EXCLUSIVE: Harley-Davidson Sportster S To Debut In India This Year

Will the brawny cruiser be priced competitively in our market?

A week ago, Harley-Davidson introduced the world to the newest model in its Sportster lineup, the Sportster S. Now, our sources reveal that the bike will grace the Indian shores by the end of this year and will be priced between Rs 14 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S uses the same 1250cc liquid-cooled V-twin powerhouse, albeit in a different state of tune. Compared to its burly, mud-slinging sibling, the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 which produces 158PS and 128Nm, the Sportster S churns 122.3PS and 125Nm. However, thanks to the tweaked internals, the sporty cruiser generates 10 percent more torque between 3000 and 6000rpm. Apart from the redesigned combustion chamber, valves and ports, it even has its unique Variable Valve Timing (VVT) profile that suits the sporty character of the motor.

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Harley-Davidson has armed this cruiser with a comprehensive electronic suite that includes three riding modes along with custom riding mode, three-levels of switchable cornering traction control, cornering ABS with rear-wheel lift-off mitigation, and engine brake control.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster packs impressive hardware too. Suspension duties are carried out by a 43mm USD fork and a link-type monoshock, both adjustable for preload, rebound and compression. A 320mm disc up front paired with a 4-pot monoblock caliper and a 260mm disc with a single-pot caliper drop the anchor on this 228kg cruiser.

When launched, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S will lock horns with the Indian Scout and the Triumph Bonneville Bobber. While the former is yet to be officially launched, the Triumph made its Indian debut in May this year.