5 things you need to know about…

…Harley-davidson’s all-new Sportster S

1 FLIPPIN’ HECK, IT GOES

It’s the same liquid-cooled 1252cc variable-valve V-twin as used in the Pan America but significantly reworked for superior bottom-end and mid-range grunt. Tease the light twistgrip and there’s instant, impressive punch. It’s a world away from the previous pushrod 1200. Yet the S is also smooth, nicely fuelled and calm when required, with a slick gearbox too

2 IT’S BEEN EUROPEANISED

Overly-thick hand controls, separate indicator switches, left-hand drive? No. Most stubbornly-traditional American big-twin features give way to parts with a ‘normal’ feel and action. It means the Sportster S is easy to ride and adjust to for Harley virgins, though at the expense of the character that previous Sportsters had (and other models still have)

3 IT TAKES CORNERS WITH NO BOTHER

H-D says it wanted to put the sport back in Sportster and, as well as a mighty motor, there’s an obedient chassis. The huge front tyre makes its presence felt but you soon acclimatise and there’s enough lean available for the chassis to be flung surprisingly hard. Proper cornering electronics, too. It’s a firm, jiggly ride though, with minimal rear suspension travel

4 LOOKS CAN DECEIVE

It looks stripped and aggressive, yet the S is friendly. Controls are light, mirrors are clear, indicators turn themselves off, tyre-pressure monitoring and cruise are standard, twin balance shafts make it tingle-free, and clever shielding means those high-level pipes stay cool. The riding position is comfy for a tank of fuel, especially with the mid-mount ’peg option and there’s an accessory pillion seat

5 THE FIRST OF MANY

The S is the range-topper in a new Sportster line. The previous 883 and 1200 variants were strong sellers and the model has been the mainstay of the range since 1962. H-D won’t confirm the forthcoming versions but expect lots of variants with all manner of changes — the online launch video for the S shows a glimpse of traditional Sportster pipes and twin shocks