I was in a similar position to you. I hadn't owned a bike it over 10 years and was looking to get back into riding again. I like technology and for the price point, the Sportster S is hard to beat. This new engine is VERY modern. Barring direct port injection, I'm not sure what modern engine technology you could add to it. The infotainment tech is decent. I personally haven't had any issues with it, but some people have had problems with getting their phones and communication system to play nice together. Also, like you, the aesthetics of it are a hit for me. I don't think there's anything else out there quite like it. The Indian FTR is close, but when I bought my Sportster S, the FTR Sport hadn't come out yet, so it didn't have the infotainment tech the Sportster does. Also, the FTR doesn't have the engine tech the Sportster S does. From what I can find, the FTR can't compete with the Sportster in the mid-range. The torque curve on this engine is SOOOO flat and wide. You basically have within 10% of peak torque from about 3K rpm all the way up to 8K rpm. I've had Japanese bikes in the past, so I'm used to downshifting at gear or two to get the power. It's not like that with this bike. It just makes so much torque everywhere that regardless of what gear you're in, you twist the throttle and it just takes off. And all the "electronannies" keep you from killing yourself, LOL! BUT they're REALLY good at being seamless. You don't notice at all that they're doing anything until you turn the TC off and experience the difference... I was worried about it being too much bike for me. I kept it in "Rain" mode for the first few hundred miles until I got more comfortable. Then I moved up to "Road" mode. I've only put it in "Sport" mode a couple of times because it's too fast for my skill level right now. I turned TC off one time. I was doing about 60 in 3rd gear and gave it full throttle. The back tire lost traction and it started to lift the front tire. That was enough for me. I immediately turned it back on and put it back into "Road" mode and haven't touched the TC button since. I'm sure by the end of this summer I'll be comfortable enough to mess with it more, but the great thing about the modes is the bike can grow with your skill level, as long as you have the discipline to use them! The last thing I'll say is about the ride comfort. THIS IS NOT A TOURING BIKE! Some people complain about the tank size and only being able to go 130-ish miles on a tank. I'm usually ready for a break by 1.5-2 hours or riding anyway, and that's when it needs refilled. I'm 6'2" and about 220lbs. That combined with the lack of rear suspension travel and the forward controls makes for a punishing ride. I played with the suspension settings A LOT. I finally figured out that the rear suspension sits on the bump stop, even with full pre-load. I removed the stop and that made a HUGE difference. I was able to back the pre-load down and soften the rear settings up and it's much better now. I think if I changed to mid-controls so I could stand up a bit with the big bumps, it would be all that was needed to ride comfortably for a while. Anyway, I hope all this helps you make a decision. I'm still very happy with my decision and I'm ready for the weather in Kansas to warm up this weekend so I can get it out of storage and start riding again!

@@float6969 I’m 6’1 and 190lbs and figured I’d feel more comfortable on the fat bob. Haven’t ridden either yet, don’t even have my license. Very VERY early stages of getting a bike! But I think comfort is a big concern for me. Just trying to cruise, not looking for the sporty type of bike, but this sportster s is the best looking bike of the entire HD lineup!!

@@bz8047 I'm 6'2" 220lbs. I'm perfectly comfortable on it for at least an hour and a half, in town riding. I may change to mid controls and change the bars so I'm a bit more upright, but it's not a huge deal either. Ultimately, ride both and see which you like best. As long as you're buying from a quality manufacturer and you're happy with the bike, you can't how wrong!

I have a '22 and I read everything I can find about these bikes. As far as I can tell, the only changes they've made between '21 to '23 are color options and software updates. All bikes come standard with forward control and no pillion seat, but can be optioned for mids and pillion. HD has also just released a swingarm bag that will allow for some storage without installing the pillion seat.