New Harley-Davidson Roadster is the latest model to join the iconic Harley-Davidson Sportster range
THE new Harley-Davidson Roadster is the latest model to join the iconic Harley-Davidson Sportster range of motorcycles.
Shaped by nearly 60 years of heritage and stripped to the essential elements of a pure riding machine, the new Harley-Davidson Roadster motorcycle is at home in urban landscapes and on twisting roads and makes a bold visual statement even when standing still.
‘Since its introduction in 1957, the Harley-Davidson Sportster has proved capable of constant reinvention, and the Roadster writes a new chapter in that story,’ said Harley-Davidson Director of Styling Brad Richards.
‘We’ve watched our customers take the Sportster in so many different directions. The Roadster is a mash-up of styling genres, but the intent was to build a rider’s motorcycle, a Sportster that’s lean and powerful and connects the rider to the road.’
The new Roadster model, which is featured in Harley-Davidson’s current Live Your Legend marketing campaign, joins the Dark Custom lineup with a minimalist design inspired by classic racing motorcycles and current trends in strippeddown, naked custom bikes and a profile reminiscent of racing Sportster motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s.
‘We wanted to give the Roadster some DNA from the high-performance KHR models of the mid-50s, and later Sportsters tuned for the drag strip,’ said Richards.
‘ Those bikes had fenders cut to the struts, the small fuel tank, and were stripped to their bare essentials to achieve a singular performance purpose.’
The Roadster delivers modern performance with a combination of new wheels and tyres mated to premium suspension components and an air-cooled 1200cc V-Twin engine that delivers a strong pulse of midrange torque. The 19-inch front and 18-inch rear Offset-Split 5-Spoke cast aluminum wheels were designed specifically for the Roadster and contribute to its balanced, athletic stance.
‘ The wheels were inspired by classic laced wheels, and are the most intricate cast wheel we’ve ever created,’ said Harley-Davidson Industrial Designer Ben McGinley.
‘ The interlacing spokes shoot outward toward opposite sides of the wheel, creating a dramatic visual effect. These wheels are also very light for their size, which contributes to the Roadster’s handling performance.
‘ The seat’s profile flows into the very short rear fender,’ said McGinley.
‘ The cover features a series of pads inspired by an armored leather jacket, and the rear of the seat is designed as a passenger pillion, to give the Roadster added versatility.’