Harley-Davidson Sportster S makes its debut

Harley-Davidson has launched the Sportster S - the latest motorcycle to be powered by its 1250cc Revolution Max engine and built on the new platform - in the US, priced at USD 14,999.

In profile, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S model looks very compact, muscular and very modern. Gone are the classic engine fins of old and in are the modern bronze-finished engine head covers. The tiny 11.7-litre fuel tank and tight tail section really highlight the Revolution Max engine on this motorcycle. The massive front tyre with that tiny mudguard has a touch of bobber to it, while the slim, rider-only seat and high-mount exhaust drop hints of a flat tracker with the bikes tail section. All said and done, we think Harley Davidson's effort to revamp its Sportster range is definitely off to a flyer.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is powered by Harley-Davidson's latest Revolution Max 1250T engine, the same 1250cc liquid-cooled 60-degree DOHC V-Twin engine fitted to the Harley-Davidson Pan America Adventure bikes, however the Harley-Davidson Sportster S produces 122.6PS at 9,500rpm and 127.4Nm at 6,000 rpm in comparison to the Harley-Davidson Pan America's 152.2PS with the same amount of torque. The engine in the Sportster S features Dual Overhead Camshafts and Variable Valve Timing and uses cylinder heads which have smaller valves and port dimensions, and a different combustion chamber shape, which is designed to increase torque output off the line and at midrange rpm (providing up to 10% more torque from 3000 to 6000 RPM). The engine is a stressed member in the tubular steel trellis frame which should provide an improved sporty ride feel while also reducing weight to some extent.

In terms of suspension, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S gets a Showa 43mm USD fork up front and Showa piggyback rear monoshock, both of which are fully adjustable. The Sportster S will set out with five-spoke alloy rims, shod with special Dunlop/Harley-Davidson Series GT503 tyres, while braking hardware includes premium Brembo components.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S comes with all-LED lighting including Harley Davidsons Daymaker signature LED headlamp, new multifunction switchgear, a 4-inch round TFT screen, which provides information on tyre air pressure, engine temperature and oil pressure, battery voltage, and diagnostic codes while also housing Bluetooth infotainment functions from the Harley-Davidson app and can manage music, call and navigation functions. The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is equipped with technologies like ride modes of Sport, Road, Rain and custom which alter electronically the performance characteristics of the motorcycle, and the level of riding aid intervention. The motorcycle also features a traction control that's lean sensitive.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is available in the US market at $14,999 (which works out to around Rs 11.2 lakh) and undercuts the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 ADV by some margin. Though there's no word on when Harley India, which is now under Hero MotoCorp, will bring the bike to India, but when it does, we expect it to carry a price-tag of around Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom), and face-off against competition to the likes of the Indian Scout Bobber.