These days, cruiser bikes are evolving in exciting ways. On one side, they’re increasingly packed with technology, enhancing both speed and safety, which is fantastic, but this also results in soaring prices. Conversely, there are traditional cruisers that embody classic design and aesthetic appeal, yet they are rather impractical for longer journeys or accommodating more than one rider.
However, there exists a sweet spot—where a cruiser can combine the stunning visual appeal of a custom motorcycle with the performance characteristics of contemporary standard bikes. Ideally, this would also include practical ownership aspects, such as reliability or affordability, or even a blend of both. With advancements in technology, particularly in powertrains and platform sharing, achieving this balance is quite feasible.
To ensure the accuracy of this article, information was gathered from credible sources, including the official websites of the respective manufacturers.
The Harley-Davidson Sportster S Is The Most Balanced Cruiser Choice In 2025
Price: $15,999
Harley-Davidson has built a solid reputation for producing quality cruisers and touring motorcycles, yet it sometimes clings to tradition a bit too tightly, potentially alienating new riders. This can make entry into the brand less appealing for first-time buyers, with the value proposition of metric cruisers often being more sensible.
Introducing the Sportster S, a fresh take that’s distinctively modern and unlike any Sportster seen before. Its design evokes the flat track racers of the 1970s but delivers modern performance and features that can compete with any metric cruiser in its price range. Plus, it’s an American-made V-Twin, which carries its own weight. For these reasons, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S is the most balanced choice for 2025.
Why We Picked The Harley-Davidson Sportster S
- Metric cruiser-level performance
- Quality features
- Attractive styling inspired by Harley flat track racers
- Classic American-made V-Twin engine
Harley-Davidson Sportster S Engine: New School Meets The Old School
One Of The Most Advanced In The Market Today
The Sportster S’s engine is remarkable—not just for Harley-Davidson, but when stacked against all manufacturers and bike types. It features the Revolution Max engine, sharing a common foundation with the Pan America 1250. Essentially, it features the same block and pistons but emphasizes torque, hence the name Revolution Max 1250 ‘T’. Critical stats like bank angle, bore, stroke, and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves are incorporated. Unlike the Milwaukee Eight series, it utilizes a DOHC setup instead of pushrods.
With a peak performance of 121 horsepower and 93 pound-feet of torque, it stands out among modern cruisers, only rivaled by the age-old Suzuki Boulevard M109R. The six-speed transmission introduces modernity, though Harley could have included a quickshifter. It does, however, come with an assist and slipper clutch, and the low-maintenance final drive utilizes a traditional belt. A six-axis IMU facilitates traction control along with drag-torque slip control featuring cornering functionality for enhanced safety. With a by-wire throttle, there are five ride modes available, including two that can be customized.
Harley-Davidson Sportster S Engine Specs
Engine Configuration | Revolution Max 1250T 60-degree V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder with variable valve timing on all valves, liquid-cooled |
Displacement | 1,252 cc |
Bore x Stroke | 105 x 72.3 mm |
Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 |
Power | 121 HP @ 7,500 RPM |
Torque | 93 LB-FT @ 6,000 RPM |
Fuel System | Electronic sequential port fuel injection |
Transmission | 6-speed manual with assist and slipper clutch |
Final Drive | Belt drive |
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Harley-Davidson Sportster S Chassis: Equally Modern
The Sportster S boasts a chassis that is as contemporary as its engine. The engine itself is a stressed component of the frame, which features a trellis structure enhanced with MIG welding for the tubes. It also incorporates a fully adjustable suspension in line with its performance orientation, while the rear shock employs a linkage-type for optimized performance. The front brake comes equipped with a radially mounted four-piston fixed caliper.
Interestingly, the swingarm mirrors a trellis frame design, composed of welded steel tubes that contribute to weight savings. While a second front disc would enhance braking consistency at higher speeds, the six-axis IMU provides cornering-enhanced ABS and wheel lift mitigation for added safety.
Harley-Davidson Sportster S Chassis Specs And Dimensions
Chassis | Steel trellis frame |
Front Suspension | 43 mm inverted forks, fully adjustable, 3.6 inches travel |
Rear Suspension | Linkage mounted monoshock, fully adjustable, 2 inches travel |
Front Tire And Wheel | 160/70 R17 73V |
Rear Tire And Wheel | 180/70 R16 77V |
Front Brakes | Single 320 mm disc, four-piston radially mounted fixed caliper |
Rear Brakes | 260 mm solid uniform expansion disc with single-piston floating caliper |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 3.1 Gallons |
Curb Weight | 502 LBs (wet) |
Length/Width/Height | 89.4/33.2/42.9 inches |
Wheelbase | 59.8 inches |
Rake | 30 degrees |
Trail | 5.8 inches |
Seat Height | 28.9 inches (laden) |
Ground Clearance | 3.5 inches |
Curb Weight | 502 LBs (wet) |
Harley-Davidson Sportster S Features
Instrument Cluster: TFT
The Sportster S is designed with a single-seater aesthetic, featuring a shortened subframe for a robust appearance. While it is technically possible to accommodate a passenger, optional footrests come at an additional cost ($353.35). The rider benefits from a four-inch circular TFT screen that provides access to the various features outlined above. Paint options like Brilliant Red ($750) and Mystic Shift ($900) are excellent upgrades, especially the latter, which shifts tones with the light. Other enhancements include mid-mounted footpegs ($693.95) for a sportier feel, or touring upgrades like a Sundowner seat ($710.85) and a compact windshield ($459.95).
Harley-Davidson Sportster S Features
- Attractive paint options
- 5-inch circular TFT display
- Full LED lighting
- Six-axis IMU
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Harley-Davidson Sportster S Competition
Not Too Many As Balanced As The Sportster
The Sportster S stands out in its price range, yet there are alternative options for those seeking a balanced cruiser. The Indian 101 Scout offers superior braking performance but has lower power and more weight. Meanwhile, the Honda Rebel 1100 is a solid offering available with an automatic transmission, yet it falls short with under 90 horsepower in performance compared to the Sportster S.
For those seeking performance, the Suzuki Boulevard M109R boasts the largest and most powerful engine below $20,000 and superbike-quality brakes, but has no safety features. Other unconventional choices include the BMW R 12 nineT and the Harley-Davidson Nightster Special, both leaning towards a sportier design.
Harley-Davidson Sportster S Vs Rivals
Model | Harley-Davidson Sportster S | Indian 101 Scout | BMW R 12 nineT | Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S. | Honda Rebel 1100 SE DCT | Harley-Davidson Nightster Special |
Price | $15,999 | $16,999 | $16,595 | $15,599 | $11,099 | $12,499 |
Engine | 1252 cc V-twin | 1,250 cc V-twin | 1,170 cc boxer twin | 1,783 cc V-twin | 1,084 cc parallel twin | 975 cc V-twin |
Power | 121 HP @ 7,500 RPM | 111 HP @ 7,250 RPM | 109 HP @ 7,000 RPM | 123 HP @ 6,200 RPM | 87.1 HP @ 7,250 RPM | 91 HP @ 7,500 RPM |
Torque | 93 LB-FT @ 6,000 RPM | 82 LB-FT @ 6,300 RPM | 85 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM | 118 LB-FT @ 3,200 RPM | 72.2 LB-FT @ 4,750 RPM | 72 LB-FT @ 5,750 RPM |
Final Drive | Belt | Belt | Shaft | Shaft | Chain | Belt |
Curb Weight (Wet) | 502 LBs | 549 LBs | 485 LBs | 764 LBs | 498 LBs | 483 LBs |