Harley-Davidson Sportster S: Revolution Max

When you think of a “Harley Sportster,” the first thing that comes to mind is an air-cooled V-Twin engine mounted on a cruiser with a traditional design. The contemporary Harley Sportster models, however, are anything but. Take this Sportster S., for example. Its output figures are somewhat lower since it lacks variable valve timing, although having the same motor as the Pan America. But with 121 horsepower and 125 Nm available, its output is more than adequate. Additionally, it seems noticeably faster than the previous air-cooled models.

Before we move forward, let me give you some background. We had just received word that the Bira Circuit would close in thirty minutes and that the rain would get harder. I approached the attractive “Sharkskin Blue” Sportster S with some trepidation because the instructor was adamant that I only ride it in Rain mode. I took his suggestion and, without complaint, feathered the throttle to get out of the pit lane.

You need all the assistance you can get because this course is difficult and has an ancient surface, especially in extremely rainy conditions. For more than a century, Harley eschewed electrical rider aids, and only recently has it begun incorporating them. I was happy to have them today. It was difficult to push the bike in the rain, so I only managed three loops. But I will tell you how I felt.

With mid-set pegs and an almost upright torso, the riding position is different from other large Harleys and provides engaging ergos without being strenuous. I tried to read the course as best I could on the first lap and was very cautious. I increased the throttle after the second lap, and occasionally the rear tire would chirp—even with the TC dialed all the way up and in Rain mode!

I was less than thrilled with the large, 160-section front tire. It is equivalent in size to the widest rear tire found on any motorcycle manufactured in India. Although it appears attractive, it severely impairs your agility, and abrupt direction changes need work. It’s not very appropriate for the moniker “Sportster.”

This is a very sleek-looking kit that includes a very current riding experience. Harley is to be commended for offering that inside the cruiser community. But there’s no denying the allure of the distinctive air-cooled Evo motor. Purists still swear by the engine, which feels archaic and is considerably simpler. Though the new Sportsters are an entirely different type of pleasure, I hope Harley intends to bring back the line of air-cooled, smaller-capacity V-twin engines. Due to the rising cost of these new Sportsters, that will also assist in establishing a new, more affordable entry point for Harley’s large-bike lineup.