VOLUME 58 ISSUE 30 JULY 27, 2021 P91
All in the family. You
can almost smell the
fermented stench of
our shooting location
through your screen.
is kicking goals right now.
The Sportster S is the second
machine in the new-generation
lineup this year that utilizes the
Revolution Max 1250T 60° V-twin
that debuted in the Pan America
earlier this year, retuned for
stronger torque delivery in the
lower half of the rev range. Harley
is claiming 121 horsepower at
7500 rpm (down from 150 horse-
power on the Pan America), with
peak torque a thumping 94 foot
pounds at 6000 rpm.
There's been subtle changes to
the motor including smaller intake
and exhaust ports and valves, the
combustion chamber came in
for a work over. This is an en-
gine very un-Harley like. Double
overhead cams, variable valve
timing, 30° crankpin offsets, dual
counter-balancers, throttle bodies
and spark plugs, liquid cooling,
hydraulic self-adjusting lifters,
and the proof is in the ride.
In short, the Sportster S
absolutely hammers. I'll stick my
hand up and admit my previous
Sportster experience is limited,
but I've ridden plenty of Harley
motors in standard form and none
(aside from the immediate rush of
torque the electric LiveWire gives
you) have as much punch as the
Sportster.
