Jeff attended the Aussie launch of the 2022 H-D Sportster S before spending a few weeks daily riding the updated model, check out what he thought in his video review...
The Sportster S proved to be everything that Harley promised us in the lead up to the Aussie press launch last year, where we raced around a purpose made track and cruised the city. But to really put it to the test, we needed to live with it for a few weeks as a daily ride.
Click here for our launch report or read about our road test here…
Tech Talk
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S uses the 121-horsepower Revolution Max 1250T V-Twin engine which provides a narrow powertrain profile that is integrated into the bike as a stressed member of the frame to enhance centre of gravity and handling.
“Since 1909 the V-Twin engine has been the centerpiece for legendary Harley-Davidson motorcycles. This lineage continues into the middleweight performance space with the Revolution Max engine.”
The fully balanced powertrain has an internal counter balancer that mitigates primary engine vibration to enhance rider comfort and improve vehicle durability. Reducing the weight of the powertrain contributes to lower motorcycle weight. The use of finite element analysis (FEA) and advanced design optimization techniques in the engine design stage minimized material mass in cast and moulded components. Single-piece aluminium cylinders with nickel silicon carbide-surface galvanic coating are a lightweight design feature while the camshaft covers and primary cover are lightweight magnesium.
The Revolution Max engine can be found across a lot of the H-D range, including their adventure “Pan-America.”
Four-valve cylinder heads (two intake and two exhaust) permit an expansive valve area. The DOHC design permits independent Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on the intake and exhaust cam, optimized for the front and rear cylinder. VVT helps broaden the overall powerband and improve torque management and efficiency. This allows the same engine to provide the rider with both low-end grunt for acceleration off the line as well as high-RPM horsepower. Hydraulic valve lash adjustment ensures quiet operation and eliminates the need for costly, complicated service procedures.
Despite the 1250 having a smooth and comfortable output. Harley have ensured the classic v-twin feeling is still there.
Piston crowns are machined for precise control of a 12:1 compression ratio. The engine is designed for use with premium-fuel fuel to make maximum power, but will run on lower-octane fuel, protected from potential detonation by the knock sensor technology. Internal balancers also help cancel engine vibration to enhance rider comfort and improve vehicle durability. The balancers are tuned to retain just enough vibration to make the motorcycle feel “alive.”
The fuel tank and tail section frame the engine as the predominate centrepiece of the motorcycle. The massive front tyre recalls the fender-less front-end of a classic bobber, while the tail section, high-mount exhaust and slim solo seat draw inspiration from the Harley-Davidson XR750 flat tracker. The powertrain is highlighted with a Chocolate Satin finish on the lightweight magnesium engine covers.
Harley say they took inspiration from their XR750 flat tracker and classic bobber to come up with the Sportster.
The Sportster S model is equipped with a host of technology. Three pre-programmed, selectable Ride Modes (Sport, Road and Rain) electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle, and the level of technology intervention. Two Custom modes may be used by the rider to create a set of performance characteristics.
Selectable riding modes (Sport, Road and Rain) ensure that you can be safe while out in tough conditions.
A collection of technology intended to enhance rider confidence during unexpected situations or adverse road conditions have been added. They are designed to match the bikes performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking, in a straight line or while in a turn.
“A round, 4.0-inch-diameter TFT screen displays all instrumentation and supports infotainment generated by the rider’s Bluetooth equipped mobile device and helmet headset.”
The Sportster S model offers selectable Ride Modes that electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle, and the level of technology intervention. Three of the modes are pre-programmed, while two additional modes may be customized by the owner. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, C-ABS and C-TCS settings.
- Road Mode: Intended for daily use, Road Mode delivers balanced performance. This mode offers less-aggressive throttle response and less mid-range engine power than Sport Mode, with a higher level of C-ABS and C-TCS intervention.
- Sport Mode: Sport Mode maximises the rider connection to the motorcycle for a direct and visceral performance riding experience; the rider will experience the full performance potential of the motorcycle in a direct and precise manner, with full power and the quickest throttle response. C-TCS is set to its lowest level of intervention, and engine braking is increased.
- Rain Mode: The Rain Mode is an appropriate setting for riders building confidence as they become familiar with the motorcycle. Throttle response and power output are programmed to significantly restrain the rate of acceleration, engine braking is limited, and the highest levels of C-ABS and C-TCS intervention are selected.
- Custom Mode: The Sportster S has two Custom Ride Modes. Within each Custom Mode the rider may create a set of performance characteristics to meet personal preference or for special situations. To create a Custom Mode the rider may select their combined preference of engine torque delivery characteristics, engine braking, throttle response, and C-TCS and C-ABS intervention, within specific ranges.
A round, 4.0-inch-diameter TFT screen displays all instrumentation and supports infotainment generated by Bluetooth devices and helmet headset, including music, incoming and out-going calls, and navigation supplied by the Harley-Davidson App. All LED lighting includes a Daymaker Signature LED headlamp, eliminating distracting “hot spots.”
Navigation is supplied by the Harley-Davidson App for iOS or Android, which must be downloaded into the rider’s mobile device. When navigation is enabled, the rider may select a moving map display or turn-by-turn map, either of which are displayed on the screen, assisted by audio instructions through the headset.
The Sportster S model is equipped with fully adjustable, premium front and rear suspension – SHOWA 43mm inverted cartridge forks and a SHOWA Piggyback reservoir rear shock. Rear suspension features hydraulic pre-load adjustment using a convenient knob located on the left side of the motorcycle. Lightweight cast aluminium wheels with a staggered, five-spoke design are shod with wide Dunlop/Harley-Davidson Series GT503 tyres.
Braking is handled by premium Brembo braking components. The single front brake features a new Brembo radial monoblock four-piston caliper and a 320mm diameter disc. The rear brake is a two-piston Brembo caliper and a 260mm diameter disc.
“Brake and clutch levers are adjustable for reach, to best match rider hand size or preference.”
Unladen seat height is 750mm, low enough for most riders to get their feet down at a stop. Brake and clutch levers are adjustable for reach, to best match rider hand size or preference. The Sportster S model is pre-wired for accessory heated hand grips for added comfort in cool weather, and is equipped with two dedicated power points for heated riding gear (heated hand grips and heated riding gear/apparel each sold separately), plus a USB-C port. Cruise control and a proximity-based security system are standard equipment.
2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S Specifications
https://www.harley-davidson.com/au
Price: From $26,495 Ride-Away
Warranty: two-years unlimited km
Colours: Vivid Black, Midnight Crimson and Stone Washed White Pearl (extra $295).
Claimed Power: 90kW
Claimed Torque: 125Nm@6000rpm
Wet Weight: 228kg
Fuel capacity: 11.8L
Service: First 1600km every 8000km thereafter
Engine: Revolution Max 1250T, 1252cc, 105 x 72.3mm bore x stroke, 12.0:1 compression ratio, ESPFI, 2-into-1 shotgun; catalyst in muffler
Gearbox: Six-speed, Primary drive 49/89
Fuel Consumption: 5.1L/100km
Chassis: Mild steel tubular frame
Rake: 30° Trail: 148mm
Suspension: 43mm inverted fork with compression, rebound and spring preload adjustability. Aluminium fork triple clamps, linkage-mounted, piggyback monoshock with compression, rebound and hydraulic spring preload adjustability.
Brakes: Radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston caliper with a 320mm diameter disc Rear: floating, single piston caliper with a 260mm disc.
Wheels & Tyres: Aluminium cast, satin black, Dunlop/Harley-Davidson Series GT503 tyres
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1520mm
Ground clearance: 90mm
Overall Length: 2270mm
Lean angle: 34º
Instruments & Electronics: 4in viewable area TFT display with speedometer, gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, ambient temp, low temp alert, side stand down alert, TIP over alert, cruise, range and tachometer indication BT capable – phone pairing to access phone calls, music, navigation (H-D App ONLY). All LED headlamp, low and high beam with signature position lighting. All LED Tail/Stop lamp with signature tail lighting.
Editor’s Note: If you are reading this article on any website other than BikeReview.com.au, please report it to BikeReview via our contact page, as it has been stolen or re-published without authority.
The Verdict | Video Review: 2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
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Jeff attended the Aussie launch of the 2022 H-D Sportster S before spending a few weeks daily riding the updated model, check out what he thought in his video review… Photography: Heather Ware, H-D
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