SO LONG, OLD SPORT

2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S

While this is the biggest overhaul yet to the manufacturer’s classic Sportster range, the $14,999 bike still retains the stumpy, angry personality that made it such an icon. The latest version is about as big a deviation from traditional Sportster thinking as you can get, substituting the long-serving air-and-oil-cooled pushrod V-twin for the new Revolution Max 1250 liquid-cooled motor. The latter is the same power plant that was introduced on the Pan America, but with torque moved further down the rev range and a slight power reduction to better fit the cruiser aesthetic. The 120 hp output is plenty for such a small machine, but its unwelcome heat detracts from the ride experience.

The rear suspension’s range of travel—all of two inches—is another oversight, as larger bumps pose a real threat. And while the Sportster S, with its stiff ride, hustles through twisting roads with relative ease, its limited ground clearance means cornering becomes an additional concern.

It’s easy to see that Harley-Davidson is going after a fresh crowd with this bike, and while this new iteration is a bit rough around the edges, we’re happy to watch the brand branching out and challenging its own status quo—not exactly something Harley is known for.