Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2026 — Specifications

Harley-Davidson is undertaking performance improvements to its Sportster since 1925. Not mechanically, but dynamically. The suspension has been revised, notably with a 60% increase in rear shock travel. Comfort should also benefit. The seat height is unaffected by this change and remains very accessible at 765 mm.

There have been many chapters on the Sportster. 883 or 1200, Iron, Nightster, R, Custom, 72, from early series K to the true birth with the XL... A saga across the decades since 1957. With the 1250 S, Harley-Davidson is launching a spin-off of a different caliber. New-generation engine, (significant) power, a unique chassis, transcended identity – the Sportster of the future is here.

Whatever the versions, a Sportster was recognizable from afar. But not anymore. While retaining the name, this model seems to belong to a different family. One was compact, the 1250 is slender, muscular, almost steroid-enhanced. Both exude a lot of personality, each in their own way. The latest model shows its bitterness in its own way, with a headlight reminiscent of the Fat Bob, a seat reduced to the viable limit, almost non-existent fenders, a small fuel tank with only 11.8 liters of fuel, and a rebellious riding position. Feet forward, low handlebars, a rear end only 755 mm from the ground: the posture is menacing, and the heels are sure to touch the ground.

As if the motorcycle had a score to settle. With whom? About what? About the past? It can forget that, along with its predecessors. A difference in size distinguishes them; that’s their positioning. The Sportster, especially the 883, was the entry ticket to the Harley world. With the 1250, you’re already in the big leagues. The engine will show that without pity. Its power level has nothing to do with what Sportsters have known. The most powerful of the dynasty, the XR 1200 X, reached 91 horsepower – and that was already significantly more powerful than the other 1200s. Here, the Revolution Max T engine delivers 121 horsepower at 8250 rpm. It is even more powerful than the 1800 cm3 twin M8 engines. Those retain the advantage of a large amount of torque distributed very low in the rev range.

However, the 1250 is not to be dismissed. It delivers 12.7 kg-m at 6000 rpm. A high rev range for a Harley; but quite in line with the standards of a modern twin of this displacement. Some already know this engine. Those who ride the Pan America! It is indeed the same engine, detuned in power and technically revised to strengthen torque and its availability at low and mid-range. Up to 10% would be gained between 3000 and 6000 rpm.

Its internal dimensions are identical, with 105 mm of bore and 72.3 mm of stroke. Yes, I know, a square engine from MoCo is unusual. But the V-Rod had already taken that path. Liquid cooling, injection, 4 valves per cylinder, a high compression ratio of 12:1, dual ACT, variable valve timing (VVT), and a slipper clutch make it an engine worthy of the latest productions. When installed in the Sportster, it changes the shape of the combustion chambers, reduces the diameter of its valves, replaces its pistons, revises its intake and airbox, modifies the profile of the camshafts, and recalibrates the VVT system.

The engine also serves as a stressed member. Consequently, the motorcycle is content with a minimalist frame and weighs less. 228 kilograms on the scale is a light weight for an American machine. The suspension components are also very significant of the new dimension of the Sportster, with an inverted Showa fork fully adjustable and a mono rear shock – tradition has so accustomed us to two combined elements. Also Showa, the shock only offers preload adjustment and suffers from too short a travel. It works with a brand new tubular steel trellis swingarm. Never before has such lightness been seen in the chassis, in the right sense of the term.

There is always a Bad Boy in this machine, with tires the size of ham hocks, a bulging belly, and surprising braking. The front brake disc is wide (320 mm), the caliper engaging with a Brembo pad, its radial mounting, its 4 pistons, and its monoblock construction – but there is only one disc for the front wheel. Astonishing choice, knowing that more than 120 horsepower are pushing 228 kilograms + the rider.

The time has passed (for a long time) when a Harley was content with its legendary melody, its big engine, a simple speedometer, and its Woodstock-era technology. Only the Sportsters still clung to that. The 1250 S sweeps that all away with a flick of the wrist. Just in terms of riding aids, the motorcycle is equipped with an inertial measurement unit, cornering ABS (C-ABS), cornering traction control (C-TCS), a wheelie control, a slip control (C-DSCS), tire pressure monitoring, cruise control, and five Riding Modes - Sport with direct throttle response, C-TCS set to minimum, and increased engine braking; - Road, with less aggressive throttle response, reduced engine power at mid-range, and more intervening aids; - Rain, with heavily calmed power and throttle, limited engine braking, and C-ABS and C-TCS aids set to maximum; - Custom 1 and 2 – The rider can program two personalized Modes, where they will adjust their preferred throttle response, power level, engine braking, ABS, and traction control.

Before the eye, a round block, without a needle, without chrome, without a chimera-like appearance. While its 4-inch TFT color screen is very rich in infotainment. It allows you to monitor the machine's pulse, driving information, parameterize the different Modes and aids; and with the Harley app, to couple the smartphone, pilot the music and telephone calls, enjoy GPS navigation, and a whole range of functionalities for trips and stays. The 1250 Sportster is also nice in connectivity with a USB charger, two power outlets to plug in heating equipment (clothes), and pre-wiring to install heated grips (optional).

The Sportster likes solitude, has shaped itself with the 1250 a new identity, a force from another universe, and equipment that propels it into the 21st century. The price follows the same progression, eliminating it de facto as a choice of "first Harley." The 1250 Sportster S is already a powerful, technological, and almost sporty model. Enough to change many views and preconceived notions about this family of motorcycles.

M.B - Photo constructeur