Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2021: the evolution of “iron”

My passion for cruisers leads me once again with great curiosity to the H-D dealership in Bassano del Grappa. I’m eager to try out the new Sportster S, the latest gem to come out of the Milwaukee factory. As the owner of a Triumph, I’ve been intrigued by the words of my Harley-enthusiast friends during their strictly Harley rides. Indeed, accustomed to the powerful roars of their old-school motorcycle exhausts, I am accompanied by Vanna and Matteo, loyal collaborators of the dealership, toward what will be an authentic and surprising experience!

At first glance, the new Sportster S exudes the confident and arrogant aura that I remember representing the parent company. However, upon closer inspection, some revolutionary aspects immediately stand out, marking Harley-Davidson’s definitive departure from the iconic model born in 1957.

The front end, with the 160-section tire on a 17″ rim, clearly echoes the Forty-Eight, while the horizontal line and the short tail with the rear wheel extending beyond half of the silhouette almost remind me of a flat-track motorcycle!

The front full LED headlight in pill shape features a stylish design, and on the right side, two handsome exhaust pipes are stacked. The seat is like those of the old sister bikes: thin and lightly padded, already making me think of journeys over 50 km with some discomfort in the backside. The classic 11-liter peanut-shaped tank, colored Midnight Crimson, boasts an elegant amber-red hue.

The engine is the Revolution Max 1250T twin-cylinder, equipped with variable timing and dual overhead cams to (pay attention, old-school Harley enthusiasts!!) eliminate vibrations. The dry weight of 221 kg and the power and torque figures are surprising compared to past Sportster models: it delivers 121 horsepower at 7,500 RPM and 125 Nm at 6,000 RPM.

The electronic package propels it even further into the realm of new-generation cruisers: featuring ABS and traction control, it offers five riding modes, three with preset settings and two customizable by the rider. The rider can select the level of engine braking, torque delivery, and throttle response. All of this is displayed clearly on the 4″ circular full-color TFT panel, which can also interface with a smartphone via the H-D app. I’ve never seen a model like this with such an abundance of technology, especially in comparison to the recent past!

The suspension components are from Showa: a 43 mm upside-down fork adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound, as well as the rear shock absorber, which comes with a knob for preload adjustment. The basic settings are decidedly on the rigid side (remember, it’s still a Harley!), but the suspension interprets adjustments effectively while riding. The braking system features a radial-mounted Brembo caliper acting on a single 320 mm diameter front disc. In short, it’s a muscular cruiser, as the parent company has always produced, not meant for last-minute braking.

And like a teenager getting her first car, gifted by trusting parents, I finally mount my new steed to head toward the destination chosen with our CEO Lisa Cavalli: Villa Angarano Bianchi Michiel, one of the most enchanting historic properties in our city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. It’s nestled in a captivating landscape amidst vineyards, the hills of S. Eusebio, the Brenta river, and the imposing Monte Grappa massif… what else?

Just a couple of roundabouts, a start from a standstill at a traffic light, and two sudden stops due to Saturday traffic congestion are enough to allow me to enjoy the bike’s responsiveness. During the longer stretches, the front wheel offers some resistance in fast turns and gives a bit of inertia in changes of direction. However, once the line is set, you can appreciate the grip on the road, especially when shifting from second to third gear (Veronica, the reliable MissBiker who’s a seasoned Harley enthusiast and accompanied me to the dealership, will confirm the typical feeling of the parent company). The bike doesn’t balk, the clutch is remarkably smooth, and the gearbox seems to have forgotten the classic ‘glunk’ characteristic of the old school. From third gear onward, the push is vigorous, making you fully appreciate the 121 horsepower. The bike even feels lighter than it already is, almost reminiscent of the performance of much slimmer naked bikes!

In conclusion, accustomed as I am to the heavy and thunderous machines of my friends… I’m utterly surprised! Everything feels easy, as if it weren’t even a Harley. Gone are the chrome, vibrations, and old-style dimensions. Yet, as soon as I set foot on the ground and cast a glance at the beauty of the villa before swiftly returning my gaze to the motorcycle… it’s her, powerful with the prominent twin-cylinder, the confident profile. I haven’t made a mistake! As usual, I think to myself, a passenger wouldn’t be very comfortable. The model is sold as a solo seat, but it’s approved for two and a two-up kit can be requested.

There are three available colors: white, black, and “Midnight Crimson,” the beautiful dark red you see in the photos.

And watch out, because at the end of January 2022, the release of an evolution of this model is planned: the Sportster Nightster, with a smaller displacement and a more affordable price. But… I won’t give away any spoilers! I look forward to seeing you all at the next MissBiker’s road test!

Anna Farronato
MissBiker 2022
Photo Credits: Veronica Tessaro
Special thanks to the official Harley-Davidson Bassano dealership for their collaboration.
Anna wears:

La BarBs – bigiotteria
Location: Villa Angarano Bianchi Michiel