The video was great. Glad to see Jen stepping up. There were a couple of her talking parts that sounded muffled to me, but I love how thorough she was, and how she didn’t just pander and blow smoke. That rear suspension is a killer. Yikes.
Just picked mine up today and so far I have zero complaints. Coming from a honda VFR this bike is very nimble and the torque is on par with a KTM 1290 super duke. If you are a traditional Harley rider it is vastly different, but from a sport touring background it is a breath of fresh air. I absolutely love it
@@montaserbarbar9008 the factory seat is not so great, upgraded to the Corbin gunfighter and tail light relocation kit to clean up the wierd trellis the stock one has. Factory fender was also really bad about flinging water and sand up your back. The Corbin solved that issue as well. It's a stupid fun bike overall, definitely a keeper
Do have forward controls or mid? What's your honest opinion on comfort and control. I'm not looking for a 1000 miles a day tourer, just not sure about the forward controls.
@gtrevino50 I have mid controls. The position is still very forward from a sport bike so it feels like forward controls, but not a full on stretch like a bagger. The stock seat is horrible. Definitely upgrade to a Corbin gunfighter! I would slide off the flat stock seat every time I nailed the throttle, the deep ridge on the Corbin makes all the difference in the world, plus the tail tuck kit gets rid of the doofy trellis of the stock setup. It also gives you way better protection from the road cheese. I'd have tons of sand blasted up the back of my riding jacket with the stock fender. That seat upgrade makes this bike easy to ride for hours without getting a numb arse. It should be a mandatory upgrade to anyone who gets this bike
I’ll sit this out and wait for the Bronx. Suspension travel of 1.5” - 🥴. Sorry. Oh yes, Jen - great review and absolutely on-point with the criticism and evaluation. Keep them coming.
I test rode one a few days ago and it felt like an old muscle car. It didn’t really turn all that well and you definitely have to pay attention to the rear in corners, but when I pinned the throttle it brought a huge smile to my face and did it again and again every time I got the chance to open it up. I was pretty impressed, but came off feeling like the riding position needs a lot of work. I’m 6’3” and found myself hunched over so much that I could feel a slight bit of pain in my lower back after only 20 minutes of riding. I would say that if you’re looking to get one you should factor the cost of mid controls and bar risers into the final price as they are basically required.
Now see, I've ridden the SS too... and I'm six foot even. The Forward Controls fit me just fine. In fact, I can't even ride it with the Mids. Or any Harley with Mids. The turn in, well, you gotta be used to putting in a bit more initial effort into a big with a fat front... Like the Fat Boy and the Fat Bob and Sporster 48... But you get used to it quickly and then it becomes rather natural. It's not bad compared to other bikes, it's just different. Becuase once you lean into a curve, the bike remains planted in that line. Stable. Solid. And having a bigger fatter contact patch up front, means you can brake later into a curve, brake harder, and then with the good lean angle on this bike (Compaired to other Harleys, not a Panigale) you can carry more speed through the curve and exit hot on the race line. This bike rewards aggressive riding. YES, it's a Cruiser. And for a Cruiser - it's really quite good. You want something more aggressive in a Cruiser, the Low Rider S is the ticket. If you don't want a Cruiser - why are you even looking at a Harley Sportster?
Agreed. I'm 5'9" and prefer the forwards, and most of the bitching and moaning about the handling and ergonomics are just from people who are unfamiliar with anything other than nakeds. I come from a 48 so the bigger front tire feels natural to me and I love the bike, it fits me like a glove.
As a sportster owner, this thing is a complete departure from what I want out of a sportster. Personally, what drew me to the sporty was its mechanical and electrical simplicity. easy maintenance. There is nothing on my bike I cannot fix or replace myself with basic hand tools. I can tune my bike with a screwdriver. If there is something you don't like on the bike, you can change it. Guess I am just stuck in the past, but I hate the extreme complexity that comes with these newer machines. Reliability is born from simplicity.
I don't mind complexity if we are getting something really impressive. But now we are in diminishing returns, a lot more complexity, for not enough benefits to make it worth it.
@@jacobitosuperstar i totally agree. Nobody cares if a Ninja H2 is "complex" because... well of course it is. But for harley, their newer bikes just seem off. The obscene amount of complexity attempts to cover up basic design flaws. I never expected the Evo to be made forever, and this new engine seems like an upgrade. But their frames, plastics and overall design leave a lot to be desired. Also what is up with the unreasonably chunky exhaust on the Sportster S lol.
@@rw6783 Maybe they think that their fall off with the new generation is the exhaust and not the price of buying and maintain their bikes. 50K for a bike... Christ...
@@jacobitosuperstar lol good point. The younger generation they are trying to target dont have the money to buy a brand new bike. I bought a 2004 1200XLR, and that was on the top end of my play money budget. I cant really imagine spending 15k + on a motorcycle.
First time watching a video featuring Jen. Very impressed with her review. Concise, clear, professional. Looking forward to more content from her. High praise. As much as I like Zach's reviews: Jen's today was even better.
I love when comments feel the need to give a review on a new reviewer when it happens to be a woman. like "yes yes do not worry I am not sexist this reviewer was indeed a reviewer despite being a woman which of course I did not notice or care about at all which is why I am also going out of my way to talk about this person and reviewing their performance"
@@42crazyguy OR giving genuine praise to other's accomplishments builds them up instead of tearing people down for no reason... But your choice this morning.
As someone who isn't a HD guy...learning of the Bronx really makes me ask: WHY IS THIS THING NOT BEING MADE? I'm not a sport guy, or a cruiser guy (despite riding a 90s Intruder), HD is on the right path but seems like they're being a little too cautious and too focused on cruisers. They could be crushing it in the other markets! Maybe things will change.
If they really wanted to go into other markets, they shouldn't have shut down Buell. Where most companies would love to have the majority of the market, HD seems content just putting along with old school reputation. I AM a Harley guy and it never ceases to amaze me how the #1 cruiser and touring motorcycle company relies totally on its history, psych, and reputation. Even though they had a kick-ass racing bike when they bought Buell, they opted to dump it and continue their old school ways. I'm my opinion, they need new engineers and management that will allow the company to make a better produced bike.
If they really wanted to go into other markets, they shouldn't have shut down Buell. Where most companies would love to have the majority of the market, HD seems content just putting along with old school reputation. I AM a Harley guy and it never ceases to amaze me how the #1 cruiser and touring motorcycle company relies totally on its history, psych, and reputation. Even though they had a kick-ass racing bike when they bought Buell, they opted to dump it and continue their old school ways. I'm my opinion, they need new engineers and management that will allow the company to make a better produced bike.
Harley is to blind to what customers want to do anything right. Harley will slowly die even with the future recession in America to come with these prices.
@@josiah1583 they have reported falling profit every year for the last 16 years and the economy is falling again I don't think Harley is well enough established in other markets to keep afloat for another 50 years..
Thanks for this review. The seating position alone would keep me away. The small tank would keep me further away. The suspension would keep me firmly in the KTM camp.
I'm kind of scratching my head at what I'd use this type of bike for if I owned it. It has a motor that's suited to stretching it's legs on the open highway, but the 1.5" of travel thing is actually a huge bummer for highway riding. We have a lot of crappy freeways/roads in AZ and when I've shortened the forks on bikes in the past (even when retaining more than 2" of working travel) they just kind of suck for anything other than a 15 minute blast to a friends house/trip to the gym. They looks so sweet though and I can't help but feel that I'm probably going to end up buying one eventually anyways, probably to put two turbo's on it lol
The engine and electronics are awesome on this bike. In a straight line on smooth roads this thing hauls ass. Hit a bump, there goes my spine, try to corner and you better put a lot of muscle into it. The engine maybe watercooled but with the high exhaust pipe it overheats my leg in just a few minutes. Put this engine in a better frame aka the Bronx and it would be a slam dunk winner.
Personally for me it's the HD dealerships that make looking at any potential new bike a hard pass. HD makes new models that it hopes will bring the next gen into the the HD family, but forget (or ignore) that the next gen wants nothing to do with the current regime. Flush the HD ego sales guys who mock any other brand, laugh at full face helmets, and tell you that any gear other than a leather vest and fingerless gloves isnt 'Harley'. HD wants to transform you into one of them instead of letting their customers dictate the identity.
I´ve heard that from so many people. A few months ago I went to a HD dealer to get a feel for bike sizes. The guys there were really nice. They offered and encouraged me to ride the bikes. I rode two. It seems like they would´ve let me ride every model at the dealer. It was great. Perhaps I got lucky. I did also go on a Tuesday morning. They said they are extremely busy on weekends and people have to take a number and wait around just to talk to a salesman.
I used to have that same feeling but honestly, it’s really changed in the last 10 or 12 years so you may try again. I think the H-D brand is strong but corporate has realized they aren’t immune to the customer’s needs and had to make wholesale changes to include dealership experience. Go back again and see if things are different. They are for most places I’ve visited.
I road my Triumph Bonneville to a crowded Southern California Dealership on a Saturday a few months ago. I was treated with nothing but respect and patience. In all honesty I probably fit their profile in many ways. I also think there is much competition in Socal Harley dealerships as there are many. I was very clear I was not looking to buy. Very low pressure I agreed to a test ride. While not for me I clearly get the appeal.
exactly true about them mocking other brands, I was talking to one HD salesman who just apparently had a thing to pick with Honda because he acted like they were the devil spawn, and to make it worse I probably put more miles on Hondas in a year than hes put on Harleys in his life. Not a great sales tactic
It's interesting. If you look at the articles, regarding Harleys tracker and cafe racer patents, it seems the sportster s was originally intended to have a taller suspension, sportier wheel sizes and dual disks. Seems they built a sport naked bike, something to compete against the ftr...but then turned it into a cruiser by breaking it's ankles 😂. Maybe they figured it would appeal to a wider audience this way? Idk. I still want one though, but, just like the old sporties, the suspensions gonna have to be fixed ASAP.
I agree with her closing sentiments- it’s a rolling contradiction. They upgraded the good stuff, like the engine and power delivery… then exacerbated the bad things, giant wheel base, put a huge silly donut tire on, small rear suspension travel, and that controls geometry… I think there’s some type of major schism between the design and engineering departments at Harley. Apparently (and unfortunately) the majority of the talent at Harley still resides in the brand licensing and clothing division.
I have to disagree their talent goes in the fact that their still a make that WILL last you over 20 years no matter what Harley you get; I know three Harley riders whove had the same bike for at least a decade. & Maybe besides Honda make I see no other motorcycle make being as reliable in long term durability. I am on my third bike still trying to find something that will last; I've had a Honda, a Benelli, & Suzuki. So I think I actually might try Harley because I'm tired of shitty made bikes!
Agreed, really don't know who they are targeting here. IMHO mid controls and higher/rear set risers should be standard with the more forward controls as an option for taller riders who probably would not choose this over other Harley platforms at 15K and up. There is a reason Royal Enfield is selling every Interceptor and Continental GT they can make. Simple, basic bikes that are considered entry level bikes by today's standards. If they bumped them up to 750-850cc's with taller gearing as a new line thing would get interesting. Interceptor/Continental GT plus if you will, what I'm suggesting is more displacement for a broader and flatter torque curve, nothing crazy, just a new top end that can utilize the existing bottom end. Heck, make it a limited addition by simply cherry picking/specifying rod and piston rates to a tighter tolerance.
I own a sportster s and love it. It’s fast nimble and I have to say it handles great in corners. Yes a bit pricey. The closest I can compare it to power wise would be the MT09. I have been riding on the street since I was 18 and I am 49 now. I have owned multiple Harley’s and metric bikes. The bike isn’t for everyone.
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It's fast, nimble and handles greats in corners? Fair enough, but what's your point of reference?
I like my 2018 Sportster S also. It is fine in the twisties, but after owning a Triumph Bonneville, I am still adjusting to the forward controls on the Sportster and it handles differently than the Bonnie. I like that the Sportster is a no-frills motorcycle without all these electronics.
It’s great to see reviews from a variety of people and sizes of people. This review of the 2022MY complements Zack’s Daily Rider of the 2011MY really well. And a review by a 5’4” woman complements a review by a 6’whatever” Gumby of a man well (you can tell I’m short).
Excellent review! Jen is much closer to my height than most of the other reviewers out there, so her opinions on fit and comfort are more relevant. Thanks!
Great review! Still hate this motorcycle. Don’t understand why they would build this machine that’s supposed to be sporty and then take away one of the most important aspects of “sport”, suspension.
I feel like you could see how difficult it is to corner on this beast watching Jen tip into those corners. Like the look but pass for me on the handling.
The part that bugged me about that is she said the forward controls made it tougher for her to handle the bike, but the mid controls were much better for her. She then went on to ride and complain about the handling with the forward controls. I wonder how differently it rode for her with the setup that was better suited for her height and comfort.
@@chainedlightning I’ve test ridden it with both. And the mids if your tall “I’m 6’4” make it very cramped. I honestly say this thing needs to be a few inches taller with rear sets. Like the ftr1200
I disagree. I find my Sportster S to be nimble (even playful) in the corners. This bike is IN FACT a sport cruiser. The single break up front is no problem because more than half of the breaking in actual practice is engine breaking , under computer control. (customizable even) Sport mode is truly phenomenal. Don't get me wrong , I still love my Heritage Softail Springer (2003) antique, but my RH1250S is my go-to knock-around town (and the twisties) sport cruiser. Its lite, fast, full of torque through the mid revs, and holy cow in the upper revs just keeps pulling... man oh man. I love this bike; truly brilliant in ever regard. I have only one complaint (tiny baby complaint) the fuel capacity is a tad low; tank needs to be 4.5 -5.0 gal. On the other hand, its not a touring cruiser... its a sport cruiser... and planning the ride includes rest breaks (for the bum) and fuel stops ! marcus
The pricing stuff at the beginning is most likely out of context. Harley has said several times this is the top level sportster and they will have an entry level one that will most likely be closer to the last gen model in price.
What sold me on getting the 883 as my first street bike was the price tag. Now, I'm ready for a bike, and gonna get a royal enfield continental gt. Starts at 6000 off the show room floor.
I test drove it and was very excited. There are two conclusions of mine, First, if you are a beginner with an overflowing speed instinct, you will have to delay your purchase for a while... If you make a mistake, the moment you pull the throttle, the bike will rush in and you will be the only one left ^^. The second was that I just wanted to have it.. Your test drive was absolutely wonderful!!!!
Thanks Jen, enjoyed your review - indeed enjoyed your Highside Lowside contribution also. I’m a sports bike guy, but this is a good looking bike. I wonder through, who HD built this for? The low seat high makes it accessible for shorter riders, but as you pointed out the forward mounted controls make it uncomfortable for those same shorter riders. And the single disc, surely in this day and age the limiting factor on braking shouldn’t be the actual brakes, but rather the grip provided by the tyre(s). From your review it seems that its the braking system that is the let down, one disc for a bike on the heavier side seems like cost savings over what is potentially required. As mentioned in the review, and by others, the suspension - why? The acknowledgement of an uncomfortable bike from HD can be seen in the form of the fuel tank capacity, you won’t want to ride this long before you want to take a break - that essentially what HD is telling us, surely though a cruiser should be comfortable?
So, good power on a bike that stops so-so. clumsy handling, 1 1/2 inch rear travel? The best part is HD gives you the ultimate option of looking elsewhere.
Thanks for the review. I personally love this bike other that the forward controls which I'm having swapped out. My arms are actually sore from feeling like I'm leaning back trying to hold on for dear life with my feet so far forward. The suspension travel doesn't bother me either I love the stiff unforgiving ride of a sportster. The bike looks amazing the styling is so retro looks like something batman would be cruising around on. I found the steering with the large front tire to be cumbersome in parking lots but out on the highway it felt planted and stable. I wish the bars were about 2 inches higher and swept back more, pairing that with the mid controls would make it just about perfect for me. All in all I think Harley deserves credit for this bike and I'll bet the Bronx is not far behind.
Actually the cornering issue is based upon other bikes and not knowing the ergonomics of this one. As a cruiser you expect to scrape peg on a corner. Yes it is slow into a corner but the tyre design is such that when you lean into it you have maximum road traction due to the front tyre peak. It doesn't roll into a corner, it drops into it. It is actually quite surprising the first time you really lean it in. If you commit to the turn you do fine, if you just expect the tire to roll into it you throw out your line. I own it, so take that as you will.. The bike is designed to be aggressive on a turn. Lean it like a sport bike, not like a cruiser, you will do fine. Due to the peaked wheel you do not have best traction on a turn until you really drop into the turn.. On a soft turn you have an inch of tread on the road, on a hard turn you have four inches of tread contact.
Thanks for the basic overview on the bike. I'm 5'7" and 12 stone and wanted a Harley for two up riding with my wife and I really don't know where to begin. I was advised to look at this as a starter cruiser but after watching this I'm not convinced its the right bike for our needs. Some also suggested a Speed Glide...but I'm getting confused. Any suggestions would be great.... :)
It is almost like Harley wanted to combine a sport bike and a cruiser but in the end it didn’t quite work. I love the fact that Harley is evolving but not following through on the Bronx and not making a proper sport bike kind of stinks to me
The new Sportster S checks so many more boxes than the old Sportster. The old Sportster with ABS, paint, and alarm was $12,000. The Sportster S you receive more horsepower standard from the factory. RDRS standard, better lean angles, and TFT dash. Low seat height makes for cramped mod controls and minimal rear suspension travel.
Great review. I just don’t understand why a rear tyre is fitted on the front. 17 inch front and rear, with a 120 up front, dual disks and then you’ll see massive gains.
Harley is going to sell a naked and scrambler model based on this platform. Versatility is obviously built into the chassis: linkage and swingarm can be swapped with no changes to the frame/subframe, engine can be swapped out for smaller displacement mills, very robust frame. Only real changes would be head angle changes. I can even see a frame mounted fairing like the rusty butcher mint 400 sportster.
Great review! I love rev Sulla reviewers because they are always honest to put out some draw backs and keep you informed! Love seeing a shorter women ride review too 💕 helps out things in perspective for other women riders!
The S isn't for everyone. I'm a HD Big Twin touring model rider but there is a market that HD needs to tap into and the S with the Rev engine is a decent start. The thing is, Harley is smart and knows to stay in its lane. Anyone that wants a real canyon twisties ride is going straight for an affordable metric. That's not what Harley does and I don't know that they can. It's a "guns or butter" type situation. Trying to serve several masters would probably lead them to tremendous financial losses. That said, they sure knocked it out of the park with the Pan Am! Huge sales, excellent reviews.... For a first time attempt at an adventure bike, they nailed it.
i just bought this bike last week and I LOVE IT! i came from mid and rear control bikes so I kinda had second thoughts on the forward controls. but i loved forward controls! not aggressive, just relaxed sitting position but sitting on a powerful engine that you can unleash with a twist of your wrist and thats it! rear suspension kinda sound short but i just set it on correct preloads and it was just fine. i have paths here that will cross rail roads so i can really tell if the rear suspension is bad or not. overall though, I LOVE THE SPORTSTER S! 😁😁😁
Every time someone tries to push HD's latest half-ass attempt at a sporty bike, I have to ask "Is it as light as the Z650/SV650/MT07 that the specs are most comparable to? Is it as capable as the FTR1200?" The answer is usually "no, but... it's a 'Real Bike' TM." With this one the engine specs are at least closer to a Ninja 1000/MT-09.
I’ve got an Iron 1200. I like the control i get from Mid controls, but I’m 6 ft tall. I found the “More Forward” Mid Controls are perfect for a gas tank that only goes 120 miles.
Dear RevZilla, could you please add subtitles with metric system parameters (kg, cm, liters)? 🙏 All of those gallons, lbs'es and inches mean nothing to quite a lot of folks that are watching RevZilla videos. Thanks!
Great video! The first HD I every wanted was the Pan America. It remains the only HD I ever wanted. I have an FTR1200 S and I can't help to compare my motorcycle and the Sportster S. The Sportster S has too short suspension. Seems like people complain about the ride quality. I also don't like the way the wheels look. I'll keep my FTR1200 S.
It's a nice looking bike, but Harely should have been doing this many years ago. They have certainly fell behind the competition with the needs and wants of the current younger generation of riders. I thought I heard a rumor that Buell might be coming back?
I agree, Harley fell behind almost 20 years ago when the metrics started producing their own muscle bikes. VTX1800, Yamaha warrior 1700, M109r, and the meanstreak 1600. None of their bikes can compete with any of those metrics.
They missed the mark by passing on the Bronx. But as evident with the sportster, they would have overpriced it anyway. They just can't help themselves I guess. I'd probably go with the Honda Rebel over this.
Atta boy Jen ..oops atta girl Jen. Nice to get a review from another rider thats my size, too . Its tough to get an idea of how a motorcycle feels from other riders that are 6 footers.. I would love to see the Daily rider have a point of vier of a shorter rider also maybe not have a full review from short riders but at least how you would fit on it... Thanks
I would have liked to seen HD weld in some bracing tubes in the swing arm. I'm not saying the swing arm is weak, but it looks like it could have been made stronger without a whole lot of extra expense.
I agree with all of your “what ifs”. I like the direction HD is moving with the new Sporty, but much more needs to be done to make it a more compelling choice.
I'm concern about the back tail light will people b able to see it and putting my leg over pipes is another story and with 120 hp I would rather have two brakes in the front besides two would last alot longer and what about the ground clearance for going over speed bumps🤔
Once again Revzilla, why the hate on cruisers? I get it, they don't handle like a standard, or naked bike, but I don't live in an area with swooping hills, and canyons, I have miles and miles of flat road. I'd be more than happy to come test ride the cruisers for you.
It’s not hate on cruisers, but the fact that this bike is mislabeled. Harley is calling it there sport bike. And as amazing as the motor and tech is, it’s severely hindered by the cruiser ergonomics, low clearance, and poor suspension travel. I’ve test ridden the bike and sure its a good muscle cruiser, but for Harleys first attempt at a “sport bike”? It Falls flat
@@toofastnobrakes it isn't a sport bike. It's a power cruiser, and it does that job well. The problem is there's so many morons out there that are directly comparing it to liter bikes that are entirely different classes. Almost all of the bitching and moaning is from naked/sport riders that are whining that they didn't get a bike they wouldn't buy and would tear apart anyway. When you begin a review with the entirely wrong mindset of what a bike is and what it's trying to do, you've set yourself up to fail. It's like Car & Driver complaining about the back seat, long hood, and lack of rear visibility in a Mustang. It's looking at everything from the wrong perspective. This is Scout competition. Both have low clearance, forwards, clamshell positioning, short travel, & big motors. It's for all the people that were always saying for years "I wish Harley would make a modern Sportster that actually performs." Well, here it is. It has similar dimensions, riding position, handling dynamics, and utility as the old 48, and that's a very popular bike.
@@stevem4783 i mean that’s completely obvious. But the fault IS on Harley. Anyone with two eyes can see it’s not a sport bike. But Harley shouldn’t advertise it that way 😂 and frankly im in the party that wanted a naked bike. I wanted Harley to do something new. Not rehash the same boring shit they’ve done forever
@@toofastnobrakes I know you wanted a naked. You've made that very apparent from all your crying over what this is all over this thread. Why go for a ride on an obvious power cruiser and get annoyed that it isn't a naked when you know a naked is what you want? That's on YOU, not Harley. Maybe next you can hop on an M109R and complain how heavy and unwieldy it is compared to an MT-09. I think I'll go test ride a bunch of sports and spend an afternoon bitching about how they all make terrible bar hoppers/cruisers, that'd make about as much sense as what you're doing here.
Damn so much hate in the comment section. Its a cool bike and I'd def ride it. Obviously not a traditional Harley but they're trying to attract a different crowd. Yeah it might be overpriced but its a Harley and it is quality. Anyone who thinks its not has probably never owned one I'd bet.
Finally, an unbiased review. This is classified as "sport" on the website but it is not. This bike lacks proper rider triangle, lacks cornering, lacks quick direction change, lacks braking power, lacks light weight, etc.
Great review I love the female perspective on the bike !! I just rode one I’m 5 foot 10 195 pounds and it was pretty comfortable You can pick them up for about 13 -14 grand left over 2022 . But the Bonneville T120 in that price range is stiff competition that bike feels amazing as well
Great review. Not one bit interested in Harley, so watching this video in its entirety is about the highest compliment I can give. Feels very much like a classic Zack/Ari/Spencer review, but with her own spin, which is a good thing. Keep the quality content coming please 👍 Also, fully agree about the Bronx. I remember when the concept was first revealed and there was the briefest of moments I thought maybe I wrote Harley off too soon, and they actually did have it in them to step out of their comfort zone and produce something for the masses to try to save themselves. And then, back to business as usual for HD. Damn shame.
I gotta say the pricetag on that bike for all of the tech you get, and the refinement, I can't say I'd argue it. Is it my thing; not exactly, but it's nice. The headlight is killer nice...
All the negatives with the Sportster S would literally have been solved if they had just chosen the Bronx instead. That said, I'm glad they're finally making modern bikes. It's a big step in the right direction.
The 3.1 gallon tank is a big oof. Even my old ninja 250 I learned on held over a gallon more with better mpg. Aside from my Z125 (2 gallons) I've haven't had a tank smaller than 4 gallons.
The video was great. Glad to see Jen stepping up. There were a couple of her talking parts that sounded muffled to me, but I love how thorough she was, and how she didn’t just pander and blow smoke. That rear suspension is a killer. Yikes.
Just picked mine up today and so far I have zero complaints. Coming from a honda VFR this bike is very nimble and the torque is on par with a KTM 1290 super duke. If you are a traditional Harley rider it is vastly different, but from a sport touring background it is a breath of fresh air. I absolutely love it
Give us an up to date review
@@montaserbarbar9008 the factory seat is not so great, upgraded to the Corbin gunfighter and tail light relocation kit to clean up the wierd trellis the stock one has. Factory fender was also really bad about flinging water and sand up your back. The Corbin solved that issue as well. It's a stupid fun bike overall, definitely a keeper
Do have forward controls or mid? What's your honest opinion on comfort and control. I'm not looking for a 1000 miles a day tourer, just not sure about the forward controls.
@gtrevino50 I have mid controls. The position is still very forward from a sport bike so it feels like forward controls, but not a full on stretch like a bagger. The stock seat is horrible. Definitely upgrade to a Corbin gunfighter! I would slide off the flat stock seat every time I nailed the throttle, the deep ridge on the Corbin makes all the difference in the world, plus the tail tuck kit gets rid of the doofy trellis of the stock setup. It also gives you way better protection from the road cheese. I'd have tons of sand blasted up the back of my riding jacket with the stock fender. That seat upgrade makes this bike easy to ride for hours without getting a numb arse. It should be a mandatory upgrade to anyone who gets this bike
Rear shock harsh ?
"Wheely control" is one of the funiest features on this bike..
with 125Nm of torque it ain't even funny 🤣
Óh ŸÈÄH Brøthèr it’s because of the mad torque and horsepower!! 😂
Don't like the girl...the bike is totally fine...girl making harley test drive wtf...not my world
It do wheelie when launching buddy
Zack on daily rider wheelied the hell out of it
im curious about should this be the first bike for me? Because I'm looking for my first bike for weekend in city ride only
I’ll sit this out and wait for the Bronx. Suspension travel of 1.5” - 🥴. Sorry. Oh yes, Jen - great review and absolutely on-point with the criticism and evaluation. Keep them coming.
I thought it was cancelled and why would you get a naked bike made by Harley? 🤣
I'm hoping they decide to make the Bronx too
@@DeCavalcante Basically, the Bronx is a bike that (potentially) rides the way the Sportster S *looks* like it should ride, but doesn't.
@Soprano This bike doesn't even look naked with those gaudy-looking plastic additions. I'm still confused as to what it is.
@@ZildjianMan30 I doubt it'll be an affordable price. My issue is why buy it unless you're just a Harley fan.
I test rode one a few days ago and it felt like an old muscle car. It didn’t really turn all that well and you definitely have to pay attention to the rear in corners, but when I pinned the throttle it brought a huge smile to my face and did it again and again every time I got the chance to open it up. I was pretty impressed, but came off feeling like the riding position needs a lot of work. I’m 6’3” and found myself hunched over so much that I could feel a slight bit of pain in my lower back after only 20 minutes of riding. I would say that if you’re looking to get one you should factor the cost of mid controls and bar risers into the final price as they are basically required.
Yup, exactly how I felt and I’m 5 11
Agree with Jen, HD missing a trick not having something like the Bronx in the line up. Hopefully it does at some point.
I'm also hoping the Bronx comes back. But i'm not letting go of my Iron 1200. It's too much fun.
Now see, I've ridden the SS too... and I'm six foot even. The Forward Controls fit me just fine. In fact, I can't even ride it with the Mids. Or any Harley with Mids. The turn in, well, you gotta be used to putting in a bit more initial effort into a big with a fat front... Like the Fat Boy and the Fat Bob and Sporster 48... But you get used to it quickly and then it becomes rather natural. It's not bad compared to other bikes, it's just different. Becuase once you lean into a curve, the bike remains planted in that line. Stable. Solid. And having a bigger fatter contact patch up front, means you can brake later into a curve, brake harder, and then with the good lean angle on this bike (Compaired to other Harleys, not a Panigale) you can carry more speed through the curve and exit hot on the race line. This bike rewards aggressive riding. YES, it's a Cruiser. And for a Cruiser - it's really quite good. You want something more aggressive in a Cruiser, the Low Rider S is the ticket. If you don't want a Cruiser - why are you even looking at a Harley Sportster?
Agreed. I'm 5'9" and prefer the forwards, and most of the bitching and moaning about the handling and ergonomics are just from people who are unfamiliar with anything other than nakeds. I come from a 48 so the bigger front tire feels natural to me and I love the bike, it fits me like a glove.
As a sportster owner, this thing is a complete departure from what I want out of a sportster.
Personally, what drew me to the sporty was its mechanical and electrical simplicity. easy maintenance. There is nothing on my bike I cannot fix or replace myself with basic hand tools. I can tune my bike with a screwdriver. If there is something you don't like on the bike, you can change it.
Guess I am just stuck in the past, but I hate the extreme complexity that comes with these newer machines. Reliability is born from simplicity.
I don't mind complexity if we are getting something really impressive. But now we are in diminishing returns, a lot more complexity, for not enough benefits to make it worth it.
@@jacobitosuperstar i totally agree. Nobody cares if a Ninja H2 is "complex" because... well of course it is. But for harley, their newer bikes just seem off. The obscene amount of complexity attempts to cover up basic design flaws. I never expected the Evo to be made forever, and this new engine seems like an upgrade. But their frames, plastics and overall design leave a lot to be desired. Also what is up with the unreasonably chunky exhaust on the Sportster S lol.
@@rw6783 Maybe they think that their fall off with the new generation is the exhaust and not the price of buying and maintain their bikes. 50K for a bike... Christ...
@@jacobitosuperstar lol good point. The younger generation they are trying to target dont have the money to buy a brand new bike.
I bought a 2004 1200XLR, and that was on the top end of my play money budget. I cant really imagine spending 15k + on a motorcycle.
Agree 100%!
First time watching a video featuring Jen. Very impressed with her review. Concise, clear, professional. Looking forward to more content from her. High praise. As much as I like Zach's reviews: Jen's today was even better.
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣🤣🤣 you just like looking at her more than Zach. All I heard was whining
@@shenanigansofmannanan I dunno. Zach is a handsome man LoL
I love when comments feel the need to give a review on a new reviewer when it happens to be a woman. like "yes yes do not worry I am not sexist this reviewer was indeed a reviewer despite being a woman which of course I did not notice or care about at all which is why I am also going out of my way to talk about this person and reviewing their performance"
@@42crazyguy OR giving genuine praise to other's accomplishments builds them up instead of tearing people down for no reason... But your choice this morning.
As someone who isn't a HD guy...learning of the Bronx really makes me ask: WHY IS THIS THING NOT BEING MADE? I'm not a sport guy, or a cruiser guy (despite riding a 90s Intruder), HD is on the right path but seems like they're being a little too cautious and too focused on cruisers. They could be crushing it in the other markets! Maybe things will change.
Agreed. Although, to be fair they actually turned a pretty handy profit so it seems to be working for them.
If they really wanted to go into other markets, they shouldn't have shut down Buell. Where most companies would love to have the majority of the market, HD seems content just putting along with old school reputation. I AM a Harley guy and it never ceases to amaze me how the #1 cruiser and touring motorcycle company relies totally on its history, psych, and reputation. Even though they had a kick-ass racing bike when they bought Buell, they opted to dump it and continue their old school ways. I'm my opinion, they need new engineers and management that will allow the company to make a better produced bike.
If they really wanted to go into other markets, they shouldn't have shut down Buell. Where most companies would love to have the majority of the market, HD seems content just putting along with old school reputation. I AM a Harley guy and it never ceases to amaze me how the #1 cruiser and touring motorcycle company relies totally on its history, psych, and reputation. Even though they had a kick-ass racing bike when they bought Buell, they opted to dump it and continue their old school ways. I'm my opinion, they need new engineers and management that will allow the company to make a better produced bike.
Harley is to blind to what customers want to do anything right. Harley will slowly die even with the future recession in America to come with these prices.
@@josiah1583 they have reported falling profit every year for the last 16 years and the economy is falling again I don't think Harley is well enough established in other markets to keep afloat for another 50 years..
Thanks for this review. The seating position alone would keep me away. The small tank would keep me further away. The suspension would keep me firmly in the KTM camp.
I'm kind of scratching my head at what I'd use this type of bike for if I owned it. It has a motor that's suited to stretching it's legs on the open highway, but the 1.5" of travel thing is actually a huge bummer for highway riding. We have a lot of crappy freeways/roads in AZ and when I've shortened the forks on bikes in the past (even when retaining more than 2" of working travel) they just kind of suck for anything other than a 15 minute blast to a friends house/trip to the gym. They looks so sweet though and I can't help but feel that I'm probably going to end up buying one eventually anyways, probably to put two turbo's on it lol
Rode one at Scottsdale demo days. NEVER AGAIN. Its a Kawasaki
The engine and electronics are awesome on this bike. In a straight line on smooth roads this thing hauls ass. Hit a bump, there goes my spine, try to corner and you better put a lot of muscle into it. The engine maybe watercooled but with the high exhaust pipe it overheats my leg in just a few minutes. Put this engine in a better frame aka the Bronx and it would be a slam dunk winner.
I really want the Bronx, but I think this bike is salvageable. Needs to be two inches taller and rear sets. Like the ftr1200
Bronx would probably be the wow factor for HD.
Personally for me it's the HD dealerships that make looking at any potential new bike a hard pass. HD makes new models that it hopes will bring the next gen into the the HD family, but forget (or ignore) that the next gen wants nothing to do with the current regime. Flush the HD ego sales guys who mock any other brand, laugh at full face helmets, and tell you that any gear other than a leather vest and fingerless gloves isnt 'Harley'. HD wants to transform you into one of them instead of letting their customers dictate the identity.
I´ve heard that from so many people. A few months ago I went to a HD dealer to get a feel for bike sizes. The guys there were really nice. They offered and encouraged me to ride the bikes. I rode two. It seems like they would´ve let me ride every model at the dealer. It was great. Perhaps I got lucky. I did also go on a Tuesday morning. They said they are extremely busy on weekends and people have to take a number and wait around just to talk to a salesman.
I used to have that same feeling but honestly, it’s really changed in the last 10 or 12 years so you may try again. I think the H-D brand is strong but corporate has realized they aren’t immune to the customer’s needs and had to make wholesale changes to include dealership experience. Go back again and see if things are different. They are for most places I’ve visited.
I road my Triumph Bonneville to a crowded Southern California Dealership on a Saturday a few months ago. I was treated with nothing but respect and patience. In all honesty I probably fit their profile in many ways. I also think there is much competition in Socal Harley dealerships as there are many. I was very clear I was not looking to buy. Very low pressure I agreed to a test ride. While not for me I clearly get the appeal.
You ain't lying
exactly true about them mocking other brands, I was talking to one HD salesman who just apparently had a thing to pick with Honda because he acted like they were the devil spawn, and to make it worse I probably put more miles on Hondas in a year than hes put on Harleys in his life. Not a great sales tactic
I don't know much about bikes. What other brands and models can I consider that looks similar to the Sportster S? Thank you!
The nightster or lowrider s maybe. The look similar to this one.
It's interesting. If you look at the articles, regarding Harleys tracker and cafe racer patents, it seems the sportster s was originally intended to have a taller suspension, sportier wheel sizes and dual disks. Seems they built a sport naked bike, something to compete against the ftr...but then turned it into a cruiser by breaking it's ankles 😂. Maybe they figured it would appeal to a wider audience this way? Idk. I still want one though, but, just like the old sporties, the suspensions gonna have to be fixed ASAP.
I'm sure they'll offer it in the tall front tire like the previous Sportsters. That should help a bit.
I agree with her closing sentiments- it’s a rolling contradiction. They upgraded the good stuff, like the engine and power delivery… then exacerbated the bad things, giant wheel base, put a huge silly donut tire on, small rear suspension travel, and that controls geometry… I think there’s some type of major schism between the design and engineering departments at Harley. Apparently (and unfortunately) the majority of the talent at Harley still resides in the brand licensing and clothing division.
I have to disagree their talent goes in the fact that their still a make that WILL last you over 20 years no matter what Harley you get; I know three Harley riders whove had the same bike for at least a decade. & Maybe besides Honda make I see no other motorcycle make being as reliable in long term durability. I am on my third bike still trying to find something that will last; I've had a Honda, a Benelli, & Suzuki. So I think I actually might try Harley because I'm tired of shitty made bikes!
Agreed, really don't know who they are targeting here.
IMHO mid controls and higher/rear set risers should be standard with the more forward controls as an option for taller riders who probably would not choose this over other Harley platforms at 15K and up.
There is a reason Royal Enfield is selling every Interceptor and Continental GT they can make. Simple, basic bikes that are considered entry level bikes by today's standards. If they bumped them up to 750-850cc's with taller gearing as a new line thing would get interesting. Interceptor/Continental GT plus if you will, what I'm suggesting is more displacement for a broader and flatter torque curve, nothing crazy, just a new top end that can utilize the existing bottom end. Heck, make it a limited addition by simply cherry picking/specifying rod and piston rates to a tighter tolerance.
In the "what if" portion it almost sounds like "what if they made the FTR1200" in addition to something like the bronx
I own a sportster s and love it. It’s fast nimble and I have to say it handles great in corners. Yes a bit pricey. The closest I can compare it to power wise would be the MT09. I have been riding on the street since I was 18 and I am 49 now. I have owned multiple Harley’s and metric bikes. The bike isn’t for everyone.
It's fast, nimble and handles greats in corners? Fair enough, but what's your point of reference?
Comparing any Harley to an MT09 is laughable
@@eclipsegfxable I own a 2021 MT09. It’s a great Bike.
@ I ride casual and On the twisties.
I like my 2018 Sportster S also. It is fine in the twisties, but after owning a Triumph Bonneville, I am still adjusting to the forward controls on the Sportster and it handles differently than the Bonnie. I like that the Sportster is a no-frills motorcycle without all these electronics.
It’s great to see reviews from a variety of people and sizes of people. This review of the 2022MY complements Zack’s Daily Rider of the 2011MY really well. And a review by a 5’4” woman complements a review by a 6’whatever” Gumby of a man well (you can tell I’m short).
Excellent review! Jen is much closer to my height than most of the other reviewers out there, so her opinions on fit and comfort are more relevant. Thanks!
I feel the same way. A lot of motorcycle reviews are by taller riders. Jen height puts the bike in my perspective.
Great review! Still hate this motorcycle. Don’t understand why they would build this machine that’s supposed to be sporty and then take away one of the most important aspects of “sport”, suspension.
Don’t forget the terrible ergos for sporty riding
The riders spine is the suspension. That’s why sportster guys always have an angry looking mug lol
Yep, put the revo-max in the Bronx, and you would have sales success. Would attract plenty of non Harley buyers.
What a great review from jen. Most reviews from most channels dont dare to question, which is why this is one of my favourite MC channels
Thanks Jen. I agree with you. "Bronx"!
I feel like you could see how difficult it is to corner on this beast watching Jen tip into those corners. Like the look but pass for me on the handling.
The part that bugged me about that is she said the forward controls made it tougher for her to handle the bike, but the mid controls were much better for her. She then went on to ride and complain about the handling with the forward controls. I wonder how differently it rode for her with the setup that was better suited for her height and comfort.
@@chainedlightning I’ve test ridden it with both. And the mids if your tall “I’m 6’4” make it very cramped. I honestly say this thing needs to be a few inches taller with rear sets. Like the ftr1200
@@toofastnobrakes That's what I was thinking during this: buy an FTR lol
@@ZildjianMan30 exactly 😂
I disagree. I find my Sportster S to be nimble (even playful) in the corners. This bike is IN FACT a sport cruiser. The single break up front is no problem because more than half of the breaking in actual practice is engine breaking , under computer control. (customizable even) Sport mode is truly phenomenal. Don't get me wrong , I still love my Heritage Softail Springer (2003) antique, but my RH1250S is my go-to knock-around town (and the twisties) sport cruiser. Its lite, fast, full of torque through the mid revs, and holy cow in the upper revs just keeps pulling... man oh man.
I love this bike; truly brilliant in ever regard. I have only one complaint (tiny baby complaint) the fuel capacity is a tad low; tank needs to be 4.5 -5.0 gal. On the other hand, its not a touring cruiser... its a sport cruiser... and planning the ride includes rest breaks (for the bum) and fuel stops !
marcus
Does it make sense to downgrade to a smaller profile front tire? Would it help with cornering?
The pricing stuff at the beginning is most likely out of context. Harley has said several times this is the top level sportster and they will have an entry level one that will most likely be closer to the last gen model in price.
I'm with Jen. This is okay, but why no Bronx? That would have been a big leap forward.
💯
What sold me on getting the 883 as my first street bike was the price tag. Now, I'm ready for a bike, and gonna get a royal enfield continental gt. Starts at 6000 off the show room floor.
I test drove it and was very excited.
There are two conclusions of mine,
First, if you are a beginner with an overflowing speed instinct, you will have to delay your purchase for a while...
If you make a mistake, the moment you pull the throttle, the bike will rush in and you will be the only one left ^^.
The second was that I just wanted to have it..
Your test drive was absolutely wonderful!!!!
Thanks Jen, enjoyed your review - indeed enjoyed your Highside Lowside contribution also. I’m a sports bike guy, but this is a good looking bike. I wonder through, who HD built this for? The low seat high makes it accessible for shorter riders, but as you pointed out the forward mounted controls make it uncomfortable for those same shorter riders. And the single disc, surely in this day and age the limiting factor on braking shouldn’t be the actual brakes, but rather the grip provided by the tyre(s). From your review it seems that its the braking system that is the let down, one disc for a bike on the heavier side seems like cost savings over what is potentially required. As mentioned in the review, and by others, the suspension - why? The acknowledgement of an uncomfortable bike from HD can be seen in the form of the fuel tank capacity, you won’t want to ride this long before you want to take a break - that essentially what HD is telling us, surely though a cruiser should be comfortable?
Wow I really like this host! She’s lively and clear in her delivery of the information. Well done and a fair assessment to this rad bike.
It is hard to beat Zack Courts' on camera personality, but Jen did a great job!
Great video - Journo was so cool. Content, length, and shots spot on.
Jen is awesome 😊
I laughed when she blatantly dinged this bike for it's price. She tells it like it is, which is nice.
So, good power on a bike that stops so-so. clumsy handling, 1 1/2 inch rear travel? The best part is HD gives you the ultimate option of looking elsewhere.
Thanks for the review. I personally love this bike other that the forward controls which I'm having swapped out. My arms are actually sore from feeling like I'm leaning back trying to hold on for dear life with my feet so far forward. The suspension travel doesn't bother me either I love the stiff unforgiving ride of a sportster. The bike looks amazing the styling is so retro looks like something batman would be cruising around on. I found the steering with the large front tire to be cumbersome in parking lots but out on the highway it felt planted and stable. I wish the bars were about 2 inches higher and swept back more, pairing that with the mid controls would make it just about perfect for me. All in all I think Harley deserves credit for this bike and I'll bet the Bronx is not far behind.
Actually the cornering issue is based upon other bikes and not knowing the ergonomics of this one. As a cruiser you expect to scrape peg on a corner. Yes it is slow into a corner but the tyre design is such that when you lean into it you have maximum road traction due to the front tyre peak. It doesn't roll into a corner, it drops into it. It is actually quite surprising the first time you really lean it in. If you commit to the turn you do fine, if you just expect the tire to roll into it you throw out your line. I own it, so take that as you will.. The bike is designed to be aggressive on a turn. Lean it like a sport bike, not like a cruiser, you will do fine. Due to the peaked wheel you do not have best traction on a turn until you really drop into the turn.. On a soft turn you have an inch of tread on the road, on a hard turn you have four inches of tread contact.
Thank you. It's as if people don't understand the handling dynamics of anything but a dirt bike.
Everytime i see a Harley Davidson in the channel, i always think of Remy
Thanks for the basic overview on the bike. I'm 5'7" and 12 stone and wanted a Harley for two up riding with my wife and I really don't know where to begin. I was advised to look at this as a starter cruiser but after watching this I'm not convinced its the right bike for our needs. Some also suggested a Speed Glide...but I'm getting confused. Any suggestions would be great.... :)
It is almost like Harley wanted to combine a sport bike and a cruiser but in the end it didn’t quite work. I love the fact that Harley is evolving but not following through on the Bronx and not making a proper sport bike kind of stinks to me
The new Sportster S checks so many more boxes than the old Sportster. The old Sportster with ABS, paint, and alarm was $12,000. The Sportster S you receive more horsepower standard from the factory. RDRS standard, better lean angles, and TFT dash. Low seat height makes for cramped mod controls and minimal rear suspension travel.
I’m 6’3” 240 lbs 12% body fat. The foot pegs location fresh from the factory is incredibly comfortable for me.
Great review. I just don’t understand why a rear tyre is fitted on the front. 17 inch front and rear, with a 120 up front, dual disks and then you’ll see massive gains.
Harley is going to sell a naked and scrambler model based on this platform. Versatility is obviously built into the chassis: linkage and swingarm can be swapped with no changes to the frame/subframe, engine can be swapped out for smaller displacement mills, very robust frame. Only real changes would be head angle changes. I can even see a frame mounted fairing like the rusty butcher mint 400 sportster.
Great review! I love rev Sulla reviewers because they are always honest to put out some draw backs and keep you informed! Love seeing a shorter women ride review too 💕 helps out things in perspective for other women riders!
I have heard the Pan America was Harley’s best selling bike in 2021. Changes can improve sales.
The S isn't for everyone. I'm a HD Big Twin touring model rider but there is a market that HD needs to tap into and the S with the Rev engine is a decent start. The thing is, Harley is smart and knows to stay in its lane. Anyone that wants a real canyon twisties ride is going straight for an affordable metric. That's not what Harley does and I don't know that they can. It's a "guns or butter" type situation. Trying to serve several masters would probably lead them to tremendous financial losses. That said, they sure knocked it out of the park with the Pan Am! Huge sales, excellent reviews.... For a first time attempt at an adventure bike, they nailed it.
Wow a good and honest review of the Sportster s... thank you so much!! 🤝👍🇺🇸
Perfect for that 5ft 1' person...great bike for selected population
i just bought this bike last week and I LOVE IT! i came from mid and rear control bikes so I kinda had second thoughts on the forward controls. but i loved forward controls! not aggressive, just relaxed sitting position but sitting on a powerful engine that you can unleash with a twist of your wrist and thats it! rear suspension kinda sound short but i just set it on correct preloads and it was just fine. i have paths here that will cross rail roads so i can really tell if the rear suspension is bad or not.
overall though, I LOVE THE SPORTSTER S!
😁😁😁
Can’t wait to see a new XR model. And for me it looks okay, not the greatest. I still like the lines, rawness and simplicity of my old XR1200.
Exactly, just make this bike taller and give it rearsets. Would be perfect imo
Every time someone tries to push HD's latest half-ass attempt at a sporty bike, I have to ask "Is it as light as the Z650/SV650/MT07 that the specs are most comparable to? Is it as capable as the FTR1200?" The answer is usually "no, but... it's a 'Real Bike' TM." With this one the engine specs are at least closer to a Ninja 1000/MT-09.
Great content as always RevZilla. Im always excited to watch some new videos from you all. You do a hell of a job, cheers.
Great review. What brands are the leather jacket and boots?
I’ve got an Iron 1200. I like the control i get from Mid controls, but I’m 6 ft tall. I found the “More Forward” Mid Controls are perfect for a gas tank that only goes 120 miles.
Dear RevZilla, could you please add subtitles with metric system parameters (kg, cm, liters)? 🙏 All of those gallons, lbs'es and inches mean nothing to quite a lot of folks that are watching RevZilla videos. Thanks!
exact same thoughts when I rode the Sportster S. Well done!
Looks great, crap to ride, way overpriced... so it's a classic HD. Great review.
Yeah Harleys are just aWfUl to ride..... thats why you'll never give up your Huffy!
ha. Like most HD models with terrible suspensions, it's a total dumpster fire to ride. "looks great" is also subjective too.
Great video! The first HD I every wanted was the Pan America. It remains the only HD I ever wanted. I have an FTR1200 S and I can't help to compare my motorcycle and the Sportster S. The Sportster S has too short suspension. Seems like people complain about the ride quality. I also don't like the way the wheels look. I'll keep my FTR1200 S.
I am going for the FTR to. Not only a better ride quality, but also cheaper where we live. An at 6"1, my length is more fitting to the FTR to.
The FTR is a naked and the Sportster isn't. Have you looked up the suspension travel and comfort levels on a Scout?
Good call. Only thing Ide say consider trading for is the 2022 ftr with actual street wheels and tires. Unless that’s what you’ve got
I m thinking to buy a Sportster S. Can you tell me how tall you are ?
Jen's review is amazing, love it.
why the small gas tank ! windshield option; TFT features not listed; air pressure; riding modes suspension modes ?
It's a nice looking bike, but Harely should have been doing this many years ago. They have certainly fell behind the competition with the needs and wants of the current younger generation of riders. I thought I heard a rumor that Buell might be coming back?
I agree, Harley fell behind almost 20 years ago when the metrics started producing their own muscle bikes. VTX1800, Yamaha warrior 1700, M109r, and the meanstreak 1600. None of their bikes can compete with any of those metrics.
Jen's review is typical of many other reviews of this bike. Engine rocks, the rest....meh.
Same price Indian FTR 1200. Which would you buy?
FTR all day. for the sporty ergonomics and handling alone
They missed the mark by passing on the Bronx. But as evident with the sportster, they would have overpriced it anyway. They just can't help themselves I guess. I'd probably go with the Honda Rebel over this.
It's really cool looking, and finally has an engine with decent specs, if I were into Cruisers, this would be the one
Atta boy Jen ..oops atta girl Jen. Nice to get a review from another rider thats my size, too . Its tough to get an idea of how a motorcycle feels from other riders that are 6 footers.. I would love to see the Daily rider have a point of vier of a shorter rider also maybe not have a full review from short riders but at least how you would fit on it... Thanks
It looks decent. The dash update is great. $15K for a Sportster though is a bit much though.
The bike looks awesome. I think that was their number one design goal.
Great video, answers everything and has awesome cinematography :)
I love the RS Clash jacket she's wearing. I bought myself one for Christmas, also in oxblood.
I think they have a winner with this. But $650 for mid control option??? Scam.
And better brakes are a must.
Especially that footpeg adjustment is outstanding for shorter & sportier riders
All good info. Thanks for the review. Something wrong with the mic placement I think, the only really clear part was the helmet narration.
I've heard the same comments about the Pan America.
Awesome engine, so so chassis.
I would have liked to seen HD weld in some bracing tubes in the swing arm. I'm not saying the swing arm is weak, but it looks like it could have been made stronger without a whole lot of extra expense.
Great video. Wonder if this instantly makes older Sportsters less valuable? The rear travel has to change, but I like the looks of the bike.
Great job to Jen Dunstan on this vid.
I agree with all of your “what ifs”. I like the direction HD is moving with the new Sporty, but much more needs to be done to make it a more compelling choice.
Oh were you on the Podcast? Cool, nice to see you in videos.
Knock $5,000 off the price and people might buy it over the Indian Scout. The HD name, for me anyway, not worth five thousand dollars!
I just received my newsletter from Thunderbike Custom in Germany. You can see a video on their Sportster S Custom. Nice bike!
I'm concern about the back tail light will people b able to see it and putting my leg over pipes is another story and with 120 hp I would rather have two brakes in the front besides two would last alot longer and what about the ground clearance for going over speed bumps🤔
Once again Revzilla, why the hate on cruisers? I get it, they don't handle like a standard, or naked bike, but I don't live in an area with swooping hills, and canyons, I have miles and miles of flat road. I'd be more than happy to come test ride the cruisers for you.
It’s not hate on cruisers, but the fact that this bike is mislabeled. Harley is calling it there sport bike. And as amazing as the motor and tech is, it’s severely hindered by the cruiser ergonomics, low clearance, and poor suspension travel. I’ve test ridden the bike and sure its a good muscle cruiser, but for Harleys first attempt at a “sport bike”? It Falls flat
@@toofastnobrakes it isn't a sport bike. It's a power cruiser, and it does that job well. The problem is there's so many morons out there that are directly comparing it to liter bikes that are entirely different classes. Almost all of the bitching and moaning is from naked/sport riders that are whining that they didn't get a bike they wouldn't buy and would tear apart anyway. When you begin a review with the entirely wrong mindset of what a bike is and what it's trying to do, you've set yourself up to fail.
It's like Car & Driver complaining about the back seat, long hood, and lack of rear visibility in a Mustang. It's looking at everything from the wrong perspective.
This is Scout competition. Both have low clearance, forwards, clamshell positioning, short travel, & big motors. It's for all the people that were always saying for years "I wish Harley would make a modern Sportster that actually performs." Well, here it is. It has similar dimensions, riding position, handling dynamics, and utility as the old 48, and that's a very popular bike.
@@stevem4783 i mean that’s completely obvious. But the fault IS on Harley. Anyone with two eyes can see it’s not a sport bike. But Harley shouldn’t advertise it that way 😂 and frankly im in the party that wanted a naked bike. I wanted Harley to do something new. Not rehash the same boring shit they’ve done forever
@@toofastnobrakes I know you wanted a naked. You've made that very apparent from all your crying over what this is all over this thread.
Why go for a ride on an obvious power cruiser and get annoyed that it isn't a naked when you know a naked is what you want? That's on YOU, not Harley.
Maybe next you can hop on an M109R and complain how heavy and unwieldy it is compared to an MT-09. I think I'll go test ride a bunch of sports and spend an afternoon bitching about how they all make terrible bar hoppers/cruisers, that'd make about as much sense as what you're doing here.
I would 100% buy a bronx version of this bike. I love the look and the motor. Make the ergonomics like my CB1000R and I will buy it immediately
Damn so much hate in the comment section. Its a cool bike and I'd def ride it. Obviously not a traditional Harley but they're trying to attract a different crowd. Yeah it might be overpriced but its a Harley and it is quality. Anyone who thinks its not has probably never owned one I'd bet.
I haven't seen any hate, only critiques. And none of them have been about price lol quit crying
Finally, an unbiased review. This is classified as "sport" on the website but it is not. This bike lacks proper rider triangle, lacks cornering, lacks quick direction change, lacks braking power, lacks light weight, etc.
Great review I love the female perspective on the bike !! I just rode one I’m 5 foot 10 195 pounds and it was pretty comfortable
You can pick them up for about 13 -14 grand left over 2022 . But the Bonneville T120 in that price range is stiff competition that bike feels amazing as well
160mm front tire??? Why wasn't a 120mm used? I also thought H-D gave the Sportster the VROD Muscle treatment.
Great review. Not one bit interested in Harley, so watching this video in its entirety is about the highest compliment I can give. Feels very much like a classic Zack/Ari/Spencer review, but with her own spin, which is a good thing. Keep the quality content coming please 👍
Also, fully agree about the Bronx. I remember when the concept was first revealed and there was the briefest of moments I thought maybe I wrote Harley off too soon, and they actually did have it in them to step out of their comfort zone and produce something for the masses to try to save themselves. And then, back to business as usual for HD. Damn shame.
can for bars/foot controls be adjusted forward for 6'1' persons ?
I gotta say the pricetag on that bike for all of the tech you get, and the refinement, I can't say I'd argue it.
Is it my thing; not exactly, but it's nice. The headlight is killer nice...
All the negatives with the Sportster S would literally have been solved if they had just chosen the Bronx instead.
That said, I'm glad they're finally making modern bikes. It's a big step in the right direction.
The 3.1 gallon tank is a big oof. Even my old ninja 250 I learned on held over a gallon more with better mpg. Aside from my Z125 (2 gallons) I've haven't had a tank smaller than 4 gallons.
Yeah even naked bikes have at least 3.7+.
So . . . what you are saying is . . . Harley Davidson built an Indian Scout? Except for costing $3000-$5000 more. And still handling pretty poorly.