NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SPORTSTER® S MODEL DELIVERS UNRELENTING PERFORMANCE

  • Next Generation Sportster Motorcycle Combines Unbridled Power with Contemporary Technology

The Harley-Davidson® Sportster® S model is an all-new sport custom motorcycle designed to deliver a thrilling riding experience and ushers in a new era of Sportster performance. A 121-horsepower Revolution® Max 1250T V-Twin engine puts the Sportster S rider in command of unrelenting, on-demand torque. A taut, lightweight chassis and
premium suspension deliver responsive, intuitive handling. From stop light to stop light, and corner to corner, the Sportster® S model offers riders extraordinary power and performance and creates a new standard for the most enduring Harley-Davidson model.


An addition to the 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle line, the Sportster S was unveiled today at
the global virtual launch experience “From Evolution to Revolution”. To watch the global reveal
event, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCoQ2PjdLJA.


“The Sportster S is the next all-new motorcycle built on the Revolution Max platform and sets a
new performance standard for the Sportster line,” said Jochen Zeitz, chairman, president and CEO,
Harley-Davidson. “This is a next generation Sportster defined by power, performance, technology
and style. And it’s part of our commitment to introduce motorcycles that align with our strategy to
increase desirability and to drive the legacy of Harley-Davidson.”


Styling Communicates Power


In profile, the Sportster S model appears crouched and powerful. The fuel tank and tail section
frame the engine as the predominate centerpiece of the motorcycle. The massive front tire recalls
the fenderless front end of a classic bobber, while the tail section, high-mount exhaust and slim
solo seat draw inspiration from the Harley-Davidson XR750 flat tracker. The thick inverted forks
and wide-profile tires suggest high-performance sport bike.


“Every visual design element of the Sportster S model is an expression of the motorcycle’s raw
power,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson vice president of styling and design. “This is a wolf
in wolf’s clothing.”

The powertrain is highlighted with a Chocolate Satin finish on the lightweight magnesium engine
covers. Textures, colors, finishes and details were selected to give the Sportster S model the look
of a custom show bike that just happens to be parked in the owner’s garage.


Amplified Performance


The 1250cc Revolution Max 1250T engine is the mechanical heart of the Sportster S model. This
new version of the latest Harley-Davidson liquid-cooled V-Twin engine is tuned to make
tremendous torque at low RPM, with a torque curve that stays flat through the powerband – engine
performance designed to deliver strong acceleration from a start with robust power through the
mid-range. To minimize overall motorcycle weight the engine is integrated into the vehicle as the central member of the chassis. The use of lightweight materials helps achieve a desirable power- to-weight ratio. Ready to ride with the 11.8 liters fuel tank topped off, the Sportster S model weighs just 228kg. A high-mount 2-into-1-into-2 exhaust is designed to produce a pleasing low-frequency tone.


(See separate Sportster S Technology release for full details)


Technology Enhances the Ride


The Sportster S model is equipped with a host of technologies designed to the enhance the riding experience. Three pre-programmed, selectable Ride Modes (Sport, Road and Rain) electronically control the performance characteristics of the motorcycle, and the level of technology intervention.


Two Custom modes may be used by the rider to create a set of performance characteristics to meet personal preference or for special situations. Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley- Davidson®, a collection of technologies intended to enhance rider confidence during unexpected situations or adverse road conditions, are designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking, in a straight line or while in a turn.


A round, 4.0-inch-diameter TFT screen displays all instrumentation and supports infotainment generated by the rider’s Bluetooth®-equipped mobile device and helmet headset, including music, incoming and out-going calls. All-LED lighting includes a Daymaker® Signature LED headlamp designed to produce a homogenous spread of light, eliminating distracting “hot spots.” The headlamp has a distinctive oval or capsule shape that adds style to the front end and will identify the Sportster® S model to other riders and motorists.


Optimized Chassis


The powertrain is a stressed member of the chassis, eliminating the traditional frame, a design that
significantly reduces motorcycle weight and results in a very stiff chassis that contributes to precise
handling. A welded tubular steel trellis swingarm features a braced design and stamped X-member
to further stiffen the chassis, while its shape adds distinctive style to the motorcycle.

The Sportster® S model is equipped with fully adjustable, premium front and rear suspension –
SHOWA® 43mm inverted cartridge forks and a SHOWA® Piggyback reservoir rear shock. Rear
suspension features hydraulic pre-load adjustment using a convenient knob located on the left side
of the motorcycle. Lightweight cast aluminum wheels with a staggered, five-spoke design are shod
with wide Dunlop®/Harley-Davidson® Series GT503 tires. Premium Brembo braking components
produce outstanding braking feel and performance. The single front brake features a new Brembo
radial monoblock four-piston caliper and a 320mm diameter disc. The rear brake is a two-piston
Brembo caliper and a 260mm diameter disc.


Forward foot controls and a low handlebar put the Sportster S rider in an aggressive posture on the
bike. Unladen seat height is 755mm, low enough for most riders to get feet down at a stop. Brake
and clutch hand levers are adjustable for reach, to best match rider hand size or preference. The
Sportster S model is pre-wired for accessory heated hand grips for added comfort in cool weather,
and is equipped with two dedicated power points for heated riding gear (heated hand grips and
heated riding gear/apparel each sold separately), plus a USB-C port for charging a phone or other
device. An external ambient temperature sensor and a low-temp warning on the display screen
alert the rider to changing conditions. Cruise control and a proximity-based security system are
standard equipment. The steel fuel tank holds 11.8 liters.


Paint Colors: Vivid Black; Stone Washed White Pearl; Midnight Crimson


Accessories
Sportster S model accessories available at launch through Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor
Accessories include these key items:


• Mid-Control Conversion Kit
Relocates the left and right rider foot pegs and foot controls from the Original Equipment
forward position to a mid-position on the bike. This may place the rider in a more athletic
position and may also provide an improved fit for riders who cannot comfortably reach the
forward controls.


• Passenger Accommodations
A Pillion Kit, Passenger Footpeg Kit and Passenger Backrest Kit (each sold separately) may
be installed. The pillion and backrest feature upholstery styled to match the rider seat.


• Sundowner Solo Seat
This seat offers an enhanced bucket design and spherical-void foam construction for improved
long-haul comfort and shaping for more-aggressive riding. Seam sealed stitch lines prevent
water from soaking into the foam and leaving the rider with a damp bum. Details in the top
seat cover enhance overall style.

• Compact Detachable Windshield
Black mounting hardware and support brackets, and the dark tint of the windshield, are a style
match for the motorcycle. The windshield mounts to the forks with quick-release clamps, and
can be installed or removed quickly and easily.


• Sportster® S Tailbag
This tailbag is designed specifically to fit and look great on the Sportster® S model, and gives
the rider a convenient luggage option for ride essentials. It is recommended that the Tailbag be
installed over the accessory pillion (purchased separately). Luggage capacity is 2.26kg. The
main compartment volume is expandable from 8.2 liters to 11.5 liters.


Learn more about the Harley-Davidson Sportster S model at www.harley-davidson.com.
About Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-
Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture with an expanding range of leading-edge, distinctive and customizable motorcycles in addition to riding experiences and exceptional motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get Harley-Davidson riders on the road. Learn more at www.harley-
davidson.com.