Harley-Davidson didn’t take that long to introduce the Pan America ADV-tourer in the Indian market after it marked its debut overseas. H-D India might have hit a rough patch last year but things are looking bright for the iconic American bikemaker now. It has forayed in territories it didn’t explore before, like the ADV-tourer segment and electric mobility and is already making a dent with its offerings. The Bar & Shield company recently introduced the Sporster S internationally.
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S that was just unveiled in the US has now made its way to the Indian website as well indicating an earlier than expected launch in our market.
If its specs are anything to go by, it has turned out to be a true-blue American muscle bike. As the bikemaker claims, with the Sportster S, they have put the Sport back in Sportster. The Sportster S is one of the few concepts revealed by Harley a few years back that has now turned into reality.
Looks
As far as looks are concerned, the Sportster S is a proper muscle bike, rather than a cruiser or a roadster for that matter. Starting with the front, it derives cues from the latest iteration of the Fat Bob and the mean headlamp unit lends it a load of character. How can we not mention the drag-style handlebar that proves its sporty intent! The lightweight rims are wrapped in thick rubber at both ends to make sure that all the might of the engine is put down on the road in the desired manner.
The high-mounted exhaust will instantly remind you of the legendary XR750 flat-track motorcycle. It gets a thin single seat so you can go hooning around with no passenger whining at the back.
Specs and features
Now comes the most interesting bit about the motorcycle, the engine. It is the same Revolution Max 1250 engine that powers the affairs in Pan America. But it has been slightly detuned for the Sportster S and now puts down 121Hp as opposed to 150HP in the ADV-tourer. However, the torque output remains the same at 125NM.
The Sportster S comes with quite a bit of tech, too. It has full LED lighting, a four-inch TFT display, cruise control, ABS, traction control and Bluetooth. Harley also added its Drag Torque Slip Control, which works to mitigate rear wheel lock-up from engine braking. The S also features several rider modes, including two user-programmable modes.
Suspension duties are handled by Showa-sourced 43mm inverted forks and a piggyback reservoir rear shock with remote preload adjustment. There is only a single front brake disc, which is a bizarre choice on a bike this powerful. Thankfully, Harley went with a large single brake from Brembo.