Right on the heels of the launch of Harley-Davidson‘s Pan America adventure bike comes the all-new Sportster S. Built around the Revolution Max V-twin engine first seen in the Pan Am, the Sportster S is powered by a 121hp version of the motor tuned for unrelenting torque. A new chassis and premium suspension are part of the package, all aimed at setting a new standard for the popular model.
In profile, the fuel tank and the tail section frame the engine, while a massive front tire gives it the swagger of a classic bobber. The rear area, the high-mount 2-1-2 exhaust, and the slim solo seat are said to draw inspiration from the XR750 flat tracker. Thick, inverted forks and wide-profile tires promise sporty handling.
The 1,250cc Revolution Max 1250T engine is liquid-cooled and tuned for plenty of low-end torque with a curve that stays flat throughout the power band. The motor is integrated into the vehicle as a central member of the chassis. A welded tubular steel trellis swingarm features a braced design and a stamped X-member. Use of lightened materials helps keep the wet weight down to a respectable 228kg.
Gracing the Sportster S is adjustable front and rear suspension by Showa consisting of a 43mm inverted fork and a piggyback reservoir rear shock. The lightweight cast-aluminum wheels are fitted with Dunlop/Harley-Davidson Series GT503 tires. Naturally, Brembo supplies the braking components with a 320mm single front disc and four-piston caliper, and a 260mm rear disc with a two-piston setup.
The Sportster S comes with several ride modes (Sport, Road and Rain) as well as two customizable settings. The safety tech includes lean-angle-sensitive traction control and ABS. The dashboard consists of a round four-inch TFT screen that’s Bluetooth-enabled, and lighting is taken care of a Daymaker Signature LED headlamp. This headlamp has a distinctive capsule shape that ensures the Sportster S won’t be mistaken for any other machine.
Forward foot controls and a low handlebar put the rider in an aggressive posture. An unladen seat height of 75.2cm along with reach-adjustable brake and clutch levers allow the user to get comfortable. Cruise control and a proximity-based security system are standard equipment, while heated hand grips are optional. A USB-C charging port and an external ambient temperature sensor are also included. The 11.8L fuel tank should give the Sportster S some decent range between fill-ups.
We have no word yet on when the Sportster S will be available in the Philippines. But since it’s one of Harley-Davidson’s best-selling models, we bet it’s coming quite soon.
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