Harley-Davidson Sportster S Launched In USA

This sporty flat tracker-themed cruiser comes with multiple riding modes, cornering ABS and traction control

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S’ engine is based on the one in the Pan America 1250. However, this powerplant is less powerful and less torquey. Also features a bluetooth-compatible instrument cluster with turn-by-turn navigation. Expect it to be launched in India by the end of the year.

Harley-Davidson has launched the production version of the Custom 1250, called the Harley-Davidson Sportster S in the USA. It will reach dealerships around September and will be priced at USD 14,999 (approximately Rs 11.18 lakh), which is about Rs 1.72 lakh less than the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 in the same market. Expect the American brand to launch the bike in India by the end of this year at around Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is powered by the same engine as on the Pan America 1250. However, while ADV’s heart is called the Revolution Max 1250, this one is called the 1250T. The notable differences in the Sportster’s heart are that the combustion chamber, valves and ports are designed in a way to maximise air-fuel velocity at lower revs. Harley says this results in 10 percent more torque from 3000 to 6000rpm. As a result, the powerplant produces 122.3PS and 125Nm at 6000rpm whereas the ADV makes 152.27PS and 128Nm at 6750rpm. Even the pistons and the air intake have been tuned accordingly. Harley has also tweaked the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) profile to suit the sporty character of this motor. VVT helps in maintaining a balance between low-end grunt and top-end drive.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission with a slipper clutch. To keep the rubber side down, Harley has equipped the bike with Road, Rain, Sport and Custom riding modes, a three-level switchable cornering traction control, cornering ABS with rear-wheel lift-off mitigation, and engine brake control.

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The powerplant acts as a stressed member of the trellis frame. It is linked to a 43mm inverted front fork and a linked rear monoshock, both with compression, rebound and preload adjustability. Braking is via a 320mm front disc with radial monoblock 4-piston caliper, and a 260mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. At 228kg kerb, the bike is still fairly light for a Harley. This coupled with the 753mm seat should make life easy for shorter riders.

The fat front tyre coupled with the sleek LED headlamp is reminiscent of the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob. On the other hand, the flat-track styled high-set, side-mounted exhausts are inspired by the legendary Harley-Davidson XR750 flat tracker. The American bikemaker has made sure this uniquely designed flat track style cruiser is every bit as modern as it comes. So it is loaded with features such as an all-LED lighting system, and a 4-inch full colour TFT screen with Bluetooth compatibility and turn-by-turn navigation.

We feel the styling is neither here nor there. It will appeal to those who want a cruiser-style motorcycle with a hint of performance-oriented flat track genes. And thanks to this unique styling, the only other alternative in its segment is the Indian FTR 1200.