Harley Davidson Sportster S
In 1957, the first Harley Davidson Sportster appeared as a lightweight, versatile motorcycle with an urban bias. It turned out very successfully, and Harley still produces direct descendants of this model - still on an air-cooled V-twin. Modern environmental standards, however, are increasingly bringing modern Sportsters closer to the line of extinction due to the Evolution engine, but the new Sportster S with the Revolution Max engine is designed to extend the life of the legendary series.
Engine Harley Davidson Sportster S
The new Harley Davidson Sportster S is equipped with the Revolution Max 1250T engine, which is positioned as a version of the 150-horsepower engine from Pan America with a more basic character. Both engines produce 127.5Nm of thrust, but the 1250T version peaks at 6000rpm, 750rpm lower than the Pan America's 1250rpm. Power peaks at 7,500 rpm and redline at 9,500. The DOHC engine features variable valve timing, a 12:1 compression ratio, four valves per cylinder and hydraulic compensators that eliminate the need for valve clearance adjustments. It is very gratifying that manufacturers are increasingly thinking about the convenience (and cost) of motorcycle maintenance, and now long service intervals are in trend, and now here are hydraulic compensators.
With a curb weight of 227kg, the Sportster S's engine should provide more than enough power for spirited city driving. Power is transmitted to the wheel through a conventional clutch, a six-speed transmission and a belt-driven final drive.
Target audience for the 2021 Sportster S
The 2021 Sportster S marks a turning point for one of the longest-produced models in history, going from side valves to four overhead valves per cylinder. Yes, the new Sportster is quite different from the ones we have become accustomed to over the years. But it is not addressed to those who saw the first Sportsters. Its target audience is young riders, both those already familiar with Harley motorcycles and those who have doubts. And he will fully cope with the task of bringing them into the family.
Frame, wheels and suspension Harley Davidson Sportster S
The Harley Davidson Sportster S is assembled on a steel cage frame, and the Revolution Max is used in it as an element of the chassis power structure , just like in the Pan America. Part of the structure is made of extruded aluminum. At the rear is a tubular steel swingarm with forged axle mounts. At the front there is a 43 inverted fork with a full range of adjustments, the rear monoshock is also fully adjustable and is mounted in a link suspension. The suspension strokes are 9 and 5 centimeters, respectively.
The Sportster S rides on 17-gauge front and 16-gauge rear alloy wheels - alas, sports tires won't fit here, but plump rubber was an element of the early Sportster S design concepts, so Harley ordered an exclusive model from Dunlop - GT503 tires, introduced at the same time with the Sportster S. With the visual effect of thick custom donuts, the Sportster S wheels provide light and responsive handling. Accordingly, Dunlop GT503 tires are currently only available in Sportster S sizes: 160/70R17 for the front wheel and 180/70R16 for the rear. For comparison, the Harley Davidson Fat Bob and Triumph Rocker 3 are equipped with 150/80 tires - so the new Sprat will be the King of Chubby Tires among production motorcycles. Both wheels are equipped with a single disc brake circuit with ABS.
The seat height of the new Harley Davidson Sportster S is 73 cm , and the angles of inclination are 34 degrees in both directions. The Sportster S is equipped with front running boards as standard, but according to the options catalog, mid-mounted running boards are available for it, as well as a set of passenger seat and running boards for the second number.
Harley Davidson Sportster S
Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom: urban hardware
The Harley-Davidson model line includes several different directions. If you do not take into account the Street 750 bike, the most compact models of American motorcycles are the Sportster series bikes.
The Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom is the largest representative in its range. The bike is equipped with a 1,202 cc power unit. It is noteworthy that the volume of the main engine, which is installed on most Harley-Davidson models, is 1,690 cubic centimeters.
In addition, another distinctive feature of this bike is that despite its roots, it is not designed in the classic American style. The XL1200 CA Sportster is not a chopper, but rather a classic machine with an American touch in its design and technical part.
Pictured: Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom
The Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom is powered by an air-cooled V-twin engine. This is a classic layout for Harley bikes, but unlike older models, the transmission does not have a separate crankcase, but has a familiar design for most modern motorcycles: the gearbox and engine have a common crankcase. The XL1200 CA Sportster also has a traditional belt drive final drive.
Of course, many may ask a completely logical question: what exactly distinguishes Harley-Davidson from other representatives of the world of two-wheeled vehicles? Essentially everything. Firstly, this is a kind of iron character that is visible in every bike from this manufacturer. To understand this, just touch the device. Despite the fact that it is made of metal, it is pleasant, lively, “warm and lampy”, which cannot be said about Japanese and European bikes.
Such sensations are achieved due to the fact that the Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom has not lost touch with previous models produced in the mid-20th century, when the industry did not know what plastic was, everything was made to last, without calculating the service life.
Harley-Davidson is not the only one of its kind. Other manufacturers such as Ural and Royal Enfield have a similar approach to motorcycles. But they cannot be compared with each other, since the products of each company are distinguished by their unique flavor and character.
Pictured: Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom
The Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom is no exception. It, like other bikes from this manufacturer, has practically no parts made of “soulless” plastic. As soon as you start the engine, it begins to vibrate in the frame. Moreover, this is not a defect associated with the use of an archaic design, but a tribute to the style and traditions of the brand.
The engineers of the American motorcycle manufacturer are not doing their job in vain. Even the vibration that the engine gives is not forced, but controlled. This is a design solution, characterized by uniformity and nobility, to emphasize the character of the bike, its real essence. In this case, there is absolutely no discomfort or irritation. The skill of the engineers working on the XL1200 CA Sportster is simply amazing. After all, they subtly and accurately managed to select the timbre of the engine, its vibration, so that nothing would irritate, and the biker would receive only pleasant emotions.
In the photo: a laconic and informative instrument panel of the Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom
The motorcycle riding position is almost classic. Of course, different versions of the steering wheel can be used, which can be either a high chopper or a low one, but these are special cases. The Sportster Custom has an upright riding position with a slight forward lean. The footpegs also have a minimal forward reach, which also affects the formation of an optimal fit. The steering wheel has a classic height and width. The saddle is bucket-shaped, quite rigid, but has an excellent shape, which allows the rider not to slip during dynamic maneuvering.
While using the Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom, you will need to get used to several of its design features. Firstly, the housing where the air filter is located gets very hot from the engine while driving, so you will have to periodically move your right foot away from the body of the motorcycle.
Secondly, you need to get used to the running boards. When driving at low speeds, along traffic flow, or when stopping at a traffic light, it is not always convenient to quickly remove your feet from the pegs and place them on the road. The footrests are located where it is most convenient to place your feet on the ground. If they were moved back or forward a little it would be ideal.
In addition, the driver's footrests have a folding design. Therefore, after stopping, it is necessary to constantly monitor them or unfold them by touch so that they get into the working position. It's not very convenient while driving.
Pictured: rear view of the Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom
Taking into account all the comments on the design of the motorcycle, we can draw the following conclusion. Harley-Davidson employs qualified specialists. If they made such constructive decisions, then this was done on purpose. The bottom line is that American bikes come with a large number of different accessories to suit every taste. That is, it will not be difficult for the new owner of the XL1200 CA Sportster Custom to select from the tuning catalog those elements that he wants to install on his bike. Also, if desired, he can engage in customization and individualization of his device.
Urban look of the bike
While on the move, the Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom, unlike motorcycles of the Dyna or Softail series, does not emit any vibrations or extraneous sounds. While driving, the vibration is less than at idle, but it is clearly felt on the handlebars, saddle and footpegs.
These vibrations permeate your entire body, giving you the feeling that you are riding an iron and real bike, and not a mass-produced model made of plastic. With all this, the Sportster Custom is a assembled and modern machine that can be used not only for weekend driving, but also for everyday commuting.
It’s worth noting right away that you shouldn’t expect from this motorcycle the dynamism of a liter sportbike or the maneuverability of a 50 cc scooter. But with all this, the motorcycle does not lag behind its competitors in dense city traffic. Thanks to the short wheelbase, low fork angle, and almost identical wheels front and rear, the bike turned out to be quite obedient and nimble.
The Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom with its entire essence and behavior suggests that it was created for the city. Riding in traffic on this bike is calm and comfortable. The thrust of the lower engine is enough for a shot not only from a standstill, but also when moving, in order to break away from the flow to perform a maneuver. This device is also able to leave traffic lights quite cheerfully. But you still need to be careful when cornering, because with a high angle of inclination of the motorcycle body, the stock footpegs may meet the asphalt too early.
Pictured: Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom
The suspension takes some getting used to. There are no complaints about the front fork at all, since it works flawlessly, is moderately elastic, and completely eliminates longitudinal sway during acceleration and braking. At the same time, it perfectly absorbs any bumps in its path, without creating any discomfort even when overcoming speed bumps.
The rear suspension is significantly inferior to it in its parameters. Sometimes it even seems that it was borrowed from another motorcycle. The shock absorbers are characterized by high rigidity and short stroke. Because of this, it seems that the bike is not fully balanced. The rear suspension is constantly trying to show its temper: it bounces and kicks, so you should carefully choose the road for your trip. Driving with a passenger leads to frequent breakdowns of the rear suspension.
It should also be noted that despite the presence of a passenger seat, the bike is largely designed for one person. The passenger seat is very small, hard, uncomfortable, and also has a noticeable slope towards the rear of the vehicle. Because of this, the passenger will constantly slide backwards.
This is yet another confirmation that the Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom is a single-seater motorcycle for city trips. This bike will appeal not only to fans of the brand, but also to those who are indifferent to choppers, chrome elements, and low-power naturally aspirated air-cooled engines. This is one of the few Harley-Davidsons that is designed for constant use.
The Harley-Davidson XL1200 CA Sportster Custom is not just a classic American bike, it is a device that can become a loyal friend and travel companion, an assistant for every day. Despite its modernity, it is still “warm and lamplike”, the way motorcycles were in the mid-20th century - real, devoid of cheap parts. Any design feature can be changed if desired using tuned parts. A variety of passenger seats and footrests will make the motorcycle more comfortable and easy to use.
Brief technical specifications of the Harley-Davidson XL1200 Sportster Custom
Type : classic
Dry weight, kg: 255
Seat height, mm: 710
Engine : two-cylinder, V-shaped, air-cooled
Working volume, cubic meters cm .: 1 202
Max. torque, Nm at rpm : 96 Nm at 3,650 rpm
Transmission : 5-speed
Final drive : belt
Brakes : disc, with ABS
Technologies and assistants
The Sportster's smart technologies communicate through the round TFT display, which displays speedometer, gear number, odometer, fuel level, temperature, low temperature warning, stand down warning, fall warning, range, tachometer and so on. The display also supports wireless communication with a smartphone, allowing you to control calls, music and display navigation tips in conjunction with the HD application on it. In addition, the motorcycle is equipped with a USB-C socket for charging your smartphone on the go.
The Harley Davidson Sportster S is equipped with three riding modes: Sport, Road and Rain , as well as the ability to create custom modes by setting your own combination of traction character, engine braking level, as well as the intervention of tilt ABS and tilt traction control.
