Sportster S RIDE REVIEW - Harley-Davidson
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- čas přidán 26. 05. 2022
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Paul Van Gaans
Suite 27
1201 Howitt Street
Wendouree, VIC 3355
Australia
Email Contact: bil.channelcontact@gmail.com - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I went from years of riding superbikes to Harleys, and always wished there was something that was the best of both. I've currently got a FatBob as that was as close as I could find. This thing however ticks all the boxes for me, and I'll be picking up my brand new one in the next couple of weeks once the dealership has fitted some Cobra exhausts and small rear lights / plate relocate.
Harley davidson, rider's perception of speed and power is hilarious. That being said, I just bought one of these bikes and I love it.
Compared to other cruiser brands?
Thank you for the fun and informative review. I feel like a kid at Christmas again and I'm picking up my new S this coming Tuesday, I'm 70 and I can still sprint and I'm ready to pull back the throttle and fly!! You answered my questions and ones I didn't know I had, great job, new subscriber, looking forward to your videos, take care, peace. I will be changing to mid controls, removing the tail light for a strobe light under the tail section, compact windshield, Sundowner seat and pillion, backrest and hopefully find a replacement for the exhaust to open up the breathing and increase horsepower, possibly different mirrors and getting the guts installed for the heated hand grips, with the cost of these items and labor I foresee it costing over $6000, oh well, it's only money! 😊
Amazing video!!!! I am really blown away with the amount of thought and context you put into it. I really appreciated the concept work and the how I fit the bike segment is really helpful for potential buyers. Keep doing what you do
Thank you!
That exhaust really make the bike looks a lot better 👍
Very nice ride. I recently fallen for a Triumph Bonneville T120 and I’m enjoying every minute on this relaxed motorcycle ✌️✌️
T120... Very nice Brito!
Thank you for the review. I love what you did also. I am buying it. Hopefully, they can also do the modifications when I buy it out the door. Thank you again. I'm in the U.S 🇺🇲
Oh my God, those flat tracker pictures......... I'm absolutely speechless. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
great review, the bike does look better the more and more i look at it and the performance looks awesome but the sound just ain't cuttin it for me. If I had one i'd keep it as quiet as I could. I'll be gettin a XR1200 next week, that will be enough for me.
Absolutely perfect review. Like the bike already, but if I was on the fence, this review would be enough to put me over.
I tested out the sporster s on the weekend. It was my first HD ride and wow, what a great bike. Id like to see the seat tilted forward a little since its like a rocket above 5k rpm and I kind of like the slightly stiff rear end. It reminds me of a camaro ss manual I test drove that lost traction a little on the highway in 3rd under full acceleration over a bump on the highway :-)
Great review. Didn’t see until after I picked one up on Father’s Day but agree with you. Awesome bike just hate how far it leans over on the stand.
I love that HD is finally joining the modern world as far as liquid cooled, fuel injected etc powerful engines. The only downside with this engine is the sound definitely doesn't live up to HD standards, or even other modern V twin standards like Ducati. (I know, they technically have L twins)
Thank you Bill, this is the best review video of cars and bikes! 😊
Fantastic sir
Thank you!
Best video I found about Sportster S. Congrats!
Ganet's designs shows it needs a fairing of some sort appearance wise and wind deflection. A tail tidy and mid controls are essential.
Most of my trips these days are short,so the 3 gallon tank wouldn't be too much of a bugbear.
Fantastic well informed video on this bike. Thankyou
One of the best reviews if not the best that I have viewed. Great looking exhaust which clean up the bike for the better. Hope Geeling decides to market it.
Thanks Nino! I will talk to the guys at GHD and see if they can at least sell part of the system. I agree, I haven't found a better looking exhaust system for the Sportster S yet.
@@BikesILike I am like you in terms of Harley’s. Hadn’t found one yet that appealed to me until this came out. Liked your review very much because it came from a different type of rider.
@@ozknoz73129 Thanks Nino 👍
The two wires running along the back swing arm really do my head in. If they ran through the piping they would look a lot neater and improve the overall look.
I test rode this at a HD demo day and your review is spot on. I like the bike and it is powerful but for my riding style I need wind protection and storage. I have a Sport Glide now and I can't see trading for anything in the current HD line up. I'll wait for something like the Low Rider ST or a 975 ADV bike with a RevolutionMax motor. The other bike I really like is the BMW R18 Classic and all around IMO this is a better value and higher quality than anything either HD or Indian offers and I like the liner low down power curve. But then you have to deal with BMW dealer BS.
I like the Sport Glide too Gene. I hope I get to test ride one some day.
I’d love to visit Geelong, I hear it’s quite “boutique” and upscale. In North America, it appears if your town doesn’t cater to the the gentrified, Harley-Davidson dealerships close faster than a Russian Macdonald’s. I do wonder, does the expansion of HD’s lineup come at the cost of its dealership and customer support network? Buying an expensive bike on Monday to find out the dealership isn’t there on Friday doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in the product.
Amazing review great quantity, what a beautiful machine thank you sir
Thank you kindly
Geelong HD seem to be a class act and a great group of guys. Great review!
I believe so. Thanks Alan!
Another great review paul!
I've been talking your page up on the sportster s forums, everyone seems to agree. You definitely know your stuff.
Awesome! Thank you so much!
Those dealer mods are great!
Glad to see this review and glad you liked the bike. I didn't need the review, I own it (I mentioned the 2000 rpm initial warm-up dropping to 1600 and then back to 1200). I actually agree with most of what you said about the bike although I prefer the rider position myself with forwards. Having said that I did just buy a new seat because 3 hours on the stock one is taxing (and always will be with forwards, you can't take up your weight with your legs). I have the screen on order and will get the shorter reach bars next to bring me upright. The great thing is, you can. Sure, it will cost you but how many bikes are on the market because they could not get that slight modification that would make it perfect?
Yep for me the forwards would work if I was sitting upright, fitted mini apes would do that for me. I did find my legs were comfortable in the Sportster S' forward position just not combined with lower bars. 3 hours would be a good effort on the stock seat, which seat and screen did you buy? The customisation options certainly are a big draw for H-D.
I saw a set of rear controls that seemed farther to the rear and also a set of flat bars. I wonder how the ride would be like that?
Just bought mine, I love it
Thanks a lot for this great video. This exhaust is a huge design improvement for the Sportster. But which manufacturer / model is this ???
Thanks Frederic! This exhaust system was custom made for the Sportster S by Geelong Harley Davidson. It really changes the look of the bike. In a good way!
Wow, that's a great review.
That would have taken a lot of work, but it the quality is a step above the rest. I would expect CZcams to promote your videos now.
I know that you mentioned that we get bikes too late to review in Aus, but our roads are different. I think that gives you an advantage.
Thank you!
ez to add peg covers over the clutch and brake; the first thing to go with those end mirrors; are the mirrors; fall over or neighbors next to you with no clue ( 99% of them) I assume it has the std mounting for normal mirrors ? The tft; has to be the smallest of any bike. once youve see the 7" color with all modes/data to be seen.
The exhaust system looks great. Much better than stock
Totally agree
the std license plate; lights are off the rear axle at this dealer.; right in back where it should be on a nice sturdy frame.
Looks fantastic, what a great bike, take care mate.🇬🇧👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks Gaz!
Thanks from France for this review. Regarding your fender eliminator kit, I love it and it would almost be homologated according to the rules here.. I searched without success on the net where to find the meme, is it a Doityourself kit? Or maybe it's just not available in searches in Europe. Sorry if this question has already been asked..
The rear fender eliminator was a custom setup made by the dealer from bits and pieces they had at the workshop.
Those are the best rear turn signal lights have ever seen on the sportster s they are very nice and it keeps up with the modern classic design do you know where you got them from?
I did mention it in the video at 5:05 czcams.com/video/HCpgV0CVkIk/video.html
They're from a 2016 Sportster XL 1200V Seventy Two. That's the model name.
didn’t realize you were near geelong… it would be cool if there was some way you could do something with Danny Hayes the “million dollar bogan”! i love his vlogs, and i also highly respect and appreciate the content you produce
Hi BIL,
Last weekend I went to BikeFest here in Killarney, Ireland. A wonderful event that Harley Davidson heavily London sponsor with a fleet of current models free to Demo ride. It's probably the only time I ever get to properly ride Harleys for up to 45mins at a time. I tried 2 models - the Sport Glide & Nightster. The former was a great ride and comfortable too as you might expect from a large capacity Harley. I was keen also to try the Nightster because it is Harleys new "entry level" Bike. This bike was totally disappointing!! It felt like riding an iron bar after the Sport Glide. I don't understand why Harley won't make this bike well sprung. It's nimble, but the bad suspension leaves you trying to second guess the road round a corner. Like you I ride an NC and really appreciate what Honda can do for the price. Will be trying the Indian Scout soon. I hope that's better....
Love the down to earth channel you do ....👍😊
Hi Goose! Thanks so much for your kind comments and test ride feedback, I find it super useful! I was expecting you to say the ride was superior on the Nightster over the Sport Glide (I haven't ridden either bike) that really surprised me. I need to see if I can test ride the Sport Glide now. I have sat on the bike and found it to be very accommodating to my body size, very interesting. If you didn't like the suspension on the Nightster you might also find the Scout disappointing. Where the Nightster has 3" of rear suspension travel the Scout only has 2". Definitely let me know what you think of the Scout when you get a test ride. Thanks for sharing your experience from Ireland!
Hi BIL,
Yep, I sure will.....I really wanted The Nightster to be a great all round bike, and while I like where Harley are going with these newer models regarding liquid cooling and fuel tank low under the seat, the suspension either wasn't set up right or it needs changing. Other than that though the bike handles really well with it's centre of gravity low like the NC. They ran the bikes over a good demo route, some rough road, some smooth highway and some town traffic.
Indian in Dublin are waiting on a demo Scout model and I have my name down for a try out when they receive it?
Will let you know what I think then. I would say the Scout will be smoother even with less travel, mainly due to the angle of the rear shocks are installed at.
All the best man 👍😊
The sportster is officially gone. Some were wondering where the VRod went. Now you know. Are these made in USA?
Fantastic review mate! When will HD wake up and make a standard sports bike or the dream cafe racer 🤦🏼
Thank you!
exactly ; you can't reach the handlebars on the sporster; the nightster bars are great; HD can't figure this out !!
15:47 I like that. Probably with straight bars?
That is a really unique indicator set up and I also love the numberplate bracket. I have never seen that before. Could you please post some details?, or provide a contact who can give some further information?.
All the custom work on the bike was performed by Geelong Harley-Davidson in Australia.
ive been riding and owning harleys since the 80s ive had plenty of sportsters and big twins i will say this i was always attracted to the look of the early sportsters and the sound with straight pipes etc i had the chance to test ride the sportster s at first the look turned me off and the sound of course is not the same but i went into this open minded im 5ft 10in and the old sportsters can be uncomfortable unless you set the me up with forward controls etc well the sportster s surprised me it fit like a glove and i felt like i could ride all day.the bike handles beautiful and the speed well ive had stroker sportsters that were very fast in the past but this new sportster will blow you away how fast this bike is .the only real problem im having with this bike is me like alot of harley lovers when i was a kid there was something about the sound of a harley davidson and of course the look its not there anymore with this model but im sure if i had one i would get used to it.this really is an impressive motorcycle if you are beginner though i wouldnt recommend it this bike goes and if your new i could see bad things happening.thanks for the video and review!!
The sounds sucks and the performance is not as good as other power cruisers. So old harleys win and in the sportster s price range I'd rather get a Harley dyna lower rider s
@@everythinggaming7938 XR1200 > 1250 sportser s, it might be slower stock to stock, but it wins everywhere else over these new sportys. If i had a new sporty, id make it as quiet as possible, nothing can be done to salvage the horrid exhaust note on these revo motors, just terrible. They sound like my 300 honda 4 wheeler, maybe not even that good. They are bad ass bikes though, and they just beg for the pan am's engine to be in a XR model, but make em quiet so no one can hear harleys new shame. lol
Can you tell me the name of the company that did the tail light and license plate relocation?
I'll see if I can find out.
Thanks for the great review and how can i buy this exhaust from geelong harley ?
No not at this stage, I don't believe so. They modify the factory system for new Sportster S customers.
@@BikesILike thanks for the update
Please tell me where you got this exhaust? Name? Link? What else have you changed, because I’m doubting between the sportster and the fat Bob and my worry is that the sportster loses its Harley sound, but this sounds good. Hoping for a respond
This was a custom exhaust system fabricated by Geelong Harley Davidson in Australia
@@BikesILike Thanks for answering! Did they give it a name? What did you ask them to make exactly?
What are their contact details so I can get the fact same.. I would be grateful
I didn't understand which exhaust that is. Can you please tell me? I am on the market for one. Thanks.
It's a custom system by Geelong Harley-Davidson.
@@BikesILike okay, thanks for the info.
@@BikesILike great review BTW. I don't know how the seat didn't bother you. I get assaches after half an hour riding 😂
Great review.
Thanks!
great review! thanks!
Thanks for watching!
good vdo and comments; the small gas tank look rediulous.
pannier seat they have is a joke ! sissy bar. i guess 3rd party has more.
This would look great with the 7" color tft like yamaha, triumph, bmw, honda with all the infomation you need !! - IMO
Excellent review
Thanks Ron!
great bike
Hi is this the Ninja 1000SX review waiting room?
There's a spare seat beside me.
What brand is the exhaust would order one for the UK
The exhaust featured on this bike was custom made by Geelong Harley-Davidson
Hi can you tell me the name of the exhaust please.
The exhaust was custom made by the dealer, Geelong Harley Davidson.
I really like the new bike, but not the rear fender section…
i really like this bike🤑👍
Whats the name of that exhaust?
That's a custom exhaust made for this bike by Geelong Harley-Davidson
I think the bike is to small for me I'm 184 cm height but I am in love in thia bike and its driving position 🎉
Really? I'm 185 cm tall and found it to be comfortable for my height.
Lol homie thinks he’s a giant or something
great video
Thanks!
Where I can buy Exhaust?
This was a custom exhaust created by Geelong Harley Davidson.
@@BikesILike Thank you
i want forward controls; sit upright; legs stretched; so need new handlebars that i can reach;! if pegs are belowl your knees are higher than your butt to destroy your back !
Needs twin discs
doesn't look like you are revving it out far enough
I sent you a comment and received a like from you not long after you uploaded but it's gone and there's only a few comments. Something has gone wrong. Anyway just wanted to let you know.
Thanks Stephen. Yeah I misspelled Warren's surname and I tried to fix it using CZcams's editing tools and the video became unwatchable so I deleted that video, fixed the issue and created a new upload. So I'm basically starting again.
@@BikesILike that's a shame because there's only a few comments but as long as you know and there hasn't been any skulduggery. It's a shame it was a bloody good video although there was some kind of technical issue every time you got to 100kmh that blured the speedometer.
@@stephenchigwidden7504 I noticed that! I wonder if it's a feature built into the TFT display. 😁
@@BikesILike I'm sure it is.
no Harley sound
Seat is not bad; wait till you see the passenger seat; YOu need to be Asian small butt !! Sure would add a windshield also. i'm guessing sport mode here is not like honda DCT sport vs; normal. Sounds like the opposite;- where you want to rev up fast quick to change gears (later)
Made in China?
The sound is just noise. Can’t justify buying an hd that sounds that bad
I took this out for a test drive.. thought it was garbage... They told me it's the fastest Harley blah blah blah.. but coming from a sports bike.. this thing crawls.. I was unimpressed. It chugged along.. full throttle.. sounded like shit.. and felt horrible.. Would never buy it.
It's a different riding experience. As someone who's owned both sports bikes and cruisers, I can appreciate the difference. But if you're looking for a pure sport bike experience, yes most definitely buy a sport bike. That makes sense.
@@BikesILike I was just expecting so much more