Harley-Davidson is the American motorcycle manufacturer, and for many riders in the US, it’s the default choice. While Japanese manufacturers often offer more advanced designs, with better performance, at a lower price, a Harley epitomizes the American ‘dream of the road’ better than anything else. And for new riders, the firm’s Sportster range offers a simple, pleasing introduction to the Milwaukee firm’s range.
The spec-sheet for the Sportster doesn’t offer much in the way of surprises – this is a simple bike, made up of a large-capacity 45° V-twin air-cooled engine, in a steel tube frame. Modern technology makes a brief appearance in the shape of an electronic fuel injection system, but apart from that, it’s basic, well-tested engineering. The engine uses pushrods to operate the valves, with camshafts mounted low in the crankcases, and the gearbox is a big, clunky five speed unit. The engine is low on power, and the bike is high on mass, compared with more conventional ‘sportster’ machines.
But Harleys aren’t about high-tech performance. Rather they’re about a certain type of riding: relaxed freeway cruising, with the sun in your face and no particular hurry to get anywhere. And that’s the type of riding novices can enjoy just as much as the most experienced rider.
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