The Revolution Max-powered Sportster S is the start of a new era for Harley-Davidson. We tested it against Indian’s Scout Bobber and FTR S on canyon roads and city streets. (Photos by Kevin Wing)

The Sportster is one of most iconic and successful Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and it?s one of the longest-running motorcycle models in history. Introduced in 1957 ? the same year Wham-O introduced the Frisbee and Elvis Presley?s ?All Shook Up? topped the Billboard charts ? the Sportster was a response to the light, fast OHV British bikes that took the American motorcycle market by storm after WWII.

An evolution of the side-valve KHK, the XL (the Sportster?s official model designation) was powered by an air-cooled, 883cc, 45-degree ?ironhead? V-Twin with pushrod-actuated overhead valves. It made 40 horsepower, weighed 495 pounds, and had a top speed around 100 mph, more than enough performance to outrun most British 650s of the day. In 1959, Harley unleashed the XLCH, a 55-horsepower, 480-pound hot rod that cemented the Sportster?s go-fast reputation.
The 121-horsepower, liquid-cooled Harley-Davidson Sportster S starts a new chapter for the Motor Company’s most iconic motorcycle.

Today, 65 years after the XL?s debut, there?s still an air-cooled 883cc Sportster in Harley-Davidson?s lineup: the Iron 883. Making 54 horsepower and weighing 564 pounds, it has a lower power-to-weight ratio than a ?59 XLCH, and by modern standards, the Sportster is no longer sport...