Harley-Davidson has unveiled their new Roadster, the latest model to join the firm’s Sportster range of motorcycles. The new Roadster model joins the Dark Custom line-up with a more minimalist design inspired by current trends in stripped-down and naked customs.
In terms of looks, the rear fender has been clipped shorter than the previous bobbed Sportster fenders, while a slotted belt guard and muffler shields apparently ‘mimic the lightening holes drilled through race-bike components’. It also boasts of a modern single four-inch diameter instrument cluster.
The Roadster gets new wheels and tyres mated to a new rear suspension and front fork. The 19-inch front and 18-inch rear offset-split five-spoke cast aluminium wheels were designed specifically for the Roadster. Harley claims the wheels are lightweight, and the new size and revised suspension will deliver better ground clearance.
“Since its introduction in 1957, the Harley-Davidson Sportster has proved capable of constant reinvention, and the Roadster writes a new chapter in that story,” said Harley-Davidson Director of Styling Brad Richards. “We’ve watched our customers take the Sportster in so many different directions. The Roadster is a mash-up of styling genres, but the intent was to build a rider’s motorcycle, a Sportster that’s lean and powerful and connects the rider to the road.”
The Roadster also gets improved braking, with dual 300mm floating discs up front, gripped by ABS-enabled twin-piston calipers, and a 260mm rear disc with twin-piston caliper.
The Harley-Davidson Roadster model will be offered in four colour choices: vivid black with a charcoal denim pinstripe, black denim with a red pinstripe, velocity red sunglo with a red pinstripe and two-tone billet silver/vivid black with a burgundy pinstripe. The Roadster will likely be available at Indian Harley-Davidson dealerships sometime this year with a slew of optional accessories. The prices in the United Kingdom start at £9695 (Rs 9.20 lakh).
