Harley-Davidson has finally launched the Sportster S in India after unveiling it internationally earlier this year. Having launched the Pan America 1250 with which it also shares its powertrain (albeit in a slightly different tune), it was only a matter of time before Harley-Davidson confirmed the rumors of an India launch. The Sportster S has been launched amidst much fanfare at the India Bike Week 2021, and we sense a rivalry brewing between the Harley-Davidson Sportster S and the Ducati Diavel.
Harley-Davidson Sportster S — First Looks
Having finally seen it in the flesh, we can say that the pictures do justice to the design of the Harley-Davidson Sportster S. We will repeat what we said earlier this year — the Sportster S looks exactly the way a Harley should, but with one wheel in the future. It has that typical Harley-Davidson silhouette, but it also carries a more modern, futuristic appeal, reinforced with the fact that it uses significantly lesser amounts of chrome, and instead opting for darker finishes on many components. The headlamp is an all-LED unit and appears similar to the one on the Fat Boy, while the rear section offers glimpses of the XR750 flat-tracker. At passing glances, the massive front tyre will have you mistake it for Bobber.
Harley-Davidson Sportster S Powertrain and Chassis
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S ditches pushrods entirely, and is now powered by the Pan America’s 1252cc V-twin liquid-cooled engine, but it’s in a slightly different state of tune for more torque in lower rpms. Paired to a six-speed transmission, this engine produces 120.6bhp and 127.4Nm of torque. The engine also acts as a stressed member of the chassis, while the suspension comes from Showa — fully-adjustable 43mm USD forks at the front, and a piggyback reservoir monoshock at the rear. The Harley-Davidson Sportster S receives four-piston Brembo Monobloc calipers radially mounted on a 320mm disc at the front, and a dual-piston caliper mounted on 260mm disc at the rear.
Harley-Davidson Sportster S Features
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S packs a heavy equipment list. There are five riding modes, two of which are customisable. Also on offer is a 4-inch bluetooth-enabled TFT screen display information such as phone calls, low fuel warning, engine temperature, and diagnostic codes. Harley-Davidson also has an app for iOS and Android, which will enable you to use the Navigation feature on your device with multiple display options.
Harley-Davidson Sportster S Prices and Rivals
Prices for the Harley-Davidson Sportster S start from Rs 15.51 lakh, and its closest rival seems to be the Ducati Diavel, which has a marginally high price tag of Rs 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom).