that the tailbag be mounted on the auxiliary seat (sold separately). The main compartment can be expanded from 8.2 liters to 11.5 liters.
About Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our Vision: Building on our legacy and leading our industry through innovation, evolution, and excitement. Our Mission: More than building machines, we champion the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Our ambition is to remain the world's most desirable motorcycle brand. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined the motorcycle lifestyle by offering riders exceptional and personalized motorcycles, experiences, motorcycle accessories, apparel, and riding gear. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance, and other programs to help riders get on the road.
