Harley-Davidson Sportster S: Top 5 Highlights

Harley-Davidson Sportster S retains the original ethos of the Sportster range, with stripped-back styling. It looks stocky and muscular, but oozes Bobber appeal with a short front mudguard and Harley-Davidson XR750 flat-tracker inspired tail section. A round, 4-inch TFT screen displays all instrumentation and supports Bluetooth-enabled infotainment. All-LED lighting includes a Daymaker Signature LED headlamp, a similar front headlight from the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob.

The 1,252 cc v-twin puts out 121 bhp, (instead of the 150 odd bhp on the Pan America 1250), but peak torque has been moved down the rev range, with 127 Nm hitting at 6,000 rpm. The redline is quite high too, at 9,500 rpm, and with variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust ports, the Revolution Max 1250 promises sporty performance across the rev range.

Suspension comes from Showa, featuring 43 mm inverted forks and a piggyback reservoir rear shock with remote preload adjustment. But suspension travel is limited, with just 91 mm on the front, and a measly 50 mm travel on the rear monoshock.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S looks stocky and muscular, with fat tyres. The front wheel is 17-inches, but a 160 mm high-profile tyre will probably feel a little heavy to steer. The 16-inch rear wheel also features a fat, 180 mm tyre, something which should work great in a straight line, but we'll reserve our judgement for the Sportster S's handling till we get to spend some time with it, once it's launched in India.

The production model Harley-Davidson Sportster S is quite similar to the H-D Custom 1250 unveiled a few years ago. It will be launched in the US later this year, and priced at $ 14,999 (around Rs. 11.19 lakh under current exchange rates). Once it's launched in India, possibly as a 2022 model, we expect it to be priced at around Rs. 14-15 lakh (Ex-showroom).