Sportster S - Is this a beginner bike?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ต.ค. 2021
- I did a demo ride of the Harley-Davidson Sportster S with forward controls.
At 5'10", I found the bike to be way too cramped. The bars are too low with forward controls. Plus the suspension hates any irregularities in the road. The power was only so-so.
But it all was not bad. The engine heat was near nothing on my legs. So there is that going for it.
I would say if you are 5'8" and under, then this bike is something to consider. Maybe Harley will refine the ride with time.
#Harley-Davidson
#Sportster S
#TheFuture - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
All kidding aside, you're full of it! I'm 6'1" and my Sportster S fits like a glove!
You probably didn't set the rear preload correctly... knob all the way out, counter-clockwise, then 11 clicks in clock-wise.
This, for a person 190 to 205 lbs.
I have about 200+ miles on my RH1250S at this point (its snowing here now, soooo) and everyday was better than the last; its a sweet ride... I give Harley-Davidson an A+ on effort, and an A+ on final product... style, feel, sound, elegance, modern tech, modern lines, comfort (forward controls excellent) and the overall look is fabulous... can't say enough!
Well done, Harley-Davidson!
marcus
Your spine must be tiny, or you are a yoga instructor, or you were a former gymnast working for Cirque de Sole to ride in the "flying V"🤣👎
@@RRatedCustoms , Not sure what you mean by "flying V" ; the new Sporster S RH1250S is a sport cruiser that is nimble, fast, modern, and an absolute joy to ride; did I say fast?? 121 HP with plenty of power to spare, and talk about torque, and particularly in the ranges where you need it for playful bopping around an urban setting, or heading to the twisties. And man, does this motorcycle turn heads!
I have been sooo impressed with mine (midnight crimson) I just can't say enough... my only complaint is that I couldn't get mine sooner!
😁
marcus
Like all bikes built by corporations the suspension is going to be crap and designed for the mean weight of 180 pounds. Not 200, not 140, not 220 - 180 pounds. Second, if these things have 11 (does it also come in none more black?) adjustment points, the 1.5 inch of travel null and voids that number to 3. 1.5 inches of travel AND not having your legs under you to help absorb bumps means you're never going to be doing much more than hopping around town. You have 200 miles on your bike? Great, but Anthony has over 90,000 at this point (correct Mr. Roberson if I am mistaken) on his Bagger, and I have over 90,000 on my Sportster XL1200N and now 25,000 on my Dyna. I am 6'1" and 240 pounds and had to do a lot of work on the Sportster to be able to put those kinds of miles which included upgrading the suspension and having multiple places to put my feet so that I could stretch out over longer rides. And I kept my mid controls as I often find myself on rough roads in new England since we have a few states up here that still are only 50% paved. I can't wait to ride the new Sportster, but from the looks of it, my experience screams that it will be a rough ride on even the best paved roads near me and that I will probably be stiff from the seating postion by the end of the demo.
The Pan America I rode the same day put the Sportster S to shame in comfort, ability, agility, and most important POWER. Plain and simple the design of the Sportster S is essentially the same in style as the FXDR which Harley axed after the 2020 model year.
Flying V is when your hand and feet are sticking out in front of your hips while seated. The human body looks like a V in profile.
@@RRatedCustoms , that's not a fair comparison. Its like comparing my Heritage Springer Softail (2003) with the Sportster S... no comparison, the Heritage is prettier, more comfortable, 5 gal tank, and very classic antique. The Sportster S is not a touring bike; its a sport cruiser, and as such you need to compare against other sport cruisers in the same class. The Pan America has a 1252cc also, but its tuned completely differently, again, no comparison.
PS All of us Harley riders love what you're calling "flying V"; that's normal. The forward controls are what I'm looking for , and once I got the preload set for my weight ( 11 clicks , see owners manual ) the Sportster S is VERY comfortable... way more comfortable than my Rebel ! ... not as comfortable as my Heritage , but then, I'm not going to use it for touring-- that's what the big boy is for!
😁
marcus
Up till 18 years ago every motorcycle I had never had a windshield. Then I had a couple of baggers that I built and I really figured out I miss being able to see the front wheel of the road..
and that’s why I get back on a softail come winter time I can just put my windshield on quick clip clip. And for the rest of the time it’s off
But when she do get above 50 you do feel it the wind is the wind
Give me forward or mid controls
I rode a MT-10 a few years ago and it had no "windshield" but it did deflect wind of my chest enough where I was comfortable on the higher speeds. Harley needs to really offer that for these bikes.
I took the mini buckhorns off my 03 and put a set of Speedline (Frisco style) on. Looks much better and way more comfortable. Hammer1275 kit basic kit for added kick. I think I'll ride it awhile longer.
Nice!
Nice to get such a good overview of the controls from the dealership, didn't hurt that she was pretty too! :P
It must be weird not having a fairing or anything in front of the bars for you, it does look a nice view ahead though for folk like me who like naked bikes. The pipes don't do much for me, but am sure there are plenty of exhaust options aftermarket that look and possibly sound better too.
A light clutch is a must on a heavy bike, so good that this wins on that score! 😃
I do find it odd that they go feet forward and make you lean forward too, should have given it sportier pegs IMO, although that may not be an option easily with how the engine is configuered?
Sounds like the suspension needs setting for the road, maybe they think it is a trackbike? :D
When I rode this bike I thought it would work for submariners like you. I was disappointed in the power though. The Pan America felt more capable on the fast roads. They were supposed to have some bikes with mid controls but I never saw one so who knows. These were corporate folks holding the demo so no pressure to buy. 😎
@@RRatedCustoms you mean shortarses? :D
Or those with short legs. Arse size is not really the issue. :)
@@RRatedCustoms :D
Good honest review. Good to see people that give you the truth instead of what people want to hear. Maybe Harley get it right on the next one.
Thank you, I try to go into each bike optimistically and give you a point of view from years of riding.
That licence plate and taillight setup though. I thought that kind of thing looked bad on full fairing sportsbikes, but HD has outdone them :D Conversion kit sales will be good.
You are right!. That rear end is begging to be bumped and knocked off or askew at some point.
That groan and good lord was caught spectacularly by your mic setup!
All bikes are beginner bikes, just add one beginner.
So true! 🏍👍
it's a nice bike, but not $15k nice. Sorry Harley.....
:)
Purely a poser bike, built for somebody with a small ego and possible masochistic tendencies. That being said it would be fun to watch a beginner use this bike to pass the MSF riders course.
I agree, a bit of a poser bike in this form. It has potential of being a good bike if set up right though.
I bet someone can and will pass a beginner class on it. It takes more skill to ride responsibly than some folks think or are capable of doing.
Not sure, but what constitutes a "poser" bike? I don't get it. Riding is riding right?
I had to whip the dictionary -
a person who acts in an affected manner in order to impress others.
So yeah, seems to fit this bike because the bike is limited in riding. No passenger, no luggage, no comfort for distance without frequent stopping - pretty much short distance with a backpack for a few things.
That being said, the OG Sportsters that were Shovel and Evo motors could be found riding two up and some were known to go on road trips.
Not sure that logic holds at all. I don't think lack of cargo capacity or single rider seats constitute a "poser" bike. It's a style. You could alternately argue that the desire for cargo capacity and multiple occupants makes someone a poser, in they they are making their bike pose as a car
Not a fan of change huh?