Bike Files: Harley-Davidson Sportster

Harley’s classic iron horse isn’t as basic as it once was, but still the easiest entry into HOG ownership…

Sportster. That’s the cheap Harley, right?

The Sportster has long been the most basic, and inexpensive, model in the Harley-Davidson range. Its appeal has always been its simplicity. The combination of two wheels, a basic air-cooled engine and not much else has always won a legion of fans.

But, as with so many of its ilk, legislation has changed this most basic of motorbikes. New fangled stuff like ABS brakes have been on them for years now, while emissions laws have finally killed off the iconic air-cooled V-twin powerplant. As a result, the Sportster is no longer the super basic, low performance and inexpensive model it once was. Sure, it remains the entry point to the Harley-Davidson range but some aficionados will say it’s a Sportster in name only, being a bit too fancy and tech laden to be a ‘real’ Sportster.

Ooft! So what kind of tech has it got.

Well it’s got a liquid-cooled engine for starters, which is heresy in the eyes of some Harley traditionalists. Where the old Sportsters came with 883 or 1200cc iterations of the vibey old 45-degree pushrod lump, the latest Sportsters gain 975 or 1252cc versions of the 60-degree ‘Revolution Max’ powerplant. In 1250 form it pumps out 120bhp, which is almost double what the old 1200 did. That power hike, alone, is going to completely change the vibe of the motorbike.

Modern tech includes three riding modes, lean sensitive traction control and cruise control. And where the cycle parts on old Sportsters were, let’s say, a bit basic the latest steed features components from top brands: Showa suspension, Dunlop tyres and Brembo brakes (with cornering ABS no less). It’s no evolution, but a total revolution.

But is it any good?

That is the question! Yes, the Sportsters are good. They are very good bikes but the riding experience really has changed, as it had to. Where the Sportster was traditionally a very raw experience, the new one is smoother, more powerful and more sophisticated. It really is better in every measurable way, even if it has less character than the older ones.

And they cost more?

That’s the rub for many. Entry level air-cooled Sportsters retailed for around £8000 before they went off sale in 2022, but the replacement costs over £13k. Most Harley owners like to modify their bikes too, customising them with some of the many accessory parts offered in the Harley-Davidson brochure, so buying into this iconic brand isn’t cheap.

Historically Harleys hold their values well, and there’s a lot of added value to H-D ownership through the numerous events which take place. For many that’s more than enough to justify the initial outlay.

What are the different Harley-Davidson Sportster models?

The Sportster™ S (don’t forget the trademark!) is currently the top model in the three-model ‘Sport’ family, which also includes the entry level Nightster and the mid-range Nightster Special.

The Nightster models feature the smaller capacity 975cc motor, compared to the 1252 of the Sportster S. The Nightster has a proper stripped back bobber look, with the Special adding a few extra bits like a pillion seat, infotainment system and small bikini fairing, while also utilising mid-mounted footpegs.

In addition to its more powerful engine, the Sportster S has different styling with a flat track inspired high level exhaust and rear seat unit, with feet forward ergonomics, fatter tyres and a higher (but still low) saddle.

What are they like to ride?

They’re typical low and long cruisers. With a seat height of 705mm the Nightster is super accessible although, at 765mm, and not too many will have problems with even the Sportster S.

All models are very smooth and torquey and there are plenty of similarities between them. Focusing on the Sportster S, it can be a lot of fun if you accept it’s limitations. The Showa suspension is adjustable and of good quality, but there’s very little suspension travel, especially at the rear, and this can make for a choppy ride over rough surfaces.

As we said, it's long and low. The lazy head angle and big balloon tyres can make low speed steering a bit of a chore, but it’s still reasonably nimble. It’s happiest at posing around town, or on mid speed A roads, where the stable handling and torquey engine are a real pleasure.

Nadgery backroads expose the lack of rear suspension travel and the kicked out chassis geometry, while motorways can be a pain due to a lack of wind protection. Chill out though and you can enjoy pretty much any kind of riding on any kind of Harley.

It's worth noting that, at 228kg, the Harley is reasonably hefty. The single front brake disc does a reasonable job of hauling it up from speed, although its somewhat surprising that a motorcycle of this power, weight and price doesn’t have a twin disc set-up.

In general you’re not likely to be buying a Harley-Davidson Sportster because you are looking for the cutting edge in handling and performance. It’s a bike that’s likely to leave you pleasantly surprised though, and compared to Sportsters of old this really is light years ahead.

Which model should I go for?

They’ve all got their place. As an entry level model, the Nightster does pretty much all you’d want it to do. The Special doesn’t cost much more and adds quite a lot of spec, while the extra performance and more distinctive styling will swing it in favour of the Sportster S for others. Harley culture leans heavily into customisation and, to that end, all three variants offer a platform which allows riders to modify their motorcycles to their hearts’ content.

What alternatives are out there?

The big thing about Harley is that that it is as much about the brand and the lifestyle as it is the product. There are some great alternative cruisers out there, for example the Indian Scout range and Triumph’s Bonneville Bobber. They’re all fine bikes but they ain’t no Harleys!

Why should I buy one?

You kinda know if you want a Harley or not. If you want a Harley, the biggest decision is deciding which is the right one for you. There are a whole host of models, even beyond the Sports range, and don’t ignore the used market. Pre-loved Harleys can be a good buy as they are usually very well looked after and often come fitted with the most popular extras. If you fancy a classic air-cooled Sportster you shouldn’t rule out used a pre-2020 model from an official Harley-Davidson dealership.

But is the latest Sportster a true Harley-Davidson?

Absolutely!