New Sportster S Gets Dubbed and Detailed

Urban Caveat

Harley-Davidson could not make it any clearer—the brand-new Sportster S is not for you! However, that comes with a caveat. If your preference is for heritage styling and long-haul comfort, then Sportsters were probably not your thing anyway, but if assaulting urban roadways and carving-up canyons is par for the course, then yes—the Sportster S is for you!

Next Generation

Officially designated the RH1250S, the new release is a nod to the Sportster's long lineage in name only. It bears little resemblance to its predecessors, but that is a good thing. This version rejuvenates the 'super bike' claim that the venerable Sportster once held, and squarely capitalizes on decades of racing dominance. Perhaps more importantly, it is a next-generation motorcycle.

>>Join the conversation about the new Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Problem Change

Former CEO Matt Levatich made it his mission to attract new and younger riders. No doubt this is also current CEO Jochen Zeitz's goal, but now talk has materialized into action. Problem is, Harley-Davidson faces criticism when they introduce change. Remember that the FXR was mocked, the Dyna disliked, and the Evolution engine was shunned when they were first introduced.

>>Join the conversation about the new Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Mixed Reaction

There is no disguising the fact that the RH1250S is aimed at a different rider demographic. Be it younger, tech-savvy, or thrill-seeking, the new Sportster is a whole new branch of the Motor Company family. Warm aspirations aside, July 13, 2021, Sportster S reveal was not the expected slam-dunk. It was met with mixed reactions and a fair bit of negativity.

>>Join the conversation about the new Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Styling Confusion

If social media is a litmus test for anything, this is where the Sportster S got its worst bashing. It was called a mini-V-Rod, a shrunken FXDR, an abbreviated Fat Bob, and compared to a kid's toy. A majority of the dislike was launched against the new Sportster's dual high-pipes. Legitimately though, the styling does get a bit confusing.

>>Join the conversation about the new Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Formidable Machine

The Sportster S is an aesthetic mishmash of sport bike, tracker, and bobber. It is also equipped with a solo seat, forward controls, and low handlebars that add up to a 'clam shell' riding position. No doubt Harley-Davidson accessories and the aftermarket will eventually solve these ergonomic and appearance issues. Shortcomings aside, the new Sportster promises to be a formidable machine.

>>Join the conversation about the new Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Speculative Performance

Out of the box, the new liquid-cooled, Revolution Max 1250T motor is rated at 121 horsepower, while dishing out 94-foot pounds of torque. Topping the scale at 500 pounds, it does not take a mathematician to figure out that the power-to-weight ratio is pretty exciting. With no test rides currently available, the performance and handling are still a bit speculative.

>>Join the conversation about the new Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

Wild Turn

Prospective American buyers can still purchase the Evolution-based Sportster, at least for now. Harley-Davidson's Brad Richards said about the release, “We wanted to make sure the first one was wild, that it would turn heads.” Perhaps it has turned yours—the Sportster S is available in Fall 2021. In the meantime, here is a Motor Company promotional video.

>>Join the conversation about the new Sportster S right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!

For help with the service and maintenance of your bike, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com