2016 Harley-Davidson Roadster Video Review
What happens when Harley-Davidson upgrades the suspension and beefs up the brakes of its iconic and much-customized 1200 Sportster? You get the 2016 Roadster. While the powerplant remains the same 1202cc air-cooled 45° V-Twin Evolution engine, the character of the Sportster gets an attitude adjustment for people who like to go around corners. By increasing the rear suspension travel and altering the angle of the frame relative to the road, H-D has created a Sportster that doesn’t shy away from winding roads. The addition of a second 300mm front disc adds braking power to the Roadster’s street cred – all wrapped in a minimalist styling package inspired by home garage customizers.
How well did the Roadster work? Take a look at the video below before heading on over to read the full test.
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
More by Evans Brasfield
Comments
Join the conversation
A Harley (that is not a Buell) with suspension, ground clearance and brakes...what...what planet is this???
Must be a dream! What next, reasonable ergonomics?
One word. Thruxton. This should have been a XR1200 with a real seat and a larger but still beautiful metal gas tank if Harley wanted a better all-arounder with wider appeal. XR1200's had +20hp on this with the same motor. Even better they could offer a quick release windshield and soft bags with waterproof liners for it to widen it's appeal further.