Harley-Davidson Sportster S versus Indian FTR 1200 Sport

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Naked
Indian

Indian FTR 1200 Sport

Naked

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2021 bis 2024~
Built von 2022 bis 2024~
RRP 17.495 €
RRP 17.190 €
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Pros:
  • independent optics
  • powerful engine with power AND torque
  • high-quality impression
  • fat V2 sound, but below 95dB
  • electronically fully equipped incl. lean angle sensors
Pros:
  • Engine
  • Valency
  • Chassis
  • Display / Operation
Cons:
  • Rear suspension stick-hard
  • futzeliger side stand
Cons:
  • Pillion suitability

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length :
2.270 mm
Seat :
775 mm
Weight :
228 (max: 418 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.525 mm
Length :
2.223 mm Height : 1.295 mm
Seat :
780 mm
Weight :
237 (max: 430 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: V2 Revolution® Max 1250T 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.252 ccm
Hub: 72 mm
Hole: 105 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Riemen
Aisles: 6
Motor design: V2 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.203 ccm
Hub: 74 mm
Hole: 102 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 220 km/h
Performance: 122 HP at 7.500 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 12 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
231 km
Maximum speed: 193 km/h
Performance: 123 HP at 8.250 U/Min
Torque: 118 NM bei 6.000 U/Min
Tank contents: 13 Litre
Consumption:
6 l
Reach:
220 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Motor carrying (steel)
Front suspension:
USD fork, 43 mm, with adjustable spring preload and adjustable rebound and compression of damping (travel 92 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single strut hinged via deflection lever with external reservoir, adjustable spring preload and adjustable tension and compression (spring travel 51 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 160/70TR17 73V
Rear tyres: 180/70R16 77V
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
Sachs USD 43mm fork, fully adjustable (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Sachs mono strut without linkage, fully adjustable (travel 120 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70ZR17 58W
Rear tyres: 180/55ZR17 73W

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc, radially mounted four-piston monobloc fixed caliper brake ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, single-piston floating caliper brake ( 260 mm)
Front brake
Double brake discs, Brembo 4-piston fixed caliper ( 320 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Brembo two-piston fixed caliper ( 260 mm)

Conclusion - what sticks

The new Sportster S is unmistakably a Harley Davidson. However, it is a NEW Harley that is not only visually polarized, but also technically so stuffed that one or the other purist will probably turn up his nose. Especially younger riders will be happy to be able to move a real Harley with so many bells and whistles.
 
We think it's good that the Sportster S comes along so independently and has corners and edges. It has character and is absolutely unmistakable. Nevertheless, we have selected competitors that are at least similar to the Sportster S: Indian FTR 1200 S and Honda CMX 1100 Rebel are still the most suitable.
 
The test bike was provided to us by Harley Davidson in Kiel. If you want to test drive them there: We recommend a round around the Westensee!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of construction

  • Price: 15.495 €
  • Used (3 years old): 12.000€
  • Years of construction: 2014-present
  • Availability: from 11/2021
  • Colors: reddish brown, black, white

It goes without Scrambler

So what is the Indian territory? Long journeys rather not. This is countered by the tank, which only lasts 13 litres (but beautiful), the already mentioned lack of windscreen and the fact that the socialite is not exactly spoiled. On the square in the second row it is called for suffering, it is scarce, and the footrests are very high.

Here, too, our Fast Tracker resembled the scrambers of the competition. Personally, I would never buy a Scrambler: whether It was Ducati,Triumph or BMW – I was on the motorcycle with everyone. The Indian, on the other hand, knows how to integrate the driver very nicely, he is more strongly than in the competition in the vehicle.

Now I would have to raise just under 16,000 euros for a typical second or hobby bike ... it is already beautiful and in its pulling power ... but I repeat myself, that is why we are now at the end of it. Verdict: Everyone has a scrambler, only Indian don't. Don't worry: there is the FTR 1200 S.

The test bike was provided to us by Legendary Motorcycles in Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 15.990€
  • Used (1 year old): 13.500€
  • Years of construction: since 2019
  • Availability: medium
  • Colours: red/grey; silver/black