Vulcan Drifter Riders

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Sportster S. (Harley-Davidson/)

Overview

When Harley-Davidson introduced the Sportster S in 2021, it practically took six decades of Sportster heritage and threw it out the window. In place of the familiar 1200 Evo mill, the Sportster S uses the Revolution Max 1250T engine, featuring a 60-degree V angle, liquid-cooling, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, crankpins with a 30-degree offset, and maintenance-free hydraulic lash valve adjusters. Producing a claimed 121 hp at 7,500 rpm and 93 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,000 rpm, the Revolution Max 1250T is a modern performance-oriented engine by most any estimation. Fully adjustable suspension, IMU-managed rider aids, and Brembo brakes take the Sportster experience to whole new heights.

Ultimately, is the Sportster S still a Sportster? Well, it's still a cruiser. A modern cruiser, yes, but with a paltry 2 inches of rear travel and trad-cruiser geometry and ergos, sporting performance in the twisties hits a ceiling dictated by styling. So while the engine wants to rip, and you've got a safety net of zeros and ones in your right hand, you've gotta respect the bike's inherent shortcomings. Nevertheless, the Sportster S shows that Harley-Davidson is willing to break the mold even at the expense of one of its most iconic names. With modern tech and performance, the Sportster S spearheads H-D's performance-oriented vision. We can't wait to see where it leads.

The Revolution Max 1250T engine is super torquey and refined. Maintenance-free hydraulic lash valve adjusters are a huge benefit for owners, lowering maintenance costs over the long term. (Harley-Davidson/)

Pricing and Variants

The 2024 Sportster S starts at $16,999 and goes up based on color choice.

The round TFT dash fits the style of the bike and makes it far easier to navigate menus than a more traditional LCD setup would. (Harley-Davidson/)

Competition

• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-reviews/triumph-rocket-3-storm-r-and-gt-first-ride-review/"><b>Triumph Rocket 3 Storm R</b></a>, $24,995
• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-reviews/ducati-diavel-v4-first-ride-review-2023/"><b>Ducati Diavel V4</b></a>, $26,995

News and Reviews

• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-reviews/2021-harley-davidson-sportster-s-first-ride-review/"><b>The 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster S Is a Symbol of Change</b></a>
• <a href="https://www.cycleworld.com/motorcycle-reviews/harley-davidson-sportster-s-review/"><b>The 2023 Harley-Davidson Sportster S Review</b></a>

2024 Harley-Davidson Sportster S Claimed Specs

MSRP:	$16,999
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-twin w/ variable valve timing; 4 valves/cyl.
Engine:	76.4ci (1,252cc)
Bore x Stroke:	105.0 x 72.3mm
Compression Ratio:	12.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/belt
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 50mm throttle bodies, ride-by-wire
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate assist and slip
Frame:	Steel trellis w/ stamped, cast, and forged junctions, and forged aluminum mid-structure
Front Suspension:	Fully adjustable Showa 43mm inverted fork; 3.6 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Fully adjustable Showa monoshock; 2.0 in. travel
Front Brake:	Radially mounted Brembo Monoblock 4-piston caliper, 320mm disc w/ Cornering ABS
Rear Brake:	Brembo 1-piston floating caliper, 260mm disc w/ Cornering ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum; 17 x 4.5 in. / 16 x 5.0 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series Radials; 160/70R-17 / 180/70R-16
Rake/Trail:	30.0°/5.8 in.
Wheelbase:	59.8 in.
Ground Clearance:	3.5 in.
Seat Height:	30.1 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.1 gal.
Wet Weight:	502 lb.
Contact:	harley-davidson.com

The Billiard Gray color. (Harley-Davidson/)
One could argue ergos are sacrificed on the altar of style. Feet-forward controls and a longish reach to the bars make it difficult to ride with the sporting focus that the engine encourages. (Harley-Davidson/)
The Sportster S in Vivid Black, which adds $300 to the base price. (Harley-Davidson/)