Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2025: 60% More Comfort, Really?

The purists have been eagerly waiting, and Harley-Davidson has finally delivered: a Sportster S with a bit more comfort! And by “a bit,” we mean 60% more suspension travel in the rear. It’s safe to say that the American brand has heard the cries of riders tired of getting their backs hammered with every bump. But does this update really change the game?

A Clash of Generations

When Harley released its new generation Sportster S in 2021, it was nothing short of a revolution. Gone was the “rustic but charming” mechanics, replaced by a state-of-the-art liquid-cooled twin, cutting-edge electronics, and a style that’s a cross between a power cruiser and a beefy roadster. The result? A genuine shock for both long-time fans and newcomers to the model. You either loved it or hated it.

One of the major complaints about the bike was its discomfort. With an ultra-stiff suspension and a chassis as rigid as a board, every speed bump could feel like a torture session.

A Suspension That Makes All The Difference (Or Not Quite)

So, Harley listened to the critics and rolled out an update for 2025: a 60% increase in suspension travel for the rear. Good news? Absolutely, as the bike might finally become a bit more “livable” in everyday conditions. Bad news? Don’t expect a magic carpet ride. The ground clearance remains at 90 mm, so if you were hoping to tackle curbs like a supermoto, think again.

On paper, the seat height stays at 765 mm, so those who valued its accessibility shouldn’t worry. However, a bigger suspension travel doesn’t automatically mean the flexibility of a trail bike. It’s all about testing to see if the characteristic rigidity of the ride is truly softened.

An Engine That Remains the Same (And That’s a Good Thing)

As for the engine, Harley-Davidson has pulled off a neat trick: getting it through Euro5+ regulations without compromising performance. We’re keeping the Revolution Max 1250, a twin with 121 hp at 7,500 rpm and 125 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. It’s a true torque monster that launches forward as soon as you twist the throttle. And if you were wondering whether this mechanical powerhouse comes with a price bump… surprise, it doesn’t! The price remains steady at $17,790. A small miracle in these times of overall inflation.