All new HD sportster:Merged topics

[bad Chad]

Ugly, and $15,000 to start.   It does have a lot of HP, but it sure looks like a mess.

[Dirk_S]

I'm a fan. Maybe it didn't need the Sportster moniker to it (this design concept has been alive for 2+ years now, and it was originally called a "custom" I think?).

Harley needs to continue this charge of new engines and style, otherwise Indian will be the lone American giant (big statement, I know).

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/harley-davidson-sportster-s/

[Tom H]

I have seen worse. Overall looks OK, but there are a few minor things I'm not big on. Fir instance the rocker covers.

Tom

[LowRyter]

new 120 hp engine but ugly for sure.

[Rough Edge racing]

 Looks better than the many hideous dual sports...Indian  has a similar look

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Looks less hideous than anything else they are pumping out now..  I don't think it's too bad except for the bulbous pipes. 

Of course I cant understand for the life of me, why can't they put the foot controls in a reasonable location?  Doesn't even look like 'midmounts' (which are STILL too far forward when Harley uses them) are an option. How the heck are all these guys riding around with their toes under their wrists?

[AJ Huff]

I like it. A lot. I'm going to put it on my list to consider.

Only thing I don't like is two pipes on one side. Upsets my need for symmetry. If the side mirrors don't shake at idle and it can be as quiet as my California I have to give it serious thought.

-AJ

[dirtiegirtie]

I'm not a HD fan. I've never owned one and as long as continue to be more expensive than comparable bikes, I probably never will.

But based on looks alone, I really like this one! I guess I'm in the minority.

I say, "Kudos" to HD for finally trying to evolve to a younger market.

[OldMojo]

I thought the pipe side looked busy....then I saw the other side.

What is that thing below the seat on the LH side?

[twowheeladdict]

For the first one in the new lineup, they really made a statement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCoQ2PjdLJA

Good Job Harley Davidson!

[twowheeladdict]

Looks less hideous than anything else they are pumping out now..  I don't think it's too bad except for the bulbous pipes. 

Of course I cant understand for the life of me, why can't they put the foot controls in a reasonable location?  Doesn't even look like 'midmounts' (which are STILL too far forward when Harley uses them) are an option. How the heck are all these guys riding around with their toes under their wrists?

This is just the first model.  Those aren't forward controls.  I had forward controls on my mean streak.  The shifter and foot brake were in front of the frame. 

Not your style.  I get that.  When trying to keep a low seat height the pegs have to go somewhere for taller riders to fit also. 

Of course there will be much accessories and aftermarket to make it your own, and they are coming out with other models. 

[twowheeladdict]

I think so!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCoQ2PjdLJA

Power, torque, style, handling. 

Can't wait for the professional rider reviews. 

[Luap McKeever]

I never understood why these manufacturers put the pipes up there where you'll undoubtedly get burned, heat-shield or not. But, I know why they're doing it. They need to appeal to a new generation of people that are not too interested in motorcycles at all.

[Dirk_S]

They need to appeal to a new generation of people that are not too interested in motorcycles at all.

Not sure I understand that statement.

They look cool, and if one is riding solo, no need to worry about burnt leg syndrome.

Maybe it gives the bike more lean angle?

[Guzzistajohn]

Not sure I understand that statement.

They look cool, and if one is riding solo, no need to worry about burnt leg syndrome.

Maybe it gives the bike more lean angle?

Looks like they're emulating a flat tracker to me. The hipsters seem to dig a BIG FHAT front tire now, they'll fall in LOVE with that ugly SOB!

[pressureangle]

Oh look, the new Harley-Davidson 'Scout'.

[Kev m]

Looks less hideous than anything else they are pumping out now..  I don't think it's too bad except for the bulbous pipes. 

Of course I cant understand for the life of me, why can't they put the foot controls in a reasonable location?  Doesn't even look like 'midmounts' (which are STILL too far forward when Harley uses them) are an option. How the heck are all these guys riding around with their toes under their wrists?

They're an option (mid-mounts). Typical Harley, ridiculously priced, but they're an option.



Actually looking at people riding it in the videos the forwards don't seem THAT forward, but I too would prefer the mid-mounts.

I probably don't need a 502# wet - 121 hp Sportster, but it's nice that they're building it.

Cornering ABS and traction control
All LED lighting
Belt drive
Hydraulic valve train
and an TFT screen which connects to your phone by BT for NAV and other functions.

Not bad.

[Kev m]

I thought the pipe side looked busy....then I saw the other side.

What is that thing below the seat on the LH side?

You mean the side cover? Or the monoshock preload adjustment knob coming out of the back of the cover?

Or something else?

[bigbikerrick]

I hope it sells better for the Motor Co. than the XR 1200 did. Must be the exhaust, but It reminds me of that bike. It took my son  over a year to sell his 09 XR 1200 with low miles, and cherry. He ended up almost "giving it away"  I am not so sure about the mid/forward placement of the foot controls. By comparison I think the XR had much better ergonomics. I am not sure the styling,and water cooling will make this a big seller ..  although ,if it the same engine as the Pan American, its had good reviews.
Rick.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

They're an option (mid-mounts). Typical Harley, ridiculously priced, but they're an option.



Actually looking at people riding it in the videos the forwards don't seem THAT forward, but I too would prefer the mid-mounts.

I probably don't need a 502# wet - 121 hp Sportster, but it's nice that they're building it.

Cornering ABS and traction control
All LED lighting
Belt drive
Hydraulic valve train
and an TFT screen which connects to your phone by BT for NAV and other functions.

Not bad.

I was going from this pic kev...



The one you posted looks much better. I am curious where the mid-mounts are attached, looks like that cover is in the way of where I'd like my pegs.

Deff the coolest in the looks department of their current offerings

[Kev m]

I was going from this pic kev...



The one you posted looks much better. I am curious where the mid-mounts are attached, looks like that cover is in the way of where I'd like my pegs.

Deff the coolest in the looks department of their current offerings

Yeah, I was watching the video and comparing it to the still photos and did a double-take so I checked out the accessories section. That's where I confirmed they specifically have a mid-mount kit.

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/Mid-Control-Kit/p/50502136

Looks like it mounts to the crankcase covers:

[Kev m]

I hope it sells better for the Motor Co. than the XR 1200 did. Must be the exhaust, but It reminds me of that bike. It took my son  over a year to sell his 09 XR 1200 with low miles, and cherry. He ended up almost "giving it away"  I am not so sure about the mid/forward placement of the foot controls. By comparison I think the XR had much better ergonomics. I am not sure the styling,and water cooling will make this a big seller ..  although ,if it the same engine as the Pan American, its had good reviews.
Rick.

It's the first in a new line of Sportsters meaning it's meant to replace a bike that represents about 1/4 of their annual sales.

I'm sure they are going to offer a variety of motors and they have already started the accessory line (which includes mid-mount controls).

I loved the Sportster and the XR, but the XR was a minority player in the Sporty line for sure. This first one is styled more like what MOST modern sportsters were ergonomically just minus 100# and double the HP. That is for sure gonna turn a few heads.

Bet that XR would have sold a lot more at - 100# + double the HP.

[inditx]

Shoulda re-launched an XR1200 with mods imho.
inditx

[Moparnut72]

That was pretty much 13.5 minutes I'll never get back. Not much about the actual bike, mainly a bunch of hype. Just have to wait till it gets out into the public. I am over big front tires though, I had a Slim before my Guzzi.
kk

[OldMojo]

You mean the side cover? Or the monoshock preload adjustment knob coming out of the back of the cover?

Or something else?

From the angle of the pics in the MCN article I couldn't see the shock adjuster. It looked like some oddly conceived storage compartment.

[JJ]

Obviously taking styling cues from Polaris / Indian...




image sharing

[Dirk_S]

Obviously taking styling cues from Polaris / Indian...

Sure, but I’d say there’s room for both. Pics for comparison of the new Sportster, Indian’s Scout Bobber and FTR1200:



 





Of the 3, I pick the Harley (can’t believe I just wrote that again)

[JJ]

I always liked this 1959 XLCH Sportster...timeless classic!  

Times have sure changed....

[cliffrod]

Shoulda re-launched an XR1200 with mods imho.
inditx

yup- It looks like an XR1200 tweaked to meet the latest trends.  Kind of a no-brainer.

There's no reason to spend lots of money on a new Sportster like this to incur the wrath & disdain of the WG crowd.  I can do it for cheap (Guzzi content) with my plain old iron Sportster, drag pipes & all.

[twowheeladdict]

Looks like they're emulating a flat tracker to me. The hipsters seem to dig a BIG FHAT front tire now, they'll fall in LOVE with that ugly SOB!

It's almost like you watched the video!  LOL!