The Harley-Davidson Sportster S is a revolutionary cruiser, here’s why
The Sportster S could very well be H-D’s most revolutionary bike.
Just last week, Harley-Davidson of Manila released the highly anticipated Sportster S in the local market. Having made waves across the US, the Sportster S presents itself as the MoCo’s latest iteration to its legendary range of sport-oriented cruisers. As it would turn out, the value the Sportster S brings to the table is more than just skin deep. Here are a few reasons why we think the Sportster S is Harley’s most revolutionary model yet.
Unparalleled performance
Let’s start things off with what could quite possibly be the Sportster S’ most important feature—its engine. Powering this muscular cruiser is Harley-Davison’s newest, most technologically advanced engine. It takes the form of a 1,248cc V-twin engine called the Revolution Max. We also find this engine in Harley’s newest adventure bike, the Pan America. However, in its Sportster S form, it’s been tuned to favor grunt at the lower reaches of the rev range. As such, it has an impressive 121 horsepower on tap.
To complement the bike’s powerful engine, the Sportster S comes outfitted with tons of tech features. Such as riding modes, ABS, and traction control. All this tech is accessible via a simple and easy to use TFT instrument pod, which keeps things sleek and retro. Other than that, we find chunky Brembo brakes designed to inspire confidence when coming to a stop.
Killer styling
Naturally, we can’t talk about Harley-Davidson and not talk about style. The Sportster S is clearly the evolution of what Harley-Davidson defines as a sporty, road going machine. It’s sleek silhouette is contrasted by a massive, 160 cross-section front wheel which gives the bike a menacing aura. This is further complemented by a cylindrical horizontal LED headlight. Moving to the side of the bike, we find muscular bodywork in the form of a fuel tank and cropped tail section, akin to that of cafe racers or scramblers.
Out back, the Sportster S features a massive rear tire. The bike breathes through a pair of upswept tail pipes which exit on the right side, giving it a hint of flat-tracker-inspired styling. Last but not least, an LED taillight and a pair of LED indicators are integrated beautifully onto the bike’s rear fender, which doubles as the rear tire hugger.
The culmination of years of heritage
Needless to say, the 2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S is the culmination of more than half a century of Harley’s most iconic model range. Befittingly, Harley-Davidson of Manila had a lineup of its most iconic sportsters on display during the official Sportster S launch. Bikes like the 1990 Sportster 1200, and the 2006 Sportster XR 1200 all graced the event, truly showing just how far the Sportster has come ever since it’s debut in 1957.
It goes without saying that the new Harley-Davidson Sportster S is by far the most performance oriented, technologically advanced, and visually stunning Sportster the MoCo has ever released. Starting at just P1,030,000, the new Sportster S is certainly a strong contender among big bike enthusiasts looking for something unique, and loaded with character.
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