Next Evolution Sportster Chapter to be Written by Riders

Maligned Bike

As most enthusiasts already know, Sportster production is over. Not in namesake, but as the solid-mount and later rubber-mount, Evolution-powered machine—simply known to most riders as the 'Sporty.' Once revered, then later maligned as a 'half-Harley' or a 'girl's bike,' the onslaught of criticism now lobbed against Harley-Davidson betrays the mockery that the ever-so-successful Sportster once faced.

Kind Line

Late in the day on November 18, 2022, Harley-Davidson made the announcement on their Instagram account—accompanied by a nostalgic story reel. The official statement was, “Today, we celebrate the very last evolution-powered Sportster manufactured by Harley-Davidson in York, Pennsylvania. A Gunship Gray Iron 883. The last of its kind, but not the end of the line.”

Legendary Chance

The Motor Company then suggested that prospective Sportster owners might consider coming by to clean up the remaining inventory. The statement ended with, “Now is your chance to own one of these legendary bikes. Visit your local dealer today.” The stylized story reel echoed the announcement with an image mash-up of new and old Sportsters and some text of its own.

Road Line

Complete with its grammatical oversight, the reel text reads, “Since 1986, over one million Evolution-powered Sportsters have been manufactured. Today, we celebrate the last one to roll off the line. The last of it's kind. But not the end of the line. The legacy of the Sportster continues with the Sportster S and Nightster. See you down the road.”

Plastic Opinion

Reminiscent of the outpouring of grief at the 'death of the Dyna' in 2017, Sportster cancellation reactions ranged from vitriolic to wistful. Among the most severe criticism was that Harley-Davidson had just launched itself headfirst onto a path of financial ruin. Some stated that the new Sportster line was “plastic trash.” Others just chose to bid farewell to the venerable Sporty.

Sport Grandfather

The Sportster line in question dates back to 1986 but shares the same familial lineage as the Ironhead—first launched in 1957. For the mathematically inclined, the Sportster had just turned sixty-five years old, or retirement age. Those splitting hairs could also point to the 1952 Model K Sport and Sport Solo, America's first 'superbike' and the proverbial grandfather of the modern-day Sportster.

Bigger Promotion

The Sportster was Harley-Davidson's gateway motorcycle. The Ironhead motor was replaced by the cool-running, alloy Evolution engine in 1986. It was available in 883cc or 1,100cc (later 1200cc) displacements. As part of the Motor Company's 'Ride Free' promotion, new 883 Sportster owners were guaranteed their purchase price as a trade-in towards a bigger bike for the next two years.

Factory Era

In its lifetime, the Sportster has been a true ambassador—fulfilling dreams and introducing new riders to the family. To paraphrase Revzilla's Common Tread reaction, the Evo Sporty era is not exactly over. With the sheer number of Sportsters around and a phenomenal aftermarket, it may be the 'end of the line' for the Sporty, but its next chapter will be written by riders, not the factory.

>>Join in the conversation about the next Sportster right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

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