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Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Sportster S specifications and features

Every figure from the manufacturer's sheet, plus what each feature actually does for you.

By , founder and editor

Updated

Prices checked

Specs source: Harley-Davidson

Engine and performance

Power comes from a 1252cc single producing 120.69 bhp and 125 Nm, paired with a 6 Speed. At 228 kg the power-to-weight figure is 529 bhp per tonne, which ranks 2 of 51 in its class here.

The torque and power figures are well balanced, so it neither needs to be revved hard nor feels lazy when you do.

Full specification sheet

Electric

Top speed
194 km/h

Dimensions

Kerb weight
228 kg
Fuel tank
11.8 L
Seat height
765 mm
Ground clearance
90 mm
Wheelbase
1520 mm
Length
2270 mm
Width
843 mm
Height
1089 mm

Tyres

Front tyre
160/70-R17
Rear tyre
180/70-R16

Engine

Engine
1252 cc
Engine type
2 Cylinder, Liquid Cooled, 4 Valves
Power
120.7 bhp
Torque
125 Nm
Claimed mileage
20 kmpl
Cooling
Liquid-cooled
Transmission
6 Speed

Brakes & suspension

Front brake
Disc, 320 mm, 4 piston caliper
Rear brake
Disc, 260 mm, 1 piston caliper
ABS / CBS
Dual Channel ABS
Front suspension
43 mm inverted fork with compression
Rear suspension
Linkage-mounted, piggyback monoshock with compression, rebound and hydraulic spring preload adjustability

Source: Harley-Davidson official specifications. Figures can differ between variants; the table shows the range offered.

Dimensions in practice

The Sportster S weighs 228 kg with fluids, has an 765 mm seat, 90 mm of ground clearance, and rides on a 1520 mm wheelbase. Clearance is on the low side; take tall speed breakers at an angle with a pillion.

The fuel tank holds 11.8 litres, good for about 283 km between fills in real-world riding.

Tyres are 160/70-R17 front and 180/70-R16 rear, tubeless.

Features, and why each matters

Grouped by what they do for you. Underlined items link to a plain-English explainer.

Safety and braking

  • Dual-channel ABS

    Stops both wheels from locking under panic braking. The single biggest safety upgrade on a two-wheeler.

  • Front disc brake

    Sheds heat and works when wet. Worth the small premium over a drum on any commuter.

  • Rear disc brake

    Adds feel and fade resistance at the back; matters more on heavier or faster bikes.

  • Tubeless tyres

    A puncture deflates slowly instead of instantly, and roadside repair takes ten minutes.

  • Traction control

    Cuts power if the rear spins on wet paint or gravel. Rare under ₹2 lakh.

  • Side-stand engine cut-off

    Engine will not run with the stand down, which prevents a common low-speed crash.

  • Hazard lamps

    All four indicators flash; useful in fog and when stopped on a highway shoulder.

Lighting

  • LED headlamp

    Brighter, whiter and lasts the life of the bike. Halogens on rivals look yellow by comparison.

  • LED daytime running lamp

    Makes you visible to cars in daylight, when most two-wheeler collisions happen.

  • LED tail lamp

    Lights up instantly, which gives the vehicle behind a fraction more warning.

Chassis

  • Alloy wheels

    Lighter than spoked wheels and they allow tubeless tyres.

  • USD front forks

    Stiffer than conventional forks, so the front feels planted under hard braking.

  • Rear monoshock

    One central shock instead of twin units; usually better damping on broken roads.

  • Slipper clutch

    Stops the rear wheel hopping on aggressive downshifts. Also makes the lever lighter.

Console and connectivity

  • Colour TFT console

    Readable in direct sun and can show turn-by-turn navigation.

  • Digital console

    Trip meters, real-time mileage and a gear indicator. The analogue dial is disappearing.

  • Bluetooth connectivity

    Call and message alerts on the console so the phone stays in your pocket.

  • Turn-by-turn navigation

    Directions on the console via the phone app. Saves mounting a phone on the bars.

  • Ride modes

    An Eco map for mileage and a Power map for overtakes, switched from the bars.

Convenience

  • USB charging port

    Charges the phone on a long commute. Check whether it is Type-A or Type-C.

  • Engine kill switch

    Switch the engine off from the right bar without reaching for the key.

Equipment against 101 Scout, Nightster and Street Bob

Against 101 Scout, Nightster or Street Bob, it gets usd front forks, rear monoshock, slipper clutch and colour tft console that most rivals skip.

It is offered in 4 colours: Mystic Shift, Brilliant Red, Billiard Gray and Vivid Black. Colour availability varies by variant and dealer stock.

Only the Sportster S has

  • USD front forks
  • Rear monoshock
  • Slipper clutch
  • Colour TFT console

Rivals have, it lacks

  • Nothing significant

Colours

  • Mystic Shift
  • Brilliant Red
  • Billiard Gray
  • Vivid Black

Sportster S specs: questions people ask

What is the engine capacity and power of the Sportster S?
It uses a 1252cc engine producing 120.69 bhp and 125 Nm, with a 6 speed.
Is the Sportster S suitable for short riders?
Yes. Seat height is 765 mm, low for the class, so riders around 5'2" and above can reach the ground comfortably.
Does the Sportster S have ABS?
Yes, dual-channel ABS on at least one variant; check the variant table, as lower trims may get single-channel.
What features does the Sportster S have?
21 items across 5 groups, including dual-channel abs, front disc brake, rear disc brake, tubeless tyres and alloy wheels. Some are variant-specific.

Sportster S from

₹18.05 Lakh