Following on from the Sportster S, with the 1250cc Revolution Max liquid-cooled engine, comes a teaser video from Harley Davidson showing a second Sportster variant, perhaps using a smaller version of the engine.

Second H-D Sportster variant Coming

When Harley Davidson introduced the Revolution Max liquid-cooled engine, several models were slated to be in line to get the engine. Two we have seen already - the Pan America and Sportster S - but the streetfighter-style Bronx was still-born. As it was to have a 975cc version of the Rev Max engine, it was clear that Harley intended to use smaller-displacement versions in different models.

Now, the Milwaukee company has released a teaser video showing a new Sportster variant, full details of which will be revealed on April 12th.

The video gives little-to-no clues about the new variant, it being a typically vague piece of film making. The bike is definitely a Sportster of some sort but that's all we can tell, although an image on the sign-up page on Harley-Davidson’s website for updates on the new Sportster provides another look, this time revealing a headlight fairing and a round headlight in place of the strip light of the Sportster S.

When the new Sportster S was about to be launched, there were rumours flying around that it might be called the Nightster. That didn't happen but that's not to say that it won't happen. The new bike could have the 975cc version of the Rev Max engine and take the Nightster name. Or it could be called the 48X. The plain truth is: no-one knows yet!

Choosing that engine capacity would put the new model right in the sights of the Indian Scout, which since the demise of the old Sportster has had the sub-1000cc bracket all to itself.

The good thing is that, with the short attention span of people these days, you can't tease too far ahead of the actual event, otherwise people will forget all about it. So we only have to wait a couple of weeks or so to find out all the details.