The word ‘Harley-Davidson’ might bring up images of heavy, low-slung and chrome-laced cruisers, but there also exists an iconic family of lightweight sporty offerings, called the Sportster. The Roadster is the top-of-the-line model in this range. Here are five things you should know about the Harley-Davidson Roadster.
Impressive riding dynamics
The Sportster range first went on sale in the 1950s, taking on the lightweight Nortons, BSAs and Triumphs. It was one of the first Harley-Davidson bikes to feature rear suspension and an overhead-valve engine. And though the Roadster doesn’t feature any new earth-shattering technology, the sportiness is still present in its genes. A chassis makeover with performance-oriented suspension, brakes and wheels give the Roadster a nimbleness and agility rarely seen in a cruiser.
Iconic engine
At the heart of the Harley-Davidson Roadster is the 1202cc air-cooled V-twin Evolution engine. First bolted on to a bike in 1984, this 32-year-old powertrain has been refined over time and is renowned for its reliability and longevity. In its current trim, the ‘Evo’ serves in the Sportster range, delivering 96Nm of torque through a five-speed transmission.
Retro vibe
The drag-style handlebar, narrow fuel tank, round headlamp, indicators and the clock, all give the Roadster the semblance of a retro cruiser. The Roadster has been stripped of all ‘unessential’ bits to give it the raw character of a flat track racing machine.
Unusual footpegs
The Evolution engine heats up a lot, which means that Harley-Davidson had to find a way to ensure the safety of the riders’ feet. While one way of going about it would have been revising the engine so that it doesn’t heat up as much, Harley-Davidson decided to place the footpegs such that your legs are kept out of harm’s way. And even though your feet are wide apart, the airbox bumps against your right knee due to its positioning.
No electronics
Harley-Davidson is a firm believer of not letting electronics get in the way of you having fun. As such there is no electronic wizardry over here. It does get an ABS system though, to stop you from crashing in case you get too enthusiastic with the brakes.
