Since its introduction in 1957, the Harley-Davidson Sportster has continuously appeared in the brand's lineup. Featuring a more sporting setup than some of the company's larger, long-distance oriented models, the Sportster is smaller, more nimble and
a good ride for around town or tight back roads.
However, despite its name and intention of being a higher-performing Harley, the Sportster hasn't really lived up to that description. The iron-block V-Twin engine, tracing its design back to the early part of the 20th century, along with a running gear that was more befitting of a boulevard cruiser than canyon carver, the Sportster has lagged behind as models like the updated Indian Scout have gained a foothold in the market.
But with the introduction of the 2021 Sportster S, Harley-Davidson has created a bike that has the performance, style, and technology to live up to its name and carry the brand forward into the 21st century.
Let's explore why the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S is such a departure from previous versions.
The Original Sportster Was Lacking In Some Areas
The original Sportster went into production in 1957 with the model designation XL, which reportedly stood for Extra Light or Experimental Lighweight. Using the familiar 45-degree V-Twin, it was designed to go up against British models that were gaining popularity with their sleek, lightweight designs. And at the time, the XL Sportster was just that. Unlike the heavier, more cumbersome bikes Harley-Davidson was producing, the Sportster had athletic intentions and upon its release was more powerful that its British competitors.
A trademark element of the Sportster's styling was its peanut-shaped fuel tank, which continued in production through the turn of the 21st century and today lives on in the Iron models still being manufactured by Harley-Davidson. And though it was designed for higher performance than its siblings, the Sportster still retained the classic All-American Harley-Davidson look, with a low-slung appearance, raked forks, and lots of exposed metal. It really felt like a bike born and bred in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, made by hard-working Americans.
Despite it being Harley-Davidson's performance-oriented model, as the decades went by and a new century arrived, the Sportster began to lag behind competitors. The limitations of its heavy engine and outdated chassis became apparent, no matter how many suspension or brake updates were added. Now, as we pass into the second half of 2021, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S has arrived to mark the beginning of a new era.
The 2021 Sportster S Has A Muscular Design
When you first see the new Harley-Davidson Sportster S, it oozes American muscle. The engine, now a 60-degree liquid-cooled V-Twin, is reminiscent of a classic hot rod motor. The bike looks almost squashed down into the pavement, with a low riding silhouette designed to cruise the streets.
But it isn't all about styling with the new Harley-Davidson Sportster S. The bike is an entirely new design after over 50 years of the more cruiser-based original Sportster. The old model soldiered on year after year with a traditional 45 degree air-cooled V-Twin, that, no matter what modifications were added was more suited to slow rides than revving to the Moon.
The new, fully modern V-Twin engine has double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and produces 121 hp at 7,500 rpm, far beyond its predecessor.
There are Brembo brakes at the front and rear, a high-mounted exhaust that makes all the right noises, and a tuned suspension for both performance and compliance. Additionally, the 1,250 cc engine is a stressed member of the chassis, making the Sportster S a far more rigid platform than its predecessor.
The touches of technology don't stop there. There are three selectable ride modes - Sport, Road, and Rain - that control the power delivery and enhance traction depending on the conditions. All in all, the new Sportster S is a dramatic departure from the previous generation.
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S Has A Powerful Engine
Though the 45 degree air-cooled V-Twin engine has been a hallmark of the Harley-Davidson Sportster for decades, it has performance limitations. The slow revving iron block powerplant is heavy, uses a valvetrain dating back to the 1950s and simply isn't suited to high-performance applications.
The new Revolution Max 1,250 cc V-Twin engine in the new Sportster S features the latest technology and is equally at home exploring city streets or roaring down country roads. Using DOHC cylinder heads with four valves each and variable valve timing, the Revolution Max is a thoroughly modern engine that produces a broad range of torque while still being able to rev out for that last bit of horsepower.
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S is a welcome update and, in many ways, a groundbreaking model from the brand. Taking what has always made Harleys special - sound, looks, and heritage - and adding the latest and greatest technology makes for a special motorcycle.