NEW sportster overdue!!!
#41
02-13-2020 | 02:06 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 1,346
From: mississippi
Well, the Street hasn't exactly caught on in five years, so I don't think that's what is going to bring Sportster production to an end. I suspect the stricter European emissions standards and the need to produce something that appeals to younger buyers will have a lot more to do with ending, or at least significantly changing the Sportster line.
I doubt the plan was ever for the Street to replace the Sportster, but rather to produce a training bike for Rider Academy that could be sold in the Asian market. Streets, especially the Street Rod, are sized for a person that is smaller than the average height American male. Maybe an Asian rider or an American teenager (new rider). Those are exactly the markets that H-D openly marketed these bikes to. The problem is that they are still big and expensive by the standards of the Asian market and a modern rendition of the UJM isn't what teenage boys want to be riding.
I suspect the Streets were just a placeholder until the new modular engines could be produced. As soon as those bikes start rolling off the line we will see the end of the Sportster as we know it. If H-D has any sense, they will call the new family of bikes the next generation of Sportsters, as in Sportster Pan American and the Sportster Bronx. Perhaps the H-D drawing boards already have a stripped down Iron 975 and Sportster 1250 Custom that haven't been announced, yet. After all, those would be more of the same and not make a lot of headlines.
H-D has announce the 500cc and 750cc modular engines will be introduced in 2021. That will be the end of the current Street line up.
I doubt the plan was ever for the Street to replace the Sportster, but rather to produce a training bike for Rider Academy that could be sold in the Asian market. Streets, especially the Street Rod, are sized for a person that is smaller than the average height American male. Maybe an Asian rider or an American teenager (new rider). Those are exactly the markets that H-D openly marketed these bikes to. The problem is that they are still big and expensive by the standards of the Asian market and a modern rendition of the UJM isn't what teenage boys want to be riding.
I suspect the Streets were just a placeholder until the new modular engines could be produced. As soon as those bikes start rolling off the line we will see the end of the Sportster as we know it. If H-D has any sense, they will call the new family of bikes the next generation of Sportsters, as in Sportster Pan American and the Sportster Bronx. Perhaps the H-D drawing boards already have a stripped down Iron 975 and Sportster 1250 Custom that haven't been announced, yet. After all, those would be more of the same and not make a lot of headlines.
H-D has announce the 500cc and 750cc modular engines will be introduced in 2021. That will be the end of the current Street line up.
#42
02-13-2020 | 09:22 PM
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 310
Likes: 75
From: Near Denver
This was on Feb. 2 in the hill country (highway 73) outside of Evergreen, CO. Paved roads, I just parked on the shoulder for the pic.
The following 5 users liked this post by Doc4545:
johnny_bravo00 (02-14-2020),
JRider1807 (02-18-2020),
Long lonesome highwayman (02-14-2020),
Marsikus (03-06-2020),
rhino1250 (02-14-2020)
#43
02-14-2020 | 08:54 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 7,419
Likes: 2,446
From: Cental, MI
Well, the Street hasn't exactly caught on in five years, so I don't think that's what is going to bring Sportster production to an end. I suspect the stricter European emissions standards and the need to produce something that appeals to younger buyers will have a lot more to do with ending, or at least significantly changing the Sportster line.
I doubt the plan was ever for the Street to replace the Sportster, but rather to produce a training bike for Rider Academy that could be sold in the Asian market. Streets, especially the Street Rod, are sized for a person that is smaller than the average height American male. Maybe an Asian rider or an American teenager (new rider). Those are exactly the markets that H-D openly marketed these bikes to. The problem is that they are still big and expensive by the standards of the Asian market and a modern rendition of the UJM isn't what teenage boys want to be riding.
I suspect the Streets were just a placeholder until the new modular engines could be produced. As soon as those bikes start rolling off the line we will see the end of the Sportster as we know it. If H-D has any sense, they will call the new family of bikes the next generation of Sportsters, as in Sportster Pan American and the Sportster Bronx. Perhaps the H-D drawing boards already have a stripped down Iron 975 and Sportster 1250 Custom that haven't been announced, yet. After all, those would be more of the same and not make a lot of headlines.
H-D has announce the 500cc and 750cc modular engines will be introduced in 2021. That will be the end of the current Street line up.
I doubt the plan was ever for the Street to replace the Sportster, but rather to produce a training bike for Rider Academy that could be sold in the Asian market. Streets, especially the Street Rod, are sized for a person that is smaller than the average height American male. Maybe an Asian rider or an American teenager (new rider). Those are exactly the markets that H-D openly marketed these bikes to. The problem is that they are still big and expensive by the standards of the Asian market and a modern rendition of the UJM isn't what teenage boys want to be riding.
I suspect the Streets were just a placeholder until the new modular engines could be produced. As soon as those bikes start rolling off the line we will see the end of the Sportster as we know it. If H-D has any sense, they will call the new family of bikes the next generation of Sportsters, as in Sportster Pan American and the Sportster Bronx. Perhaps the H-D drawing boards already have a stripped down Iron 975 and Sportster 1250 Custom that haven't been announced, yet. After all, those would be more of the same and not make a lot of headlines.
H-D has announce the 500cc and 750cc modular engines will be introduced in 2021. That will be the end of the current Street line up.
#44
02-14-2020 | 11:19 AM
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 901
From: South Florida (Ft Myers area)
The Street 750 is one of the top 4 selling motorcycles worldwide. Not sure what the USA sales are, don't see it leaving anytime soon, particularly overseas.
Not a fan of the Bronx, but the Pan American and the Custom seem okay, I would want lower pipes on the Custom, preferably a 2-1, not a fan of those high pipes. As for the tail light thing, seems to be standard on the bikes like those, most soon have a delete for those available.
Not sure, but last year I saw an interview with the head Harley engineer and he stated the Sportster engine can meet all known upcoming environmental regulations. Unless forced by governments, I don't see Harley dropping the Sportster anytime soon.
Not a fan of the Bronx, but the Pan American and the Custom seem okay, I would want lower pipes on the Custom, preferably a 2-1, not a fan of those high pipes. As for the tail light thing, seems to be standard on the bikes like those, most soon have a delete for those available.
Not sure, but last year I saw an interview with the head Harley engineer and he stated the Sportster engine can meet all known upcoming environmental regulations. Unless forced by governments, I don't see Harley dropping the Sportster anytime soon.
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#45
02-14-2020 | 12:30 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 1,709
From: Kalifornia
If the greenies have their way we will all be riding sewing machines someday.
I realize I am an old fart, but the style of these new bikes, not just HD, are just plain ugly. The part many call the "beak" is an absolute waste of material. One reason I cannot warm up to a road glide, too much beakiness.
I do not mind the evolution of the engines was inevitable, sadly, nothing will ever sound like Harleys again. Harley could have led this charge years back with the Vrod, if they had made their mind up whether it was going to be a cruiser or a sporty bike. They made it kinda both, and thus it was neither. Too long and too low for a real sport bike, and the Cruiser seating position, didn't make it a cruiser. I thought then, the engine would revolutionize the smaller HD lineup. Was a good chance to outshine the Buell, but alas, was not to be, so HD let them both fall.
I realize I am an old fart, but the style of these new bikes, not just HD, are just plain ugly. The part many call the "beak" is an absolute waste of material. One reason I cannot warm up to a road glide, too much beakiness.
I do not mind the evolution of the engines was inevitable, sadly, nothing will ever sound like Harleys again. Harley could have led this charge years back with the Vrod, if they had made their mind up whether it was going to be a cruiser or a sporty bike. They made it kinda both, and thus it was neither. Too long and too low for a real sport bike, and the Cruiser seating position, didn't make it a cruiser. I thought then, the engine would revolutionize the smaller HD lineup. Was a good chance to outshine the Buell, but alas, was not to be, so HD let them both fall.
#46
02-14-2020 | 12:53 PM
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 300
Likes: 111
From: Iowa
You are correct that the Street Rod and Sportster Roadster do indeed have seat heights of over 29". The single biggest problem with the Street Rod seems to be that a rider with a long enough inseam to straddle the bike is going to be uncomfortable due to a cramped riding position. The Roadster is just enough larger that the riding position works.
As for the radiator, it's just one of those things that comes from having a water cooled engine. Get used to them, as you can be assured that every new engine that H-D comes out with will have them.
#47
02-14-2020 | 02:38 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 7,419
Likes: 2,446
From: Cental, MI
You are certainly entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts. The Street 500/750 have the same 25.7" seat height as most of the Sportsters. So no, the average "Vertically Challenged" person will not be disappointed.
You are correct that the Street Rod and Sportster Roadster do indeed have seat heights of over 29". The single biggest problem with the Street Rod seems to be that a rider with a long enough inseam to straddle the bike is going to be uncomfortable due to a cramped riding position. The Roadster is just enough larger that the riding position works.
As for the radiator, it's just one of those things that comes from having a water cooled engine. Get used to them, as you can be assured that every new engine that H-D comes out with will have them.
You are correct that the Street Rod and Sportster Roadster do indeed have seat heights of over 29". The single biggest problem with the Street Rod seems to be that a rider with a long enough inseam to straddle the bike is going to be uncomfortable due to a cramped riding position. The Roadster is just enough larger that the riding position works.
As for the radiator, it's just one of those things that comes from having a water cooled engine. Get used to them, as you can be assured that every new engine that H-D comes out with will have them.
and radiators... Nope... I do Not have to get used to the Ugly Things.. If it gots one... I won't buy it.. I have yet to have problems keeping My Harley's on the road..
But... I do Not want one Post 1999 either!!! [Big Twin anyway] Last year that I consider them Completely rebuildable!!! Luckily the Sportster went much Longer!!!!!
#48
02-14-2020 | 02:46 PM
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 3,207
From: Virginia
The Street Rod, Maybe. But my daughter is 5'1" tall and rode a Street 500 in a class and loved it.
And I think it looks like a pretty nice bike until you get to the exhaust pipe muffler and right foot peg. It's like the Harley design team was doing great and hadn't figured out the exhaust yet and someone moved up their timeline on them so they just threw it together at the last minute.
#50
02-14-2020 | 03:56 PM
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From: Indianapolis