2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S Specs & Review

The 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S is a modern performance roadster built around the liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250T engine. This Harley-Davidson Sportster S review focuses on real-world performance, handling, and the tech that matters for riders cross-shopping performance-oriented cruisers and sport roadsters. If you want strong torque, contemporary rider aids, and a compact package, you’ll want to know the 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S specs.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: Revolution Max 1250T, liquid-cooled
• Displacement: 1,252 cc / 76.4 cu in
• Power: 121 HP (90 kW) @ 7,500 rpm
• Torque: 125 Nm / 93 ft-lb @ 6,000 rpm
• Wet weight: 228 kg / 502 lb
• Seat height: 765 mm (unladen); 28.9 in (laden)

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the Sportster S is the Revolution Max 1250T, a liquid-cooled powerplant delivering 121 HP (90 kW) at 7,500 rpm and 125 Nm (93 ft-lb) of torque at 6,000 rpm. On city streets, that torque figure is the headline: it picks up cleanly from low revs and makes short work of urban traffic gaps. The 6-speed transmission and gear primary drive (49/89 ratio) keep the engine responsive, letting you tap into the midrange grunt without constant shifting.

Out on faster roads, the 121 HP gives the Sportster S the legs it needs for effortless passes. The torque plateau at 6,000 rpm helps the bike surge forward without drama, and the smooth, liquid-cooled character rewards short shifting or a more aggressive approach depending on your mood. Fuel economy is rated at 49 mpg (US) / 5.1 L/100 km (EU), and the 11.7 L / 3.1 gal tank suits spirited rides and mixed commuting. CO2 emissions are listed at 126 g/km (EU 134/2014).

If you’re comparing spec sheets, the 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S specs pair big-twin displacement with modern cooling and electronics, delivering a flexible performance envelope that’s equally at home in the city or blasting along your favorite backroad.

Handling, Comfort & Harley-Davidson Sportster S Seat Height

Chassis geometry balances stability and agility: a 30° rake, 148 mm / 5.8 in of trail, and a 1,520 mm / 59.8 in wheelbase set the tone. Up front, a 43 mm inverted fork with compression/rebound/preload adjustability allows fine-tuning for rider weight and road conditions. The rear uses a linkage-mounted piggyback monoshock with compression/rebound and hydraulic preload adjustment, helping the bike stay composed when you push.

Tire sizes—160/70R17 73V front and 180/70R16 77V rear—offer a planted footprint. The Harley-Davidson Sportster S seat height is 765 mm (unladen); 28.9 in (laden), giving many riders the ability to get boots down securely. That helps confidence at low speeds and during parking-lot maneuvers. The Harley-Davidson Sportster S weight comes in at 228 kg / 502 lb (wet), which you’ll feel when walking it around, but once rolling the suspension support and tire contact patch make it feel settled and predictable.

Shorter riders will appreciate the accessible seat height, while taller riders can use the suspension adjusters to dial in support and reduce squat under acceleration. For day-to-day comfort and control, having both ends adjustable is a meaningful advantage in this class.

Equipment & Features

Braking is handled by a single front disc with a radially mounted 4-piston monoblock caliper and a single rear disc with a floating single-piston caliper. Electronic rider aids are comprehensive: ABS, TCS, Drag-Torque Slip Control, TPMS, plus cornering-enhanced ABS/TCS/DSCS and Wheel Lift Mitigation. Together, they add a valuable safety net on imperfect roads and in wet weather.

Cockpit tech is anchored by a 4 in (102 mm) TFT with Bluetooth, supporting phone, music, and navigation via the H-D app. Practical touches continue with the 6-speed transmission and the gear primary drive (49/89 ratio). For personalization, 2026 US colors include White Onyx Pearl, Dark Billiard Gray, Vivid Black, Blood Orange, and Aurora Blue Denim. MSRP (US) is $15,999+ starting, while MSRP (EU) is listed as “See dealer (varies by market).”

Who Is the 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S For?

Riders who want muscular torque, modern electronics, and a compact, stylish package will feel right at home. With 121 HP and a wet weight of 228 kg / 502 lb, it best suits experienced riders or confident intermediates stepping up. Commuters will appreciate the 49 mpg (US) / 5.1 L/100 km (EU) efficiency and the TFT’s navigation and connectivity, while weekend riders can exploit the adjustable suspension and broad torque for engaging backroad runs.

Newer riders can make it work thanks to the accessible seat height and robust rider aids, but the power output suggests starting with a smaller, lighter bike if you’re completely fresh.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2026 Sportster S blends serious torque, a strong 121 HP top end, and a deep electronics suite. Suspension adjustability at both ends, a modern 4-inch TFT with app-based navigation, and a thoughtful safety package make it feel thoroughly contemporary. The Harley-Davidson Sportster S seat height is approachable for many riders, and the chassis geometry provides a stable, confidence-inspiring ride.

Trade-offs? The single front disc won’t appeal to track-day obsessives, and the 11.7 L / 3.1 gal tank favors shorter blasts over long hauls between fuel stops. Still, as a street-focused performance cruiser/roadster, it hits the sweet spot: muscular, tech-rich, and ready to light up your favorite route at a price starting at $15,999+ (US). Among middle-to-large-displacement street machines, it’s a compelling pick.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S good for beginners? It’s manageable thanks to rider aids and an accessible seat height, but with 121 HP and a wet weight of 228 kg / 502 lb, it’s better suited to riders with some experience.

• What is the seat height of the 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S? The Harley-Davidson Sportster S seat height is 765 mm (unladen); 28.9 in (laden).

• How heavy is the 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S? Wet weight is 228 kg / 502 lb.

• What electronics come on the 2026 Sportster S? It includes ABS, TCS, Drag-Torque Slip Control, TPMS, cornering-enhanced ABS/TCS/DSCS, and Wheel Lift Mitigation, plus a 4 in (102 mm) TFT with Bluetooth for phone, music, and navigation via the H-D app.

• What are the headline 2026 Harley-Davidson Sportster S specs? Revolution Max 1250T, liquid-cooled; 1,252 cc / 76.4 cu in; 121 HP (90 kW) @ 7,500 rpm; 125 Nm / 93 ft-lb @ 6,000 rpm; 6-speed; wet weight 228 kg / 502 lb; seat height 765 mm (unladen); 28.9 in (laden).