Saw my first new Sportster S

[GoldOxide_imp]

I wonder if the new Nightster is HD's response to bikes like the Honda Rebel 1100?

Marketed for a wider rider spectrum?

 

[the Ferret]

Some of the responses in the early part of this thread related to the exhaust made me laugh out loud.

The people that will buy this bike don't care about class leading this or that...if they did they certainly wouldn't be shopping Harleys...Same goes for a lot of other items we purchase...The Ford F150 is the #1 selling vehicle in the US... don't think it's the class leader in anything that I know of. Certainly not the fastest, or the best braking...but, for some reason they seem to be very popular.

I can't quantify the intangibles that attract people to Harleys. However, the name and brand still have cachet it seems (in spite of the performance, design and technological limitations of its offerings) whether some in the motorcycling fraternity like it or not.

Harley didn't just throw this Sportster together. You can bet there were numerous focus groups comprised of the demographic that the MoCo is trying to entice to buy this model.

When I look at its ridiculous exhaust appenditure I think back on the Indian FTR when it came to market...first thing I thought was how did that ever make it into the showroom...same goes for this one as well.

I've seen these in the flesh at the local dealership and the salesman there keeps offering me a test ride every time I walk in. He knows I have an XR1200 and for some reason thinks I'm predisposed to purchasing this model because of that. I'm not interested in the bike so I haven't taken him up on it...I will say they're selling them...again, in spite of apparently not leading their class in anything. Think they've moved three so far that I know of and there have probably been more.

Couple of things that haven't been discussed by us so far is the overall size of the bike and that front tire. Tiny is almost an appropriate description. The bikes physical presence is very small...and low. You have to see one in person to put that into perspective. Most guys at 6 feet or over and in the 200+ pound range will look like circus monkeys on this machine. Then there's that front tire. It's a 160 I think and very chunky. My buddy made a good observation as we looked over the last one the dealer had in the shop "when that center flattens out I wonder how it will affect handling". I to am interested in that. Maybe a 48 rider can chime in.

I want them to sell like hot cakes. Here's hoping the current gas prices push a lot of folks to consider purchasing a bike as a cost-effective alternative mode of transportation to a car or truck.

The XR 1200 was a very good looking motorcycle and probably would have been a bigger seller with less weight and more power. I considered one before test riding one and just found it kind of ponderous on the road. In other words it was just a normal Sportster of which I had already owned two, dressed up in Flat Track clothes.

I would still take up the offer of a test ride on one of these if given the opportunity, even though I am not interested in buying one just because I like experiencing different bikes. I've also test ridden an Indian Scout with no intention of buying one. And a Yamaha Niken 3 wheeler which I found amazingly normal to ride. Same with the Piaggio MP3 3 wheeled scooter I test rode. I may not like trying different foods, but I love experiencing different motorcycles. I'm really looking forward to riding the new Moto Guzzi Mandello 1000 even though I know in advance from riding other Guzzi's that I'd never own one.

 

[misterprofessionality]

I have to respect this thing because its HDs first real try at making a bike that genuinely performs at or above market competitive standards in its class. How it looks is...whatever. somebodys gonna like it.

Whats important to me is whether or not it succeeds at the first thing i said. Because that price tag is HIGH for a 1200cc naked.

How on earth does this thing attempt to perform at or above the competitive standards in its class, if the class is 1200cc naked?

In terms of performance, this thing isn't in the same universe as the leading 1200cc nakeds... or is this another example of the usual H-D trick of confining the field of play to itself and maybe one other knock-off brand?

Otherwise, come on. Performance-wise, in no way is this thing remotely competitive in its class.

How on earth does this thing attempt to perform at or above the competitive standards in its class, if the class is 1200cc naked?

In terms of performance, this thing isn't in the same universe as the leading 1200cc nakeds... or is this another example of the usual H-D trick of confining the field of play to itself and maybe one other knock-off brand?

Otherwise, come on. Performance-wise, in no way is this thing remotely competitive in its class.
Im with you. Keep in mind the word i used was "try." Much like how my 23lb cat tries to jump up to the kitchen counters. He is in no way competitive with my 11lb tabby, who can leap from the floor to the crown molding, but he does try.

For the past 20 years HD has not even made the attempt, let alone succeeded. Their drive to be better has been so nonexistent that even the attempt is impressive to me. Itprompts me to say. " aw shucks. Look at him go. Keep tryin dude. Youll get there. "

Im sorry if that sentiment was lost in my comment.

 

[the Ferret]

I have to respect this thing because its HDs first real try at making a bike that genuinely performs at or above market competitive standards in its class. How it looks is...whatever. somebodys gonna like it.

Whats important to me is whether or not it succeeds at the first thing i said. Because that price tag is HIGH for a 1200cc naked.

How on earth does this thing attempt to perform at or above the competitive standards in its class, if the class is 1200cc naked?

In terms of performance, this thing isn't in the same universe as the leading 1200cc nakeds... or is this another example of the usual H-D trick of confining the field of play to itself and maybe one other knock-off brand?

Otherwise, come on. Performance-wise, in no way is this thing remotely competitive in its class.

How on earth does this thing attempt to perform at or above the competitive standards in its class, if the class is 1200cc naked?

In terms of performance, this thing isn't in the same universe as the leading 1200cc nakeds... or is this another example of the usual H-D trick of confining the field of play to itself and maybe one other knock-off brand?

Otherwise, come on. Performance-wise, in no way is this thing remotely competitive in its class.
Im with you. Keep in mind the word i used was "try." Much like how my 23lb cat tries to jump up to the kitchen counters. He is in no way competitive with my 11lb tabby, who can leap from the floor to the crown molding, but he does try.

For the past 20 years HD has not even made the attempt, let alone succeeded. Their drive to be better has been so nonexistent that even the attempt is impressive to me. Itprompts me to say. " aw shucks. Look at him go. Keep tryin dude. Youll get there. "

Im sorry if that sentiment was lost in my comment.

How on earth does this thing attempt to perform at or above the competitive standards in its class, if the class is 1200cc naked?

In terms of performance, this thing isn't in the same universe as the leading 1200cc nakeds... or is this another example of the usual H-D trick of confining the field of play to itself and maybe one other knock-off brand?

Otherwise, come on. Performance-wise, in no way is this thing remotely competitive in its class.
Im with you. Keep in mind the word i used was "try." Much like how my 23lb cat tries to jump up to the kitchen counters. He is in no way competitive with my 11lb tabby, who can leap from the floor to the crown molding, but he does try.

For the past 20 years HD has not even made the attempt, let alone succeeded. Their drive to be better has been so nonexistent that even the attempt is impressive to me. Itprompts me to say. " aw shucks. Look at him go. Keep tryin dude. Youll get there. "

Im sorry if that sentiment was lost in my comment.
:rofl:

 

[the Ferret]

Latest scuttlebutt I can find online says April 12th released Sportster will use the liquid cooled 975cc Revolution Max engine originally slated for the Bronx and will have conventional forks, twin shocks, single front disc and may be called the Nightster 975

as reported here, here is the release of the Nightster

Harley-Davidson 975cc 2022 Nightster First Look

amazingly about the same hp and torque as the CB 1100 so it should be a fun ride

liquid cooled counter balanced with modes

Price will rock you though lol

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Great find Ferret.

Head-to-head: 2010 Honda CB1100 vs. state-of-the-art 2022 Harley Davidson Nightster. (~100 cc difference)

Hey, um, that Nightster exhaust pipe in the review looks less annoying.

 

[DaSwami_imp]

Some of the responses in the early part of this thread related to the exhaust made me laugh out loud.

The people that will buy this bike don't care about class leading this or that...if they did they certainly wouldn't be shopping Harleys...Same goes for a lot of other items we purchase...The Ford F150 is the #1 selling vehicle in the US... don't think it's the class leader in anything that I know of. Certainly not the fastest, or the best braking...but, for some reason they seem to be very popular.

I can't quantify the intangibles that attract people to Harleys. However, the name and brand still have cachet it seems (in spite of the performance, design and technological limitations of its offerings) whether some in the motorcycling fraternity like it or not.

Harley didn't just throw this Sportster together. You can bet there were numerous focus groups comprised of the demographic that the MoCo is trying to entice to buy this model.

When I look at its ridiculous exhaust appenditure I think back on the Indian FTR when it came to market...first thing I thought was how did that ever make it into the showroom...same goes for this one as well.

I've seen these in the flesh at the local dealership and the salesman there keeps offering me a test ride every time I walk in. He knows I have an XR1200 and for some reason thinks I'm predisposed to purchasing this model because of that. I'm not interested in the bike so I haven't taken him up on it...I will say they're selling them...again, in spite of apparently not leading their class in anything. Think they've moved three so far that I know of and there have probably been more.

Couple of things that haven't been discussed by us so far is the overall size of the bike and that front tire. Tiny is almost an appropriate description. The bikes physical presence is very small...and low. You have to see one in person to put that into perspective. Most guys at 6 feet or over and in the 200+ pound range will look like circus monkeys on this machine. Then there's that front tire. It's a 160 I think and very chunky. My buddy made a good observation as we looked over the last one the dealer had in the shop "when that center flattens out I wonder how it will affect handling". I to am interested in that. Maybe a 48 rider can chime in.

I want them to sell like hot cakes. Here's hoping the current gas prices push a lot of folks to consider purchasing a bike as a cost-effective alternative mode of transportation to a car or truck.

The XR 1200 was a very good looking motorcycle and probably would have been a bigger seller with less weight and more power. I considered one before test riding one and just found it kind of ponderous on the road. In other words it was just a normal Sportster of which I had already owned two, dressed up in Flat Track clothes.

I would still take up the offer of a test ride on one of these if given the opportunity, even though I am not interested in buying one just because I like experiencing different bikes. I've also test ridden an Indian Scout with no intention of buying one. And a Yamaha Niken 3 wheeler which I found amazingly normal to ride. Same with the Piaggio MP3 3 wheeled scooter I test rode. I may not like trying different foods, but I love experiencing different motorcycles. I'm really looking forward to riding the new Moto Guzzi Mandello 1000 even though I know in advance from riding other Guzzi's that I'd never own one.

You, sir, are the poster child for why dealers are more and more reluctant to offer test rides these days. Sheesh.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

I think - if not mistaken - Ferret spent a few decades (?) working with motorcycle buyers at a Yamaha dealership?

 

[redbirds_imp]

So much better than that ugly Sporster S but also far too much money compared to similar bikes. Good effort HD.

 

[the Ferret]

Some of the responses in the early part of this thread related to the exhaust made me laugh out loud.

The people that will buy this bike don't care about class leading this or that...if they did they certainly wouldn't be shopping Harleys...Same goes for a lot of other items we purchase...The Ford F150 is the #1 selling vehicle in the US... don't think it's the class leader in anything that I know of. Certainly not the fastest, or the best braking...but, for some reason they seem to be very popular.

I can't quantify the intangibles that attract people to Harleys. However, the name and brand still have cachet it seems (in spite of the performance, design and technological limitations of its offerings) whether some in the motorcycling fraternity like it or not.

Harley didn't just throw this Sportster together. You can bet there were numerous focus groups comprised of the demographic that the MoCo is trying to entice to buy this model.

When I look at its ridiculous exhaust appenditure I think back on the Indian FTR when it came to market...first thing I thought was how did that ever make it into the showroom...same goes for this one as well.

I've seen these in the flesh at the local dealership and the salesman there keeps offering me a test ride every time I walk in. He knows I have an XR1200 and for some reason thinks I'm predisposed to purchasing this model because of that. I'm not interested in the bike so I haven't taken him up on it...I will say they're selling them...again, in spite of apparently not leading their class in anything. Think they've moved three so far that I know of and there have probably been more.

Couple of things that haven't been discussed by us so far is the overall size of the bike and that front tire. Tiny is almost an appropriate description. The bikes physical presence is very small...and low. You have to see one in person to put that into perspective. Most guys at 6 feet or over and in the 200+ pound range will look like circus monkeys on this machine. Then there's that front tire. It's a 160 I think and very chunky. My buddy made a good observation as we looked over the last one the dealer had in the shop "when that center flattens out I wonder how it will affect handling". I to am interested in that. Maybe a 48 rider can chime in.

I want them to sell like hot cakes. Here's hoping the current gas prices push a lot of folks to consider purchasing a bike as a cost-effective alternative mode of transportation to a car or truck.

The XR 1200 was a very good looking motorcycle and probably would have been a bigger seller with less weight and more power. I considered one before test riding one and just found it kind of ponderous on the road. In other words it was just a normal Sportster of which I had already owned two, dressed up in Flat Track clothes.

I would still take up the offer of a test ride on one of these if given the opportunity, even though I am not interested in buying one just because I like experiencing different bikes. I've also test ridden an Indian Scout with no intention of buying one. And a Yamaha Niken 3 wheeler which I found amazingly normal to ride. Same with the Piaggio MP3 3 wheeled scooter I test rode. I may not like trying different foods, but I love experiencing different motorcycles. I'm really looking forward to riding the new Moto Guzzi Mandello 1000 even though I know in advance from riding other Guzzi's that I'd never own one.

You, sir, are the poster child for why dealers are more and more reluctant to offer test rides these days. Sheesh.

You, sir, are the poster child for why dealers are more and more reluctant to offer test rides these days. Sheesh.
I test rode a lot of bikes working in the industry for 19 years.

I test ride a lot of bikes at Dealer Demo Days where the manufacturer invites people to come test ride their bikes. Like Yamaha and Indian. Myself, my brother, my son and my son's FIL will go and stay for the day riding different bikes. I usually don't go in to dealerships and ask for random rides although my local dealer a Honda Yamaha dealer who I have done business with since 1972 would let me ride any bike I want to in his inventory new or used (I have bought 10 new bikes from him). Other dealers here will offer you a test ride if they see you looking at something. My brother and I stopped at a local Moto Guzzi shop. I was staring at a Griso and he an Eldorado. The dealer offered us test rides and we accepted. If I stop in there and he offers me a ride on a Mandello 1000 I'm riding it.

I test ride a lot of different bikes that belong to friends and acquaintances... my nephews KTM 690 and V7 Guzzi, and Piaggio 500 scooter, Offroad's BMW 1600. Ole's CTX 1300. My family doctor, a riding buddy, recently picked up a V85TT MG and has offered me a ride next time we get together, and I will accept his offer. My other nephew just picked up a Husky Vitpilen 701. Next time I see him which I think will be in September, I'm guessing he will ask me to take it for a test ride and I will.

I won't ride over to HD and ASK to test ride one, but if I stop in at the local Harley Dealer and he OFFERS me a ride on the Sportster S or the new 975 Nightster I won't turn him down. I have no intention of buying one... but you never know?

Dealers aren't afraid to let older gentlemen of obvious experience and means who ride into their dealerships test ride bikes around here. They are afraid to let sketchy looking young people out on high powered bikes who drive into the dealership without gear and ask to test ride the latest sport bikes.

 

[Frulk_imp]

Much like HD’s recently discontinued 750cc bikes I’ll walk right past this one without taking another look. Single disc up front. Faux gas tank with a shape that to my eye misses the mark. Pricing well above its near peers and even more capable offerings. If my daughter finally decides to sell her Iron 883 I’ll probably pick it up making sure she gets a decent price. I’ve always liked what she did with hers. If that ownership swap was to take place it would become my post retirement project bike. Sell the XR1200. Retire the MG V7R as a basement static display. Continue to ride the CB1100 around town and make the aging Road King the dedicated long distance tourer. 883 would get a big bore kit. Springer front end. Few other odds and ends.

 

[SportsterDoc]

As the previous owner of 2 Sportsters, there is nothing about that bike iteration that strikes my fancy. Nothing

Harley is supposed to announce a NEW Sportster on April 12

As the previous owner of 2 Sportsters, it makes the VRod look better and better!

 

[1985CB450_imp]

I've had a H-D since 2007 for the 2 up low and slow stuff, 1st a new 2007 FXSTB and then a new 2012 FLHX.

The Night train was my intro into a skinny 21 in front wheel bike and it offered a crash course in rear brake operations. It was a fun in town bike but the forward controls set you up like a parasail at 70 mph making any 100+ mile day a beating. I kept it 5 yrs and at 10,000 miles traded it for the FLHX

The Street Glide has been phenomenal thru the 22,000 miles and 10 yrs I've had it. It is a big heavy bike but with the triple disc Brembos and 130/180 rubber it stops very well. I ditched the rear air suspension for progressive 944's and the bike handles surprisingly well for its heft.

So with that said, I'm not a H-D hater by any means...

I saw my first sportster s a few months ago at the local dealer as i was bouncing thru with my buddy. A few guys were standing around it getting gaga about the supposed hp it makes while I'm looking at this stretched out over styled POS with forward controls and a single disc up front....what the he** were they thinking?

the original sportsters were at least a good entry level bike into the air cooled pushrod vtwin market.....no so much anymore

 

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

I used to have a Sportster 1200 Roadster. When I test rode it, it noted it had a definite hiccup in it's acceleration, but I was able to overlook that. It was beautiful, blue and white, dual discs in the front, and carbureted, with aftermarket pipes. I changed the jetting up one size and it made a huge difference, smoother, quicker, and no more hiccups. I put a clutch assist kit in it, which helped the stiff clutch. The suspension was too stiff and the SoCal freeways were brutal. I was going out to Hesperia a lot then to ride with my BIL, and ended up trading it in on a the Kawi, hoping to get my wife to ride with me. NSL.