Harley-Davidson Sportster S (RH1250S Revolution Max) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
1,252cc Liquid-Cooled 60° V-Twin DOHC VVT Revolution Max 1250T (Unit Wet Clutch) · Source: Harley-Davidson Sportster RH Models (RH1250S) Official Owner’s Manual
According to the Harley-Davidson Sportster RH Models (RH1250S) Official Owner’s Manual, the 2021–Present Harley-Davidson Sportster S (RH1250S Revolution Max) (chassis RH1250S) requires 4 L (4.23 US qt) of SAE 15W-50 (JASO MA2, API SN+ / JASO MA2 Full Synthetic) engine oil for a drain-only change and 4.5 L (4.76 US qt) with filter service (HD 62700280 (Revolution Max Specific)). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI front (160/70TR17 73V) and 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI rear (180/70R16 77V), paired with 4× HD 31600190 (Dual-Plug DOHC) spark plug(s) and a HD 66000340 AGM battery.
Drain only: 4 L (4.23 US qt)
R 290 kPa (2.90 bar)
Est. Range: ~231 km (144 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Manual Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 15W-50 (Alt: SAE 20W-50 (SYN3)) · JASO MA2 · API SN+ / JASO MA2 Full Synthetic |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 4 L (4.23 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 4.5 L (4.76 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 5 L (5.28 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | HD 62700280 (Revolution Max Specific) |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | At full operating temperature resting ON THE SIDESTAND (Jiffy Stand); thread dipstick in to read |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 22 N·m (16.2 lb-ft / 2.24 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 160/70TR17 73V · Rear: 180/70R16 77V (Tubeless) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI Rear: 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI Rear: 290 kPa / 2.90 bar / 42 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | HD 31600190 (Dual-Plug DOHC) × 4 (Gap: 0.8–0.9 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | HD 66000340 AGM (12V 12.0Ah Sealed AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | Harley-Davidson Carbon-Reinforced Belt — Zero lube required |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Harley-Davidson Genuine Extended Life Antifreeze & Coolant |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 1252 cc · 121 hp @ 7,500 rpm · 125 N·m (92.2 lb-ft) @ 6,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 755 mm (29.7 in) · 228 kg (503 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 11.8 L (3.1 US gal) · ~19.6 km/L → ~231 km (144 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,600 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 8,000 km / 8,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 24,000 km / 48,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 48,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Unlike classic air-cooled Evolution Sportsters with separate engine and primary chaincase fluids, the liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250T is a unit-construction engine sharing one 4.5 L sump across engine, gearbox, and wet clutch.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
Check Revolution Max oil HOT on the sidestand (Jiffy Stand)—never upright on a paddock stand! Hydraulic lash adjusters eliminate routine valve-shim adjustments.
Garage Wrenching Gotchas
- The AGM battery sits low behind the frontchin spoiler, NOT under the seat—use the pre-wired factory battery-tender SAE lead tucked behind the left side cover!
- That massive 160/70TR17 front tire turns sluggish and heavy if front pressure drops even 3–4 PSI—maintain 250 kPa (36 PSI) front and 290 kPa (42 PSI) rear cold.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Sportster S have separate engine, transmission, and primary oil holes?
No—unlike traditional Big Twins or Evo Sportsters, the Revolution Max 1250T uses unit construction: one single drain-and-fill of 4.5 L (4.75 US qt) with filter (62700280) lubricates engine, gearbox, and wet clutch.
Should the Sportster S be upright or on the sidestand when checking oil?
Always check on level ground resting on the Jiffy Stand (sidestand) at full operating temperature—checking upright causes dangerous overfilling.
What is the cold tire pressure for the Harley-Davidson Sportster S?
Cold inflation is 250 kPa (36 PSI) front and 290 kPa (42 PSI) rear.