If you’re looking for a Sportster with more ‘sport’ in it, the 2020 Harley-Davidson Roadster delivers. The Motor Company gives the Roadster a bit more power from the Evolution V-twin, longer-travel suspension, taller tires, additional lean angle, and double-disc front braking. The result is a motorcycle that is quite happy in the twisties.
The front of the Roadster telegraphs its intentions. The 43mm fork is a performance-oriented inverted design, and the narrow handlebar has a low bend. Moving to the seat, the Roadster has a secure cockpit for the pilot, and the mid controls round out the sporting ergonomics.
Although the 2020 Harley-Davidson Roadster might feel unusual to a sport rider on a first ride, once the rider understands the ergonomics, handling, and power, the Roadster is quite a capable motorcycle on back roads. With 76 ft-lbs of torque produced at just 3750 rpm, the Evolution motor has pulling power at any engine speed, and that translates to real-world performance. Dunlop tires with Harley-Davidson branding do an excellent job of putting the power to the ground and providing traction well past the lean limit.
2020 Harley-Davidson Roadster Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Evolution V-twin
- Displacement: 73.4ci (1202cc)
- Bore x stroke: 3.5 x 3.8”
- Maximum torque: 76 ft-lbs @ 3750 rpm
- Compression ratio: 10:1
- Valvetrain: Pushrods, 2vpc
- Cooling: Air
- Lubrication: Dry sump
- Transmission: 5-speed
- Primary drive: Chain
- Final drive: Belt
CHASSIS
- Frame: Tubular mild steel
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 43mm inverted fork; 4.5 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Adjustable-preload variable rate spring w/ nitrogen-charged emulsion-style shock; 3.2 inches
- Wheels: 5-spoke cast aluminum
- Front wheel: 19 x 3.00
- Rear wheel: 18 x 4.30
- Tires: Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series
- Front tire: 120/70 x 19
- Rear tire: 150/70 x 18
- Front brake: 300mm discs w/ dual-piston caliper
- Rear brake: 260mm disc w/ dual-piston caliper
- ABS: Optional ($795)
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 59.3 inches
- Rake: 28.9 degrees
- Trail: 5.5 inches
- Lean angle (r/l): 30.8/31.1 degrees
- Seat height: 30.9 inches
- Fuel capacity: 3.3 gallons
- Estimated fuel economy: 48 mpg
- Curb weight: 571 pounds
2020 Harley-Davidson Roadster Colors/Prices
- Vivid Black: $11,499 MSRP
- Black Denim; Stone Washed White Pearl; Performance Orange: $11,849 MSRP
