There’s a lot to unpack within the Sportster S brawler . Stab the starter, and you’re not just waking the Revolution Max engine; you’re lighting up a single 4in circular TFT that’s rammed with options. Riding modes, lean‑sensitive rider aids, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity – it’s all tucked behind that round window, like a high-tech porthole.
I’ll admit, I’m not always first in the queue when the latest tech drops. I’m quite happy with a signpost and a vague sense of direction. In fact, for the first few weeks a Beeline mount was still perched on the bars, a stubborn nod to my preferred navigational modus operandi. But adopting Harley’s system comes quickly, even for the mildly tech-resistant.
Download the Harley-Davidson app, pair your phone, and within minutes you’re planning routes, browsing community rides and meet-ups, and sending navigation to the bike via Bluetooth. The route loads onto the TFT cleanly and clearly, leaving your phone tucked safely in your pocket, away from the weather and vibration. Better still, you can run it with the phone locked, saving battery, while the bike’s screen does the work.
On the road it’s accurate and quick to react; miss a turning, it recalculates promptly. The app does optimistically ask if you’d like to share every ride, but I don’t think my early morning commute warrants a global audience.
You can toggle through navigation and menus via the switchgear, but doing so on the move can feel like a finger yoga session. It’s intuitive in layout, but physically a stretch. Even with my XL mitts, reaching certain buttons while maintaining a grip on the bars takes commitment.
The dipped and main beam rocker, perched on top, relies on a precise flick of the index finger before you shuffle your hand to press it properly. Easy enough when you can momentarily loosen your hold; less so when you’re manhandling the bike.
The trigger buttons beneath the switch blocks take time to master, too. Indicators with differing flash functions on the left; push-to-talk and traction control on the right. You’ll only confuse those once, and on a bike with this much shove, traction control is your friend.
Give it time, though, and I find a rhythm. Summer gloves on, miles under my belt, and suddenly I’m breezing through menus, setting up custom modes, and tweaking throttle response and traction control to experiment with what the Sportster S offers. There’s a lot to use – some of it essential, some arguably nice to have – but together it marks a clear shift.
This isn’t just a new Sportster, it’s progress – Harley’s digital coming of age. Even if it begrudgingly drags me up to speed with it.
The Sportster S gives you two fully customisable rider modes on top of the default Rain, Road and Sport modes, letting you tailor and store your preferred settings for the various aids. Once saved, you can flick between them on the move using the ‘Mode’ button on the right-hand switchgear.
Growing up loving all things motorsport and mechanical Adam left school and headed to college to qualify in Motorsport Engineering. This opened lots of doors and opportunities which allowed him to work at some of the greatest racetracks around the UK. Keen to have his own project and experiences, the allure of two wheels came calling. Taking his direct access at 21 he commuted, riding up and down the country on his BMW R1150GS supporting his work. Happy to carry out his own maintenance using his love of mechanics to rack up the mil…