2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S Review

2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S
This Bike Was Built to Send It. With a Revolution Max 1250T motor, premium suspension, and a high-mount exhaust that howls, the 2026 Sportster S trades restraint for raw output. A fat front tire, blacked-out finishes, and TFT display round out a look that punches first, and tech that keeps it planted when you rip it.
ReviewKey FeaturesFeatures & BenefitsSpecifications

2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S

2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S: TIMELESS STYLE.

Introducing the 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S…

The 2026 Sportster S is what happens when you take a legend, strip it to muscle and intent, and tune it to go harder, lean sharper, and keep pulling long after you should have called it a day.

What Came Before, Refined for Now
With 121 HP from the liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250T motor, a wide front tire, 2-1-2 scrambler-style exhaust, and suspension tuned to optimize performance and rider comfort, the 2026 Sportster S reimagines classic styling with sharp, modern intent. Inspired by the iconic Sportster Forty-Eight, it channels Harley-Davidson heritage into a bike built to go harder, handle sharper, and look better doing it.

“I don’t know what I was expecting from the Sportster S, but I’ve never had something keep me excited for my morning commute the way this bike does.”

 

 

 

 

2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

  • 121 HP Horsepower
  • 93 ft-lbs Engine Torque
  • 28.9 in. Seat Height, Laden
  • 502 lb. Weight, In Running Order

 

Revolution Max 1250T Motor
The liquid-cooled 1250T puts out 121 horsepower with torque on tap, ready the moment you roll on.

Performance-Tuned Front Forks
Re-tuned front forks work with the upgraded rear suspension to keep the Sportster S razor-sharp in the corners and steady everywhere else.

Vintage-Inspired Tank Medallion
The tank medallion wears the Sportster’s history proudly, etched into a design tuned for speed, precision, and purpose built into every line.

High-Mount 2-1-2 Exhaust
Inspired by flat-track racers, the high-mount 2-1-2 exhaust tucks in tight for aggressive cornering, and fires off a deep, commanding note built for the paddock, not the parkway.

Round 4” TFT Infotainment
The round 4-inch TFT serves up maps, audio, and bike data in one clean view, ready the second you glance down and gone the second you look back up.

 

HARLEY-DAVIDSON REVEALS SELECT NEW 2026 MOTORCYCLES SHIPPING SOON TO WORLDWIDE AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIPS

MILWAUKEE  – Harley-Davidson reveals selected new models from its 2026 motorcycle line up. These exciting motorcycles will be available soon at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally.

Additional 2026 Harley-Davidson motorcycle models, including the limited-production Custom Vehicle Operation (CVO) collection, will be revealed in early 2026.

For 2026, the unmatched Harley-Davidson riding experience is more attainable than ever with the introduction of a Solo Trim Package for three popular models. Each model features a solo seat, Dark Billiard Gray paint, and cast aluminum wheels. The Solo Trim Package is available for the Heritage Classic ($19,999*), Street Bob ($14,999*), and the Street Glide models ($24,999*).

The additional 2026 Harley-Davidson models announced today are:

  • The Street Glide and Road Glide Models: From the company that created the cross-country experience, these Grand American Touring models are optimized for customers who prioritize luxury, performance and long-haul comfort.
  • The Low Rider S, Low Rider ST, Heritage Classic, Breakout, Fat Boy, and Street Bob Models:The diverse line of Harley-Davidson Cruiser motorcycles includes six very distinctive models, each presenting a specific stylistic personality, from nostalgic to high performance to boldly custom. Each model features the full suite of Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson and the Milwaukee-Eight 117 powertrain, but in three unique tunes – with differences in intake and exhaust, cam profiles, and ride mode programming – to offer performance that matches the personality of each Cruiser model.
  • The Sportster S, Nightster Special, and Nightster Models:Extraordinary performance and advanced technology combine to deliver a dynamic riding experience with styling inspired by Harley-Davidson heritage for these Sport motorcycles. The Revolution Max motor on these models features new engine covers offering an enhanced custom look. And a new option package for the Nightster model features bold Blood Orange paint with graphics inspired by Harley-Davidson flat track race bikes, plus chrome exhaust shields and 14-spoke cast aluminum wheels. Sport models will reach authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally in early 2026.
  • The Pan America 1250 Special, and Pan America 1250 ST Models: Adventure Touring is for riders who turn touring into detouring. The award-winning Pan America 1250 Special motorcycle is a versatile, technologically advanced motorcycle designed to give its rider the confidence to explore a variety of on- and off-pavement routes. The Pan America 1250 ST model is tuned for nimble sport-touring pavement performance withpremium suspension and braking components, 17-inch wheels shod with performance tires and a quickshifter. Adventure Touring models will reach authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships globally in early 2026.

*Available only from dealers in the United States. 

 

 

 

 

2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

This Bike Was Built to Send It.
With a Revolution Max 1250T motor, premium suspension, and a high-mount exhaust that howls, the 2026 Sportster S trades restraint for raw output. A fat front tire, blacked-out finishes, and TFT display round out a look that punches first, and tech that keeps it planted when you rip it.

Highlighted Cooling Fins + Blacked-Out Powertrain
New highlighted cooling fins and blacked-out finishes sharpen the look while keeping true to the lines of one of Harley-Davidson’s most beloved classic V-Twins.

Vintage-Inspired Tank Medallion
The tank medallion wears the Sportster’s history proudly, etched into a design tuned for speed, precision, and purpose built into every line.

Premium Paint + Graphics
Premium paint colorways include White Onyx Pearl, Dark Billiard Gray, Vivid Black, Blood Orange and Aurora Blue Denim. It’s the kind of paint you won’t want to spill gas on, that’s for sure.

Vintage-Inspired Styling
From its classic race-inspired tail to wheels that nod to the Forty-Eight model, the Sportster S carries its heritage like a badge of honor and backs it up with a stance built for the kind of riding that makes history all over again.

A Signature Fat Front Tire
The wide front tire gives the Sportster S its aggressive stance and plants more rubber on the road for extra grip whether you’re carving through traffic or setting the tone on the highway.

 

Revolution Max 1250T Motor
The liquid-cooled 1250T puts out 121 horsepower with torque on tap, ready the moment you roll on.

Rear Suspension Built to Do It All
With 3.5 inches of travel out back, the Sportster S shrugs off rough streets and stays planted where and when you need it, giving you more comfort when you’re cruising and when you’re charging.

Performance-Tuned Front Forks
Re-tuned front forks work with the upgraded rear suspension to keep the Sportster S razor-sharp in the corners and steady everywhere else.

Single Radial-Mount Brembo Front Brake
The radial-mount Brembo up front delivers the kind of precise, predictable stopping power you want when you’re pushing harder, braking later, and aiming for the next corner. Its sharp-edged design looks just as aggressive as it feels.

High-Mount 2-1-2 Exhaust
Inspired by flat-track racers, the high-mount 2-1-2 exhaust tucks in tight for aggressive cornering, and fires off a deep, commanding note built for the paddock, not the parkway.

 

Control That Adapts to Your Ride
Cornering traction control and ABS keep the rubber hooked when you lean. Ride modes let you flip between Rain, Road, and Sport, or lock in a custom setup that fits your style. Out on the interstate, set cruise control and let the bike carry the miles for you.

Round 4” TFT Infotainment
The round 4-inch TFT serves up maps, audio, and bike data in one clean view, ready the second you glance down and gone the second you look back up.

RIDER SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS
Harley-Davidson’s Rider Safety Enhancements is all about giving you that extra peace of mind when things get a little unpredictable. It’s a set of smart tech that steps in during tricky situations, helping the bike handle traction while you’re accelerating, braking, or slowing down. With the Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements, the bike even adjusts for cornering, keeping things smooth and steady without you having to think twice.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
ABS is designed to prevent the wheels from locking under braking and helps the rider maintain control when braking in a straight-line, urgent situation.

Traction Control System (TCS)
The TCS is designed to keep the rear wheel from “spinning out” when the motorcycle is accelerating in a straight line and enhances rider confidence.

Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS)
DSCS is designed to reduce excessive rear-wheel slip and help prevent rear-wheel lock under powertrain-induced deceleration, which typically occurs when the rider makes an abrupt downshift gear change or quickly reduces the throttle while on wet or slippery road surfaces.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
TPMS alerts the rider through the information display to low or high tire air pressure. Maintaining proper tire air pressure is important both for vehicle performance and tire life.

Wheel Lift Mitigation
A system that helps keep both wheels grounded during intense riding. It has two functions: front wheel lift mitigation manages torque to prevent the front wheel from lifting during acceleration, while rear wheel lift mitigation controls brake pressure to keep the rear wheel down during hard braking, helping to ensure a stable and controlled ride.

Cornering Enhanced Anti-lock Brake System (C-ABS)
C-ABS is a variant of ABS that takes into consideration the lean angle of a two-wheel motorcycle, or the lateral acceleration of a Trike model. The brake pressure required to limit wheel slip when cornering is typically or lower than the pressure required under straight line operation.

Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS)
C-TCS is designed to prevent the rear wheel from excessive spinning under acceleration when going straight or cornering.

Cornering Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS)
On bikes equipped with C-DSCS, the system helps keep the rear wheel from slipping or locking up when you quickly downshift or let off the throttle, especially on wet or slippery roads. When turning, it can adjust based on how much a two-wheel bike is leaning or the side-to-side motion on a Trike.

Enhanced Lift Mitigation
Does the same job as regular wheel lift control but with a bit more finesse. It taps into the bike’s Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to fine-tune its control. That means more precise control when you need it most.

 

 

 

 

2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $15,999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: from $18,699 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Dimensions

Length

89.4 in.

Width

33.1 in.

Seat Height, Laden +

28.9 in.

Ground Clearance

3.5 in.

Rake

30

Trail

5.8 in.

Wheelbase

59.8 in.

Tire, Type

Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series, radial

Tires, Front Specification

160/70R17 73V

Tires, Rear Specification

180/70R16 77V

Fuel Capacity

3.1 gal.

Oil Capacity (w/filter)

4.75 qt.

Weight, In Running Order

502 lb.

Engine

Engine+

Revolution Max 1250T

Bore

4.134 in.

Stroke

2.846 in.

Displacement

76.4 cu in.

Compression Ratio

12.0:1

Fuel System+

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Exhaust

2-into-1-into-2; catalyst in muffler

Performance

Engine Torque Testing Method

J1349

Engine Torque+

93 ft-lbs

Engine Torque (rpm)

6000

Horsepower

121 HP / 90 kW @ 7500 rpm

Lean Angle, Right (deg.)

35

Lean Angle, Left (deg.)

35

Fuel Economy Testing Method

Estimated City/Hwy

Fuel Economy+

49 mpg

Drive Train

Primary Drive

Gear, 49/89 ratio

Gear Ratios (overall) 1st

12.21

Gear Ratios (overall) 2nd

9.022

Gear Ratios (overall) 3rd

6.994

Gear Ratios (overall) 4th

5.641

Gear Ratios (overall) 5th

4.731

Gear Ratios (overall) 6th

4.131

Chassis

Front Fork

43 mm inverted fork with compression, rebound and spring preload adjustability. Aluminum fork triple clamps

Rear Shocks

Linkage-mounted, piggyback monoshock with compression, rebound and hydraulic spring preload adjustability

Wheels, Front Type+

Aluminum cast, satin black

Wheels, Rear Type+

Aluminum cast, satin black

Brakes, Caliper Type

Front: radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston caliper Rear: floating, single piston caliper

Brakes, Rotor Type

Front: single rotor, floating, tower- mounted Rear: solid uniform expansion rotor

Electric

Lights (as per country regulation), Headlamp, Tail/Stop, Front Signal Lights, Rear Turn Signals+

Headlamp: All LED headlamp, low and high beam with signature position lighting; Tail/Stop: All LED rear lighting; Front Signal Lights/Rear Turn Signals: LED Bullet Turn Signals

Gauges

4-inch viewable area TFT display with speedometer, gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, ambient temp, low temp alert, side stand down alert, TIP over alert, cruise, range and tachometer indication BT capable – phone pairing to access phone calls, music, navigation (H-D App ONLY)

Infotainment

Screen Size

4 in.

Type

Color TFT

Headset Specifications (if equipped)

Bluetooth

Languages

Arabic, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (default), Finnish, French (Canada/France), German, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil/Portugal), Russian, Slovak, Spanish (Mexico/Spain), Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese

Hands-free Mobile Phone – via Bluetooth

Standard

Voice Recognition Languages: Phone functions only

Phone dependent

Voice Recognition Languages: Tuner/Media/Navigation

Phone dependent

Rider/Passenger Intercom

Headset function only

Vehicle Information Screen (Air temperature, oil pressure and EITMS)

TPMS, Engine temp, Battery Voltage, Ambient Air Temp

Text-to-Speech (TTS) Languages

Phone dependent

USB

Charging and Instrument update, USB-C, 5V, 3A

Bluetooth

Phone/Media Supported

 

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details

Dimensions

Length

2,270 mm

Width

840 mm

Seat Height, Unladen

765 mm

Ground Clearance

90 mm

Rake

30

Trail

148 mm

Wheelbase

1,520 mm

Tire, Type

Dunlop™ Harley-Davidson Series, radial

Tires, Front Specification

160/70R17 73V

Tires, Rear Specification

180/70R16 77V

Fuel Capacity

11.7 l

Oil Capacity (w/filter)

4.5 l

Weight, In Running Order

228 kg

Engine

Engine+

Revolution™ Max 1250T

Bore

105 mm

Stroke

72.3 mm

Displacement

1,252 cc

Compression Ratio

12.0:1

Fuel System+

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Exhaust

2-into-1-into-2; catalyst in muffler

Performance

Engine Torque Testing Method

J1349

Engine Torque+

126 Nm

Engine Torque (rpm)

6000

Horsepower

121 HP / 90 kW @ 7500 rpm

Lean Angle, Right (deg.)

35

Lean Angle, Left (deg.)

35

Fuel Economy Testing Method

Estimated City/Hwy

Fuel Economy+

5.1 l/100 km

Drive Train

Primary Drive

Gear, 49/89 ratio

Gear Ratios (overall) 1st

12.21

Gear Ratios (overall) 2nd

9.022

Gear Ratios (overall) 3rd

6.994

Gear Ratios (overall) 4th

5.641

Gear Ratios (overall) 5th

4.731

Gear Ratios (overall) 6th

4.131

Chassis

Front Fork

43 mm inverted fork with compression, rebound and spring preload adjustability. Aluminum fork triple clamps.

Rear Shocks

Linkage-mounted, piggyback monoshock with compression, rebound and hydraulic spring preload adjustability

Wheels, Front Type+

Aluminum cast, satin black

Wheels, Rear Type+

Aluminum cast, satin black

Brakes, Caliper Type

Front: radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston caliper Rear: floating, single piston caliper

Brakes, Rotor Type

Front: single rotor, floating, tower- mounted Rear: solid uniform expansion rotor

Electric

Lights (as per country regulation), Headlamp, Tail/Stop/Front Signal Lights

Headlamp: All LED headlamp, low and high beam with signature position lighting; Tail/Stop: All LED rear lighting; Front Signal Lights/Rear Turn Signals: LED Bullet Turn Signals

Gauges

102 mm viewable area TFT display with speedometer, gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, ambient temp, low temp alert, side stand down alert, TIP over alert, cruise, range and tachometer indication BT capable – phone pairing to access phone calls, music, navigation (H-D App ONLY)

Infotainment

Screen Size

102 mm

Type

Color TFT

Headset Specifications (if equipped)

Bluetooth

Languages

Arabic, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (default), Finnish, French (Canada/France), German, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil/Portugal), Russian, Slovak, Spanish (Mexico/Spain), Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese

Hands-free Mobile Phone – via Bluetooth

Standard

Voice Recognition Languages: Phone functions only

Phone dependent

Voice Recognition Languages: Tuner/Media/Navigation

Phone dependent

Rider/Passenger Intercom

Headset function only

Vehicle Information Screen (Air temperature, oil pressure and EITMS)

TPMS, Engine temp, Battery Voltage, Ambient Air Temp

Text-to-Speech (TTS) Languages

Phone dependent

USB

Charging and Instrument update, USB-C, 5V, 3A

Bluetooth

Phone/Media Supported

 

 

 

 

 

2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S – Totalmotorcycle.com Europe Specifications/Technical Details

Dimensions

Length

2,270 mm

Width

840 mm

Seat Height, Unladen

765 mm

Ground Clearance

90 mm

Rake

30

Trail

148 mm

Wheelbase

1,520 mm

Tire, Type

Dunlop™ Harley-Davidson Series, radial

Tires, Front Specification

160/70R17 73V

Tires, Rear Specification

180/70R16 77V

Fuel Capacity

11.7 l

Oil Capacity (w/filter)

4.5 l

Weight, In Running Order

228 kg

Engine

Engine+

Revolution™ Max 1250T

Bore

105 mm

Stroke

72.3 mm

Displacement

1,252 cc

Compression Ratio

12.0:1

Fuel System+

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Exhaust

2-into-1-into-2; catalyst in muffler

Performance

Engine Torque Testing Method

EC 134/2014

Engine Torque+

125 Nm

Engine Torque (rpm)

6000

Horsepower

121 HP / 90 kW @ 7500 rpm

Lean Angle, Right (deg.)

35

Lean Angle, Left (deg.)

35

Fuel Economy Testing Method

EU 134/2014

Fuel Economy+

5.1 l/100 km

CO2 Emissions Testing Method

EU 134/2014

CO2 Emissions

126 g/km CO2

Drive Train

Primary Drive

Gear, 49/89 ratio

Gear Ratios (overall) 1st

12.21

Gear Ratios (overall) 2nd

9.022

Gear Ratios (overall) 3rd

6.994

Gear Ratios (overall) 4th

5.641

Gear Ratios (overall) 5th

4.731

Gear Ratios (overall) 6th

4.131

Chassis

Front Fork

43 mm inverted fork with compression, rebound and spring preload adjustability. Aluminum fork triple clamps.

Rear Shocks

Linkage-mounted, piggyback monoshock with compression, rebound and hydraulic spring preload adjustability

Wheels, Front Type+

Aluminum cast, satin black

Wheels, Rear Type+

Aluminum cast, satin black

Brakes, Caliper Type

Front: radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston caliper Rear: floating, single piston caliper

Brakes, Rotor Type

Front: single rotor, floating, tower- mounted Rear: solid uniform expansion rotor

Electric

Lights (as per country regulation), Headlamp, Tail/Stop, Front Signal Lights, Rear Turn Signals

Headlamp: All LED headlamp, low and high beam with signature position lighting; Tail/Stop: All LED rear lighting; Front Signal Lights/Rear Turn Signals: LED Bullet Turn Signals

Gauges

102 mm viewable area TFT display with speedometer, gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, ambient temp, low temp alert, side stand down alert, TIP over alert, cruise, range and tachometer indication BT capable – phone pairing to access phone calls, music, navigation (H-D App ONLY)

Infotainment

Screen Size

102 mm

Type

Color TFT

Headset Specifications (if equipped)

Bluetooth

Languages

Arabic, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (default), Finnish, French (Canada/France), German, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil/Portugal), Russian, Slovak, Spanish (Mexico/Spain), Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese

Hands-free Mobile Phone – via Bluetooth

Standard

Voice Recognition Languages: Phone functions only

Phone dependent

Voice Recognition Languages: Tuner/Media/Navigation

Phone dependent

Rider/Passenger Intercom

Headset function only

Vehicle Information Screen (Air temperature, oil pressure and EITMS)

TPMS, Engine temp, Battery Voltage, Ambient Air Temp

Text-to-Speech (TTS) Languages

Phone dependent

USB

Charging and Instrument update, USB-C, 5V, 3A

Bluetooth

Phone/Media Supported

 

 

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).

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