Harley Davidson 1250 Sportster S
Discussion
Long time sportster rider here - I've only had the chance to sit and play around on one rather than ride it, although I'm penciled in for a test ride on one in early Feb (and on the all electric live-wire too) so should be able to form a slightly better opinion then, for now my opinion is that the new Sportster S isn't anything like a 'real' Sportster and is more like a modernisation of a Jap cruiser (which isnt necessarily a bad thing!). It carries its weight high up unlike a proper sportster and just doesnt have the right feel to it for me to the extent that I believe that its not a cruiser in as much as its a weird wanna-be-naked shot in the dark that doesn't seem to be appealing to HD fans, or more importantly, the non-HD or younger riders who Harley have tried to draw in with this design.
As for not fitting on a Sportster, I'm 5'8" and have extended reach mids but have used all sorts of peg positions in the past; as long as you're 6ft or under you should be absolutely fine with the forward controls that come standard on the 'S', or for a real sportster - extended reach mids or greater - but comfort is a personal taste.
Some of the things they have done on the 'S' could be great for HDs in the future, but until they 'look' like a proper crusier (IMHO) I'll be sticking with the existing Sportsters and Softtails for the time being, although I am very excited for what HD may do in the future with that rather sexy new engine - I just hope it is equally easy to spanner on yourself as that is a huge appeal of owning a proper sportster for the mileage I do per year.
As for not fitting on a Sportster, I'm 5'8" and have extended reach mids but have used all sorts of peg positions in the past; as long as you're 6ft or under you should be absolutely fine with the forward controls that come standard on the 'S', or for a real sportster - extended reach mids or greater - but comfort is a personal taste.
Some of the things they have done on the 'S' could be great for HDs in the future, but until they 'look' like a proper crusier (IMHO) I'll be sticking with the existing Sportsters and Softtails for the time being, although I am very excited for what HD may do in the future with that rather sexy new engine - I just hope it is equally easy to spanner on yourself as that is a huge appeal of owning a proper sportster for the mileage I do per year.
Have spent a lot of time riding all versions of HD engines and chassis. Unlike any HD you'll have ridden in the past besides a Pan America. The new style engine is smooth, loads of pull, gearbox feels slick. New style switchgear is both a bit cumbersome to look at, and fiddly to operate with chunkier gloves. Dash is quite trick with the maps being ran through it, intuitive to use, but as I say, a little fiddly to operate with the switch gear.
When I've been asked what it's like, my go to remark is a baby Diavel. Similar amount of torque, riding position is similar but scaled down. If you're 5'10+, you might find it a little small, subject to long legs vs long body.
I think the big decider on an unfamiliar bike is what you make of the engine. More to do with character of the engine than outright power etc.
When I've been asked what it's like, my go to remark is a baby Diavel. Similar amount of torque, riding position is similar but scaled down. If you're 5'10+, you might find it a little small, subject to long legs vs long body.
I think the big decider on an unfamiliar bike is what you make of the engine. More to do with character of the engine than outright power etc.
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