Is the Harley Sportster S the Ultimate Cruiser for Sportbike Riders?

The RevMax Engine: A Sportbike Heart in a Cruiser

• ⚡ The RevMax 1250 engine is the key differentiator, offering power that increases with RPMs, rewarding riders for revving it out, unlike traditional cruisers.
• 🚀 This engine delivers a riding experience more akin to a sportbike, with 120 horsepower and 95 foot-pounds of torque, actively encouraging aggressive riding.
• 🏍️ The throttle response is described as phenomenal, providing a smooth and powerful delivery that doesn't feel 'grunty' but rather eager for more.

Compromises for Sportbike Riders

• ⚠️ Lean angle is a significant limitation, with the Sportster S having much less ground clearance than a sportbike, leading to pegs and bash plates scraping on tighter turns.
• ⚖️ The motorcycle's long wheelbase contributes to reduced agility, making it less nimble in quick direction changes compared to sportbikes or naked motorcycles.
• 💨 Wide tires further impact agility, requiring more energy to initiate leans, making the bike feel less responsive at lower speeds.

Surprising Sporty Elements

• 💡 The digital dash is praised for packing a lot of information into a small, easy-to-understand package, outperforming many mid-tier sportbike dashes.
• 🛠️ Controls are well-executed, and the overall ergonomics can be adjusted for a more sporty feel with modifications like handlebar risers.
• 💨 The exhaust note, especially with an aftermarket system, is described as a deep, powerful sound that complements the bike's aggressive nature, appealing to muscle car enthusiasts.

Comfort and Control

• 🧘 The body position can be tailored for comfort, with options like mid-controls and handlebar risers allowing riders to find a balance between sporty feel and relaxed ergonomics.
• 🦶 The seat height is a significant advantage for sportbike riders, offering a lower center of gravity and the ability to plant both feet flat on the ground, increasing confidence, especially for shorter riders.
• ⚙️ Mid-controls are recommended for a sportier feel, keeping legs closer to a neutral position, while forward controls offer more relaxed cruiser comfort.

The Giveaway and Final Thoughts

• 🎁 The Harley Sportster S featured in the video is part of a bike giveaway, with entry details available on the WBRG garage website.
• 🤔 The reviewer argues that the Sportster S offers a unique blend of cruiser comfort and sportbike performance, making it a compelling option for riders transitioning from sport platforms.