Harley-Davidson have released information on their new Sportster S. Available towards the end of this year, it's packed with plenty of features and powered by the Revolution Max...
Harley-Davidson revealed the Sportster S recently and say the model is an all-new update designed to deliver a thrilling riding experience and usher in a new era of Sportster performance. The Sportster S will reach dealers mid Q4 with an R/A tag of $26,495…
The 2021 Harley Davidson Sportster S will be landing in Australia closer to the end of the year.
H-D say the 121-horsepower Revolution Max 1250T V-Twin engine puts the Sportster S rider in command of unrelenting, on-demand torque. The Revolution Max provides a narrow powertrain profile that is integrated into the motorcycle 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. Harley say its design is bold and contoured, classic and contemporary, strong and svelte – a representation of Harley-Davidson performance.
Reducing the weight of the powertrain contributes to lower motorcycle weight, which enhances motorcycle performance experienced by the rider: efficiency, acceleration, handling, and braking. 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 flow of gasses through the combustion chamber is optimised to match the desired performance requirement and engine displacement. The DOHC design permits independent Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on the intake and exhaust cam, optimized for the front and rear cylinder. VVT can help 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 the thrill of 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-grade (91 octane) 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.
Harley say they took inspiration from their XR750 flat tracker and classic bobber to come up with the Sportster.
The powertrain is highlighted with a Chocolate Satin finish on the lightweight magnesium engine covers. Textures, colours, finishes and details were selected to give the Sportster S model the look of a custom show bike that just happens to be parked in the owner’s garage.
The new version of the latest Harley-Davidson liquid-cooled V-Twin engine is tuned to make plenty of torque at low rpm, with a torque curve that stays flat through the powerband – engine performance designed to deliver strong acceleration from a start with robust power through the mid-range. To minimise overall weight, the engine is integrated into the bike as the central member of the chassis. A high-mount two-into-one-into-two exhaust is designed to produce a low-frequency tone.
Ready to ride with the 11.8 litre fuel tank full, the Sportster S model weighs a hefty 228kg, so it is no lightweight.
The Sportster S model is equipped with a host of technology designed to the enhance the riding experience. 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 to meet personal preference or for special situations.
Selectable riding modes (Sport, Road and Rain) ensure that you can be safe while out in tough conditions.
Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson, a collection of technology intended to enhance rider confidence during unexpected situations or adverse road conditions, are designed to match motorcycle 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 the rider’s Bluetooth equipped mobile device 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 designed to produce a homogenous spread of light, eliminating distracting “hot spots.” The headlamp has a distinctive oval or capsule shape that adds style to the front-end and will identify the Sportster S model to other riders and motorists.
The Sportster S model display supports infotainment generated by the rider’s Bluetooth-equipped mobile device. The motorcycle does not have an on-board infotainment system, and it is not equipped with speakers. Most infotainment functions also require a Bluetooth headset and speakers worn within a helmet. 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.
Premium Brembo braking components produce a claimed outstanding braking feel and performance. 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.
The Sportster S will reach Harley Davidson dealers mid Q4 with a base ride away price of $26,495, available in Vivid Black or Midnight Crimson. Head here to find out more!
