Harley Davidson Sportster S Review [Specs, Speed, Price]

harley davidson sportster s

A Harley-Davidson Sportster S is an incredible motorcycle that combines the classic heritage of Harley-Davidson with cutting-edge technology. It’s more than just a motorcycle; it’s a statement of Harley-Davidson’s creativity and commitment to the future. It offers an exciting ride for seasoned Harley enthusiasts or riders looking for an exciting new experience.

If you want to know more about the Harley Davidson Sportster S top speed or specification, then read the full article for a better understanding.

Specs of Sportster S

Here are some of the specifications of this enormous two-wheeler given below.

Engine

Engine Type
Revolution™ Max 1250T
Displacement 1,252 cc
Bore x Stroke 105 mm x 72.3 mm
Compression Ratio 12.0:1
Transmission 6-speed
Fuel System
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Exhaust 2-into-1-into-2; catalyst in muffler

Chassis

Front Suspension
43 mm inverted fork with compression, rebound, and spring preload adjustability. Aluminum fork triple clamps.
Rear Suspension Linkage-mounted, piggyback mono-shock with compression, rebound, and hydraulic spring preload adjustability.
Front Tire 160/70R17 73V
Rear Tire 180/70R16 77V
Front Brakes Radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston caliper
Rear Brakes
Floating, single-piston caliper

Dimensions

Length
2,270 mm(89.37 in)
Seat Height 765 mm(30.1 in)
Wheelbase 1,520 mm(59.84 in)
Ground Clearance 90 mm(3.54 in)
Rake/Trail

30°/148 mm(5.82 in)

Curb Weight
225 kg
Fuel Capacity

11.8 l(3.1 gal)

Other Details

Starter
Electric
Color Choices Vivid Black, White Sand Pearl, Gray Haze, Bright Billiard Blue
Headlight All LED headlamp
Tail Light LED
Price

$16,399 USD

How Fast Can the Sportster S Go?

Sportster S has a top speed of 140 – 143 mph, along with a maximum power of 109.6 HP @ 7,530 rpm and 85.2 lb. -ft. of torque @ 6,000 rpm. As a cruiser-style motorcycle, its top speed is impressive. As a result of its powerful engine and aerodynamic design, Sportster S is one of the fastest Harleys in 2023 that can even go head-to-head with the Kawasaki Ninja.

Furthermore, it can reach 0 – 60 mph speed in just 3.4 seconds, 0 – 100 mph in 10.8 seconds, and 0 – 120 mph in 14.2 seconds. With this much power and performance, you can take this bike to long robust, but make sure if you are a beginner, avoiding this robust two-wheeler is best.

Sportster S’s Dominating Engine Design

Harley Davidson Sportster S has Revolution™ Max 1250T 1,252 cc engine. Its engine also has a 105 mm x 72.3 mm bore x stroke ratio and 12.0:1 compression ratio. It also has a liquid cooling system to keep its massive engine’s temperature low.

Furthermore, it has a six-speed manual transmission, Wet multi-plate w/ assist, and slipper functions. Lastly, you will also get an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) system that provides the exact air and fuel mixture to the engine that it demands.

Here is the transmission gear ratio of this bike given below.

TransmissionGear Ratio
PRIMARY DRIVEGear, 49 / 89 ratio
GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 1ST12.21
GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 2ND9.022
GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 3RD6.994
GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 4TH5.641
GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 5TH4.731
GEAR RATIOS (OVERALL) 6TH4.131

Advanced Features of Sportster S

Sportster S is a modern bike with a lot of cutting-edge features that are given below.

  • All LED headlamps, low and high beams with signature position lighting
  • All LED Tail/Stop lamps with signature tail lighting
  • 102 mm TFT display with speedometer, fuel level, cruise, range, clock, trip, gear, odometer, ambient temp, side stand-down alert, low temp alert, TIP over alert, and tachometer indication.
  • Headset function only for Passenger intercom
  • Bluetooth 
  • USB port (USB-C, 5V, 3A) for Charging and Instrument update 
  • Wheel Lift Mitigation
  • ABS, TCS, DSCS, TPMS

Suspension & Agile Handling

It has a 43 mm inverted front fork with compression, rebound, and spring preload adjustability and Linkage-mounted, piggyback rear mono-shock with compression, rebound, and hydraulic spring preload adjustability.   

You will get a comfortable ride on due to these excellent suspensions. Similar to its elder brother, Road King tires also add a bit of cushioning, allowing you to ride without feeling the bumps and jolts in the road. 

Coming on the handling, which is quite adequate. Although, due to its narrow handlebar, you can easily exceed the speed limit. However, the weight of the vehicle and its fat tires make turning quite tricky.

Brakes, Tires, and Safety

Harley Sportster S has a 320 mm Radially mounted Brembo Monoblock 4-piston caliper brake for the front wheel and a 260 mm Brembo 1-piston floating caliper for the rear wheel. Both the front and rear brakes also have ABS controls to ensure proper safety and solid grip on the road. 

Coming on the tires, it has 160 / 70R17 73V front tire and 180 / 70R16 77V rear tire. Both front and rear tires are Dunlop’s top-notch tires that provide extra grip on the road. Lastly, for the safety of the riders and proper cornering, it also has Traction control (TCS).  

Sportster S Price Tag and Where to Find It

The Harley Davidson Sportster S 2023 model is available at the price of USD 16,399. Even though it is expensive, it is worth buying due to its looks, performance, features, and durability. For some reason, if you are not able to buy this robust machine in brand-new condition, you can go with its pre-loved alternative, ranging from $10,000 – $15,995. However, the price of a pre-owned model differs depending on its condition, modifications, and functionality.

Closing Thoughts

Sportster S is a motorcycle that honors the legacy of the iconic Sportster family while benefitting from the latest advancements in safety, handling, and customization. It represents the undeniable thrill of riding on the freeway, not just horsepower and speed.

Especially if you are able to afford it, it is one of the best cruisers for easy, long rides. Additionally, its excellent suspension will ensure a bump-free ride, and its excellent brakes, combined with ABS control, will ensure the riders’ safety. As a final note, this is a good bike; however, it is not suitable for beginners due to its hefty power.

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