Think ‘Harley Sportster’ and an air-cooled V-Twin engine bolted to a classically styled cruiser is the first image that comes to mind. However, the modern Harley Sportster models are anything but. Case in point, this Sportster S. It is powered by the same motor as the Pan America but doesn’t get variable valve timing, which means output figures are relatively lower. However, with 121hp and 125Nm on tap, its output definitely isn’t lacking. And it feels light years faster than the old air-cooled models.
Let me give you some context before we proceed. We had just been informed that the rain was going to get heavier and the Bira Circuit would close in half an hour. I walked up to the handsome ‘Sharkskin Blue’ Sportster S a little apprehensively, as the instructor vehemently insisted that I don’t ride it in any mode other than Rain. Without protest, I decided to heed his advice and feathered the throttle to exit the pit lane.
This track is technical, and its surface is quite old, which means you need all the help you can get, especially in sopping wet weather. Harley avoided electronic rider aids for over a century and only started adding them in recent years. On this day, I was glad to have them. I only got three laps on the bike; in such weather, it was hard to push it. But I’ll share what I felt.
The riding position is unlike most big Harleys, and you’ve got mid-set pegs with an almost upright torso – engaging ergos without being taxing. On the first lap, I was just trying to decipher the track and was as cautious as I could be. Second lap onwards, I opened up the throttle, and even in Rain mode with TC dialled all the way up, the rear tyre would chirrup on occasion!
Only on the last lap did I briefly try out Sport mode, but just two corners later, I switched back to Rain, which has reduced output and a gentler throttle response. The Sportster S is the only one in the range to use powerful twin-radial Brembo monoblock calipers – something I was relieved to have on this 228kg machine when I was barrelling down the front straight at over 180kph.
What I wasn’t as happy about was the fat, 160-section front tyre. For reference, it is the same size as the widest rear tyre you’ll find on any made-in-India motorcycle. It looks good but greatly robs you of agility, and quick direction changes demand effort. It doesn’t really go with the ‘Sportster’ name.
This is a thoroughly modern riding experience, and it comes in an extremely cool-looking package. Harley deserves praise for providing that in the cruiser world. What cannot be discounted, however, is the appeal of the characterful, air-cooled Evo motor. That engine is much simpler and feels ancient in comparison, but purists still swear by it. While the new Sportsters are a different kind of fun, I hope Harley has plans to resurrect the family of smaller-capacity air-cooled V-twin engines. That will also help create a new entry point for Harley’s big-bike portfolio at a lower price because these new Sportsters have become expensive.
Gavin Rodrigues
Rishaad Mody
