– 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S Review –
The first time I saw the Sportster S model online, I was a little shocked. At first glance, it seems really different from the Sportsters family heritage. Is it the aggressive look, the color scheme, the headlight, or the engine?
The answer? A bit of all that after all…
Conception & Design
With the bike in front of me, I looked at it quietly, carefully observed the details and sit down to take in the feel as well.
When you take the time to look closely and analyze the Sportster S, you realize that, in the end, its origins are not that far away. To tell the truth, I recognized many attributes of my old Sportster ’48, such as the choice of the front-rear tire ratio and its general silhouette, for example.
Another thing for the look, the front radiator as well as the “belly plate” with the exhaust placed quite high, gives it a unique and distinctive appearance which is somewhat reminiscent of that of the XG750R, a competition motorcycle from H-D designed for Flat-Track racing.
Harley-Davidson has opted for mirrors at the end of the handlebars, which helps keep its beautiful line. I am certain that many will adopt the look of the 48 with inverted mirrors, which will be just as beautiful and in keeping with its look.
With a very minimalist flavor, a solo seat, and small fenders, know that there will still be a price to pay… at least when the road is wet or in the rain. I personally experienced it and a thorough washing of the beast and my clothes was necessary. There is nowhere to hide, you have been warned!
The TFT display, 4 inches in size, is simple and effective with a beautiful finish. On the handlebars, there are more buttons than I would like. You kinda got used to it, but it’s a bit odd, when everything else is on the minimalist side.
If there is one thing that I would change, personally, and which annoyed me a bit, it is the size of the grips. I like the feeling of the usual big Harley-Davidson handles and I didn’t understand why the handlebars were reduced to accommodate smaller handles…
Many additions such as heated handles, Cruise-control, driving mode, traction control and active ABS make it an even more interesting machine.
Powertrain:
The Revolution Max engine is black with bronze accents and takes up a more prominent place in the frame. With the original fuel tank, it will be rather difficult to “show” the much-appreciated gap between the top of the engine and the frame.
The engine offers, in road mode, a nice and crisp response and rather decent power. But switching to Sport mode is the only way to truly appreciate the capabilities of this new engine, as well as the exhaust harmonies…
I was very surprised at the real power of the Revolution Max engine, and, coupled with a 6-speed transmission and a belt drive, I immediately had a smile on my face. To tell the truth, it’s a completely different experience compared to an older Sportster. I invite those who would like to critique the appearance of the engine to come and try it out!
It takes discipline not to deviate from traffic regulations… And I guess discipline will come with practice!
Great fun, it’s that simple. A full tank of gas brings happiness is a good motto for the Harley-Davidson Sportster S.
Comfort and Ergonomics:
Forward riding position and forward foot controls – a reminder of the V-rod in feel and performance but lighter and more manageable. Attributes which earn it a place of choice in the “toy” category for grown-ups.
The suspension is rather firm, however, it should be noted that the suspension is adjustable at the front and rear, which is very appreciated. I always suggest doing an adjustment to your motorcycle’s suspension when adjustable. If you’ve never done it, you’ll be surprised how much it can change and improve your experience with your motorcycle.
The bike is not for the “soft” crowd either. You don’t ride the Sportster S for smoothness and comfort. Those who undertake long outings or trips with it will be among the tough guys on the road.
Final Thoughts:
Harley-Davidson has proven that the Sportster S is not just another motorcycle by presenting a motorcycle that is stunningly styled, has great performance, and has a badass attitude.
The price of the Harley-Davidson Sportster S is around $20,000, which could also get you a Street Bob 114 or a standard Softail. That said, they are completely different machines.
If you like to ride solo and have an outlaw side of you, the Sportster S will be a worthy companion!
Not convinced? Find a demo day, go try it and tell me about it!
Jean-Sebastien Mackay
Riding motorcycles since the 90's - Husband - Father - Army Veteran - Founder of KNUCKLE
Nice
Wtf. Is this. Pos. I’d be embarrassed to get caught riding this jap or maybe Chinese thing. This is the downfall of Harley
1977 XLCH and 1998? Buell Lightning – which I wish I still had. But a test drive on the S and I was stunned at how much I need it. Handling and speed, power delivery and sound sold me. Now I forgot my previous sporties.
I’m sorry, but I do not like this at all and HD is considering this a Sportster? It’s definitely not an attractive HD.
I agree
Looks too much like a VRod! Definitely NOT a Sporster!
Yo man, this bike is actually first thing that you have in US made that looks cool and sexy so keep your opinion with you
Your Harleys I mean standard models looks like crap. This is the first bike that looks actually nice.
Not impressed.i have owned 2 iron heads and 2 Evo’s. Definitely not a Sportster.
I’m a rider have owned many many bike..by far this is the most tech advanced bike Harley ever made. Stick with your old ideas of a Harley while I go zooming past you…
Good to see new blood in harley lineup i have an 81 lowrider 2 vrods and an 11 roadglide ultra i enjoyvall of them if harley makes a sport model of the new sportster like they did the vrod ill buy one oh yea im also 70
Have a 62 900 Sportster raked 33degress little stroke,plus they would make a show
Most fun I’ve had on a street bike ever..it so nimble an lite weight you can put it where ya want it.brake hard in the corners an smile as I pass you by…got her lowered another inch. Its a bitchen ride..#NotYourMommasSporster!
When I first saw the Sportster S I thought “Sacrilegious “! I still drive a 75 XLCH chopper. But the silhouette kept bringing me back to the original Sportster silhouette. Now after decades they finally bring back a sporty Sportster. So now I ride a 75 XLCH chopper or a 2023 Sportster S depending on my mood.
I want one but I could never afford something like that I have a 2009 Sportster
Twice the price of a Suzuki half the reliability and still a slow turd ,dear Harley the young kids can’t afford your wanna be sports bike. The older guys hate it and we are the ones who are buying bikes . I hate to say it you need to recreate a legend not copy a gsxr . You have gone soft and Indian is going to give you a run for your money
I have ridden Sportsters all my life and I wish they would extricate the Sportster tag from this ugly mess. I own 3 Harleys and as a purist I say that this is only a Harley Davidson by tag! Poor move Harley.
What do you think about the new engine?
Ehh! Like old fashioned however look good new update motor .
My mind not understand why for girl! Not label say only girl bike! Like buy code of dress🤔 it not made senses.
Girl ride fat motorcycle Anyway too!
Next time tag on motorcycle say it boy and that girl motorcycle 😂😁 like clothes codes.
Well ..looks like value of older sportys going up..lol.. I don’t know anyone gonna want that ugly pos..
If I wanted something that looks like a Honda I’d buy a Honda this model style looks like Shit enough said
It’s a mess alright.but it does look kinda cool…Joe blow
Really fun to ride…
Not a Sportster.
If you must build that atrocity, Call it something else.
What would you call it?
I call mine a 1250 Custom as Harley did when it was still just a concept bike on paper. I found out about this bike about 2 years before it was released and saw the pictures. Right then I decided if Harley was to actually sell this bike, I would be first in line…and I was. First person in the state of Florida to order and prepay in full as the release video was being played. I rode my Shovel for 24 years before getting my 1250 Custom.
Agreed
Lame
Harley Davidson has lost there mind nothing on this bike attracts my attention to me it look like something from Japan I own two Harley’s and have been riding for approximately 35 years I love the old cruiser style bikes I own a Street Bob and Soft tail Deluxe I guess they are trying to younger riders to join the Harley tradition I evened owned a 1200 CL sportster to commute to work and for the price by a real cruiser or an Indian Chief don’t like who ever is responsible with these new designs but it won’t attract us die hard Harley riders
It’s a bit like the V-Rod, it was you either liked it or hated it… But again, if you don’t take the look into consideration, it’s pretty fun to ride.
I agree. I have a 1961 panhead, a 2005 Softail springer that I built, a 2002 road King and a 2013 street glide.
I know exactly what you mean it does not look nothing like an original Harley bike almost like a ninja bike in a way I am a girl and I ride a 2010 heritage Softail with a stage 3 kit in it and it is a like you wouldn’t play around with she’s fast see you on the road buddy
Don’t do it! Horrible move by Harley, same with the new nighter 975. They are cheaply made which is why they are so light. Everything is plastic. You cannot I repeat cannot get parts for them. Don’t waste your money. Stay old school!!
Yessir
It doesn’t hurt to go after a younger riding crowd. After all, we are
getting older. I think Harley did a good compromise. I don’t compare
it to the V-Rod but this is less outlandish and more acceptable.
Nice job, Harley! Now, I haven’t heard it or seen it in person. The Knuckle
made no direct mention of the exhaust note. Also, there is talk about
too much plastic which will play into how many we see on the road.
But this is my gut reaction to a beautiful, if not fast, bike.
The exhaust sound is ok. I’ve yet to see one of these engine with a performance upgrade, but the stock tuning, while fast and crisp, was maybe a bit too smooth on the idle… I do hope that some of the Harley’s character can be unleash from this engine. If i see one, I’ll do an update on this blog.
Harley like all of its competitors needs to move forward and stay relevant to remain profitable. New designs, new motors, new ideas are what is needed in this endeavor.
If your in love with all the old styles, know
you will remain happily in my rear view mirror.
What the hell are you thinking harley?
Unless your turning away from the Dedicated, Loyal harley Crowd , going for the younger Generation ,but just keep in mind the loyal , dedicated fan keep Buying harleys because it’s looks, sounds like a harley davidson, but if you Insist of making this bike please don’t call it a Sportster.
Not impressed.i have owned 2 iron heads and 2 Evo’s. Definitely not a Sportster.
That’s one fugly bike.. good luck with sales.
Don’t like it…it don’t look right ..me..I like my old flsthead1935vld
Good to see new blood in harley lineup i have an 81 lowrider 2 vrods and an 11 roadglide ultra i enjoyvall of them if harley makes a sport model of the new sportster like they did the vrod ill buy one oh yea im also 70
I own one of these monsters. It is an incredible motorcycle, and the reaction I see from the old school Harley people is quite predictable. Same reactions from them about the V-rods, but this bike blows away the V-rod in performance. I traded up from one to this bike and very glad I did. It is a very agile bike, and I love the programmable performance modes, as well as the handling tech and interactive tech. Can’t say enough good about it. By the way, a “man” would be proud to own one.
Once the old guard has died off this bike will be very popular.
I am 68 old guard and also own a Pan America which I ride constantly and Love very much.
I still have my Evo Sporty which I also love and my Dyna TC.
But hey brothers and sisters its 2024 not 1934, 44, 54, 64, etc.
Get used to it cause its here to stay.
That being said there are plenty of traditional HDs out there to soothe the nostalgic soul.
I hope no one is offended.
I guess I must be part of the old school.
I own a 2018 xl1200x 48
Only modification is 2″ pipes.
Wouldn’t go past this.
It’s a dream machine that gets the best and the return is priceless.
Ride safe
Tomw
No! Just no! Ya’ll did enough damage with the nightster. Stop the dumb shit. Are all of your focus groups European tree huggers?
Every time I see classic Harley I usually see an old dude with a fat belly on it with a huge beard ready to die. This bike sportsters made for younger generation. Please grow up and face it. This is a cool bike.
Don’t worry everyone, it will go the way of the vrod in 5 years. Worst thing to wear the sportster name.
In five years with this pace of immigration from Europe, this bike will be the most selling bike in US market because it’s cool is old and we know value to the bikes and how it looks like
It not so.