2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S First Ride Review: Is It Good Enough?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ส.ค. 2024
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I'm in my late 20s, naked/sportbike kind of rider and have never paid any attention to Harley at all, but I have to say this thing just looks so cool, it made me immediately want one. Then I got the chance to ride one and it turned out to be such a fun bike to hoon around. It doesn't have much ground clearance, so you really have to climb around and hang off to keep the pegs off the ground if you're going for a spirited pace. I was also quite surprised by how well it corners with that fat 160 up front. It requires some elbow grease to turn in, but altogether it makes for a super engaging ride. I felt like I had burned 1000 calories after 20 minutes.
The best part is the engine though, that thing is brilliant. Tons of torque and character, and revs like a Ducati. If I could afford a second bike, this would be it. I hope they eventually bring back the Bronx, this engine needs to be in a sporty naked bike.
Looks good other than the exhaust
You can put different exhaust on
@@Justin_Bic Yes everyone knows that he's just commenting on the stock...🤦♂️
I don't mind it. Would want something louder tho
That tiny seat with forward controls and 2 inches rear wheel travel would make a rough ride, add single disc brake up front and heavy wheels for sluggishness in corners, 3 gallon tank
@@johnengland8619 stop it, youre not smart, yout mom lie to you
Something batman would ride
Digging the rating feature 👍👍 more of it and nice review of this bike!
Great engine, looks great, but feet-forward, next to no rear suspension = a bad back. Put this engine in a proper flat tracker with rear-sets and blow the FTR away.
I like the jacket.
Midsets are an accessory…..as for the rest….that’s how we ride our Harley’s
The FTR is a better looking bike.
What an excellent and detailed review on this Sportster S, well freaking done. I'm picking up my S on Monday and having all this detailed information really makes my day and answers questions I didn't know I had. I'm keep this video handy to refer to as I get more and more familiar with my new S. I can't thank you enough, I am, a loyal subscriber and I so look forward to going back and watching your past videos. I don't know if you have them but I'm going to be looking for help and suggestions on modifications, I'd like to removed the rear tail light and find a strobe like stop light to attached under the tail fin, change to mid controls, a different seat, possible alarm system professionally installed, passenger backrest, aftermarket exhaust, different mirrors, install the heated grip components, smoked windshield and more, sounds like over $6000 with labor costs but a labor of love. I feel like a kid at Christmas, thanks again for the most excellent review. By the way, I'm 70, I'm in good shape and I can still sprint and climb mountains, he who dies in the end with the most toys, wins!! Peace!!
I can’t wait to get one next year I love the look of this bike so much!
So glad to see your review! How was the heat of both the engine and pipe?
Years ago I had a 100 year anniversary Road King CVO, so the proper 103 screaming eagle motor - 102 kw with 198nm on rear wheel in near standard guise (tuning chip, airflow management, tuned exhaust with rev limiter reset) - This was the rocket of the V-Twin Harley with the sound to match - incredible acceleration, with the occasional front wheel pop and good for abt 220 kmph. I have never had a more satisfying bike, I could tour as far as I wanted in relative comfort (suspension was firmed up over standard) and teach lessons when the need often arose. Cornering was a bit of a wrestling match but satisfying when lighting up the foot boards/exhaust while hanging your ass off the side. I wonder how this new generation would stack up performance wise given that it's a lot lighter?
Great and honest review! It seems like you don't like the bike! I saw this bike in person and it looks better in person than it does from photos and videos. I do not like the look of the exhausts. I have put this bike on my list to check out but not sure if I want to go in this direction or not. How does it compare to the Indian 1200 to you? Which do you prefer? Thanks
I like the look of that. I like the direction Harley are going with the new styles on offer, should appeal to more people. Great vid Rob.👌🏼👍🏼
Great review video. I enjoyed it immensely.
Nice review. Despite the chunky front and stock forward controls, the riding position and relative lack of comfort takes this much closer to a sporty naked than a cruiser like the Indian Scout or Triumph Bobber IMO. I like that H-D have set this bike apart from your typical offering in the former category but I'd much rather seem them innovate in what they do best - the true cruiser. Maybe with a new middleweight line that builds on the modern aesthetic shared by the M8 Fat Bob, Livewire and this bike.
This is going to sound dumb, but I have a vision for their next new model. They can only innovate so much with the V-Twin engine. Eventually they need to make at least one other type of engine. Enter the 1932 Henderson inline 4 cylinder motorcycle with an overdrive transmission. It's the best motorcycle ever created. Jay Leno owns 2 of them, and he says they are glass smooth and have 53 horsepower! The engine on the old Henderson's was mounted lengthwise (longitudinally) so it gives the bike a long, sleek look. Like the Rocket III by Triumph. So they need to build the Rocket III, but do it with a 4 cylinder engine, not a triple. They can stagger the cylinders, by "siamesing" the bores (VW W6), so the block is very compact, then they can make the engine have a super long stroke, to keep the engine much more short. Then they can put an overdrive gear on it, so it gets 95 mpg. (There is an unspoken rule where motorcycle companies aren't allowed to give people proper overdrive gear). Imagine a glassy smooth inline 4 tractor engine with super tall gears, how relaxing that would be to ride long distances.
I seriously had to get back to work....and then this popped up!!! Thanks Mate
Excellent review! I hope this bike is a big success for Harley-Davidson.
4:00. I absolutely love that this review emphasizes how great the engine is, having less horsepower. There is a horsepower war happening right now, and every year, horsepower seems to be going up by 10% on every model of every bike. The horsepower war is great, but not if the engines aren't fun to ride at low speeds, and in city traffic. I'm glad to see reviews like this one, that understand how important low speed torque is. There's a reason that a Hayabusa is more fun to ride than most sportbikes, it has a much longer stroke, and more low RPM torque than most bikes. I'm so glad that Harley did the right thing here, and focused on the low RPM torque, instead of maximum dyno performance.
This. You shouldn't need to constantly wring a bike out.
The old Evo bikes lacked any kind of high-end power, but the reason people loved riding them was the throttle response and low end. They're a blast light to light, around town, and on low speed twisty roads, the same kind of environment where most rockets are miserable. I'm glad that Harley recognized the lack of RPMs and power being an issue on the Evo, but it's good that they didn't focus on the peak number and were mindful of the torque curve.
Depends completely what you're looking for. I definitely don't find it a good idea to commute and ride 'regular' miles on a bike, since even in our incredibly safe country it's just so dangerous. I use my 2-wheel riding as efficiently as possible for enjoyment so I want to feel every second of it, be excited by the racy engine. I ride for fun, and I want maximum fun. That means I want a totally psycho bike with an incredibly aggressive Italian triple absolutely just wanting to go fast, and even at slow speeds just wanting to go! And I'm transitioning to maybe even track-only riding eventually...
What you say is absolutely true and a very good point...but only for some riders. It's great to have the choice. And yes, people certainly can and do enjoy commute riding too, basically any riding is always fun. I just have to pick and choose for the reasons I stated.
The sportster s is tuned down from the power of the pan am. Same motor just tuned down from 150 to 120. Gotta throw some pipes, and a tune on there and she'll make well over 150hp. I rode one, tbr pipe, crazy tune, and mid control kit, had to be making over 160 or around that. Front end goes straight up, I hit 137mph in 5th, I backed off because I was on a back road
Great review Bob what brand is the black jacket you are wearing??
Really really like this presentation, very easy on the brain, concise and to the point, just the bike was the problem cos just fail to appreciate the philosophy!
Looks like modern version of the Fat Bob
Man i just rode this bike today and it’s actually comfortable. My only complaint were the exhaust is on your leg and the bike is too fast for the seat 😂
Test rode this bike myself, and it’s very impressive for a Harley. Love that motor. But it’s still not what I’m looking for. Praying we still get the Bronx or something like it from Harley🙏
The Bronx will happen….I can almost promise….it wasn’t cancelled, just set back to bring out a new sportster since the old one was not able to meet emission requirements anymore.
@@jonnycando I hope you right but it is Harley Davidson and they do dumb stuff sometimes. Ask Eric Buell.
At 71 yo. I am done with all huge cruisers and just sold my two huge Indians. This S interest me but like the other. Reply I would much rather a Bronx type streetbike
This should have a mud guard little longer from the rear side
single front disc?
I like your new “rating chart” Bob 🏍😉👍!
Good to know! Thanks for the feedback :)
Agreed. A better feel than marks out of 5 or 10, which tends to be the norm.
Is the tank for the Sportster s metal like the nightster 975
A very 'kind' review, Rob. Not sure who this bike is aimed at though, particularly in the UK. Can't make its mind up what it wants to be. For the same money I think the FTR wins.
I'm not sure. Is it aimed at the FTR or the Scout? I think the bike itself seems more like the Scout to me even though the styling is closer to the FTR.
His reviews are always kind
It's definitely aimed towards the Scout. There is another Sportster model being developed that will compete with the FTR1200. There is going to be a load of new Sportster models to come down the pipeline, and they will vary drastically in their offerings from brakes, motor, suspension, but all of them will be much lighter than the current air cooled Sportster.
HD did mistake when thye cancelled Bronx. That bike would be much loved by bikers more than this. Hope HD will revive it soon.
Definitely getting this bike.
I think that is a very fair review of this Harley Bob. 👍
I think there was something wrong with the handlebars on the one I rode 3 weeks ago. The two most important hand controls (indicators and horn) you couldn't see or find them when on the bike. I had to stop the bike to try and find them before continuing. They were tucked right up under the left control body which houses all those computer controls, which personally I wouldn't use. I also had to take my left hand off the bars to operated the indicators which made riding very difficult when having to clutch in/out for slow speed riding or manoeuvring. I told the dealer but they didn't seem interested in making any adjustments, which annoyed me a little as I am an engineer and a designer. Personally, if it had a Yamaha, Suzuki or Honda badge on the bike you wouldn't have known it as the engine was so similar to modern Japanese engines than any previous Harley motor I have encountered. BTW I also own 2 Harley Davidsons. I guess emissions and regulations are making all vehicles much the same these days. I was pretty disappointed with the handling and the ride. I hit a small pothole and it nearly launched me off the bike, perhaps a little more than 2" of rear travel might help, plus there is very little in the way of comfort from the very thin seat padding. From all the marketing about it being similar to a sports bike, well I thought that funny, as the bike requires a good deal of counter steer for any type of corner. In fact the handling reminded me of the original Breakout and Fatboy. For me, there is too much tech on this bike that is really only good for the cafe run. The tech can distract you from concentrating on the riding. Anyway, two days after riding the Sportster S, I was at my local Triumph garage putting a deposit down on a new Speedmaster...
I've not rode one, or am in any rush to ride one, but looking at it and the reviews, I thought I'd find it exactly as you've described it.
Thankyou for saving some of us from an unnecessary unpleasant experience, hope you enjoy your new bike!
Unless you already have the Harley tattoos, I think that you would be much better off with the Yamaha MT 10. The sportster s cannot really be considered a cruiser, in fact the sportster family never was thought of as a cruiser but more of a hot rod. You are very kind in this review as most reviews of this bike have been. People tend To say good things about this bike along with a disclaimer, for A Harley. I find it fascinating that you cut the bike a lot of slack for its miserable suspension by saying that people don’t really want to ride a bike like this very far. If I’m going to spend over $16,000 or so on a motorcycle I’d really like to ride it quite a bit, not just park in front of a tavern and look at it. One last thing, that speedometer, data screen should be about three times bigger so that you can actually utilize all the information that seems to be available. That little screen reminds me of looking at my Apple Watch.
It can bring passanger ?
The only two negatives for me can be fixed but why should I have to? A front tire that’d be at home on a swamp buggy and forward mounted cruiser controls on a bike meant to be at least somewhat sporty.
Great review, just surprised they said it was initially setup for comfort when it has about 1/3 of the suspension travel of an S1000RR (in another review they even said rear had only 1.5" of travel!)...hard to imagine that providing any comfort how ever you set it, combined with the foot forward controls, a perfect recipe to use your back as a stress member. Why even bother putting a shock? :P Looks good for a Harley (a round headlight and it would have looked REALLY good), but I suspect most owners won't be riding this more than 50km at a time (at least I hope for them). Maybe they have only perfect roads around the factory?
How much CC does sportster s 2021 have?
Since u did this review, can u also review the forty eight which is very very similar 1200 but that old engine or the 1200custom
I’m very excited about it
wont the exhaust burn your leg
Why do you have a beeline? The bike has a Satnav
I was surprised it was smaller in person. I really love it. Bang on, especially with a tail tidy to clean up back end.
I almost feel like you're joking? No offense, I don't mean this to come across rudely in any way. But I really think the tail tidy kit has been done to death at this point, and it's time to stop with that whole trend. Ruining a perfectly nice factory motorcycle, just to try to copy everyone else, is no longer a "cool" modification. It has become the standard, go to modification. Is there some underlying insecurity where a man is terrified of having a license plate on his bike? Affixing a license plate with bailing wire, and hacking the rear tail section together with some wood screws, is really not a "tidy" look. - End rant.
@@Ritalie I just think the tail piece from the factory is is ugly, but that’s just my opinion. I think it was not what the designer wanted, but required by legislation. I won’t judge you if you like as is. See you on the road👍
@@brianrudy3294 I think the factory rear end looks like it's set up for towing trailers 🤦.... Just needs a towball attached 😂
Whats that on your right side of handle bar? Compas, or? Pls link or name looks damn nice.
Beeline Moto! th-cam.com/video/y0Q6__4K7LM/w-d-xo.html
Never owned a Harley cuz of weight and low power. I am interested in this bike. Previous Sportster was almost $12,000 with alarm, paint, and abs. This new bike is a bargain and is better in every way. More horsepower, engine part of frame, light weight, RDRS standard vs optional on touring.
It's funny. But I've always wanted one of the old "slow" lumbering, air cooled Harley motors. Because the sound of the shared crank pin airplane engine design is the best part about them. The way they idle is so soothing and relaxing. The new high performance 1250 engine is better in every way, but it doesn't have that relaxing sound. If I'm going to get a high performance engine, I'd rather stick with a glassy smooth 4 cylinder. I am praying that Harley builds a 4 cylinder at some point, and does it their own unique way.
Would be nice if they make a 48 ver with spoke wheels n some fancy graphics
Are the copper-colored parts plastic?
I checked one out in person......felt good but when I noticed the price they added a markup.
This is a really fair review. I think you are bob on.
Thank YOU very much 😊
Mr.Buell should come back to HD.
He's not scared, he builds a rational and unique bike.
The new rating feature is awesome in your video, please continue it.
Stealth mode is completely off with that bronze/ copper engine😄
Thanks - glad you like it. Think it makes the review a bit easier to digest.
Yep, that new rating feature is spot on!
I think it looks fantastic. All the stuff I like about how the Fatbob looks but in a lighter, leaner bike. I'm just worried about how my 6'2" frame would fit on it.
It's definitely a smaller bike than the FB. I've got a head to head already filmed on the day, just need to edit :)
@@motobob looking forward to that one mate.
6’5 here with a 36” inseam, I fit fine. I definitely look big on it. But I ride sport nakeds so I’m used to it
I came for the Sportster S review but the Pan Am stats really surprised me. 150bhp and what was it, 127Nm of torque? That's pretty tasty!!!
I wonder if they will put the same engine tech into their old (crap) street line and the iron 883 since they are discontinued due to emission regulations
Damn this review is so good 👍
Gutted. You beat me to it. I’m out on one tomorrow. 😭
whats going on with turn by turn nav? you say it has it but i see that you were using beeline nav
I've tried it on the Pan America and it's decent. But I'm very pushed for time when it comes to shooting reviews, so I find that it's always quickest to just use Beeline as it's got my routes saved and I don't need to pair with a new bike or update any apps etc.
@@motobob I have a PA. The turn by turn nav is garbage. Its linked to your phone, lozes connection half the time. And if u dare to stop for gas or coffee it forgets that u were on a set route and have to start at the beginning. Its only passable for A to B navigation and thats being generous.
I sat on one and the handlebars felt really wrong to me. Needs a higher bar
Hi bro pls what’s the of name of your sunglass.
Not my type of Harley but the quality looks extremely nice.
Its not a sportster, or a harley sportster, i been riding sportsters for a decade. What I will say the look is aggressive, the torque is amazing the suspension and features are awesome, but its not why i love my Nightster, its the vibration, the noise, smell, simple design that made me love the sportster. That bike is sexy tho, wish it was louder.
Every rider looks HUGE on this bike. Harley should have made the seat “deeper” so you don’t look like you’re riding a kid’s bike. How was this overlooked? Big miss by the design team. Great review!
I love the look of it.
I would've really loved it to be an XR1200R essentially with more front and rear travel. I want the 1250 motor, but in something I can hooligan on yet ride comfortably all day.
Pan America…? 😅
@@motobob a street oriented pan america would be nice. I don't care to off-road and I manage fire roads fine on pure street tires.
A naked scrambler
They'll have other bikes for candy-asses later on... 😁
Looks cool
Test rode one of these 2 months ago and really liked it, but just couldn’t get over that rock hard stock seat :/
Mine has 300 miles and check engine light just came on. Had a case of limp mode throttle..SMH
Beautiful looking bike and really different from HD, however 51mm of rear travel on our UK roads😭, my coccyx is wincing just thinking about that😂
The bike looks great ........but what's with the seat. There's hardly any padding. Hopefully it's more comfortable than it looks.
Unfortunately real shocks are expensive and the first thing you must replace on a Harley.
It's okay I guess but against the FTR & Diavel? Not a chance.
Aftermarket is HUGE for Harley..nobody has one that is bone stock..changing the pipe and the seat and this bike looks so much better..still runs 10sec 1/4mile..
Can't find anyone else that has ridden and talked about the sportster s and the triumph bobber. So between the 2, which 1 would u choose motobob? And why?
They're pretty different - the bobber is more easy going, torquey, and low tech. The Sportster is a bit more top-end-revvy, loads more gadgets. Go for the Sportster if you're after thrills, the Bobber perhaps for a bit more refinement and cruising
@@motobob thanks alot man! Keep up the great work on the videos! Love your content.
Good review, it sure has a lot to offer, power and tech, but not in the looks. I'm sorry but they really hit it with the ugly stick, my god , whats with the jerry cans out front of the engine? and forward controls ? on a 'sportster' ? my two cents worth. thanks.
Looks good in the flesh in my opinion! But it’s subjective. And yes, mids would be my choice but a shame to have to pay £700 for the pleasure
Looks very interesting. The engine is powerful enough. But the passenger seat, the exaust, rear travel and the little tank are unacceptable. A trivial windscreen is very expensive! The Sportster was ever a little bit strange, the new is it too.
I ride a Hayabusa as my sport touring, ADV bike. I take it on long drives up and over the mountain roads. I have a rear bag, and front tank bag. The Hayabusa has the worst wind protection of any bike. The wind protection is so bad that the bike actually amplifies the wind blast, unless you are entirely tucked. I have to wear the thickest ear plugs they make just to be able to ride anywhere. At this point, I'm about to ready to buy a Goldwing or FJR1300, just to get a real windshield.
I hate the mufflers. I would prefer mid or semi-rear controls for the handling. You can;t ride it when it is wet out. There is no rear fender and the water and mud off the rear wheel would drench your back. The Breakout does that too and it even has a short bobbed fender.
I have seen this bike in person. Never ridden it but it looks like a dragster kind of bike
looks good but I would like to see a 60's cafe style full fairing with saddlebags & larger gas tank.
Bro you are awesome ❤ love from 🇮🇳
that's a beautiful machine
I wonder if Harley will ever come out with a bike with an even bigger revolution motor in it?
I want one.
Incredible 🙂
SPORTSTER S DESIGN 😍
Great looking bike apart from that much needed second front break disc
This appears to be a really cool bike, I've seen one in person but didn't test ride it. I however think that Harley needs more bikes like this. They should have kept the old Sportster especially since the retro bikes are all the rage now And the older bike was way more affordable somebody want to get into the Harley brand. But also cut a lot of their bikes from their lineup that are essentially the same bike. So far Harley is doing a good job in my opinion.
What is the milega???
7kmph
i want to hear it cammed with an exhaust..
I like this one 👍
Needs a standard type frame....where I live. Interstate 75 or 30 miles of twisties. Missed my interest....need comfort at 70,mph 6 Hours to Daytona.
If they make a new version of the night rod or v rod I'd buy one in a heart beat.
So, I Will just buy another night rod.
Would u buy one?
Can we start calling this engine the halo-head? Those heads look like master chief helmets.
Is this a 48?????????
That EU exhaust though... No. It doesn't sound like a Harley should!
I like it - and I'm not really a HD type of person 👀
Love it, but yeah, that canon exhaust has to go!!!
Nobody say v rod
Thanks for a nice, easy to watch video. You really had your work cut out trying to avoid dwelling on the many shortcomings of this bike.
Allow me to say the things that you didn't: "The bike has a terrible lack of suspension travel, and an abysmal fuel range of possibly 150 miles (if you're lucky). The brakes may be adequate, but this bike should have a twin disc setup at the front. This bike continues the modern Harley tradition of only being suitable for riding to the nearest coffee joint. It has obviously been developed by non-riders." Jesus they charge over 600 quid for a set of mid mount foot controls and (gulp) over 400 quid for a windscreen!!!
As another commenter has pointed out, it is a shame that the Bronx was cancelled. Putting the 1250 engine into this bike is the waste of a really good engine.
I'm an inline 4 cylinder person. Riding a Hayabusa now, and it's like driving a tractor. The smooth torque of a large inline 4 is a joy to drive, and none of the shaky craziness or coarseness of a V-Twin. I'm waiting for Harley to make an inline, longitudinally mounted 4 cylinder bike. I think they will do it too, because they can only go so far with the V-Twin engines, until they run out of new models... An inline 4 engine would make the best long distance cruiser.
Before Harley only offered ABS as an option, now RDRS
This sort of runt salesman at the Harley dealer laughed at me several years ago when I told them air cooled engines were garbage yeah who's laughing now?
ewww suzuki
So what does this go up against? RNineT, SpeedTwin, Indian? It’s best looking Harley ever.
WTF are those tires dangling around the chassis