THE concept of a Harley Davidson 'Sport' is one which would have most sportsbike riders laughing in their leathers, grinning in their Gortex, howling in their helmets.

Harleys may be a motorcycling icon, a cruiser's delight, but they will never be sporty.

The thrash and scratch brigade would claim they are too heavy, too long, too low, to be hustled along a country lane at anything above moderate speed.

Well, all things are relative and by comparison with the rest of the range the Dyna Superglide Sport is positively racy.

It's no lightweight at 300kg but its mass is distributed so low to the ground that it feels small, manageable and, dare I suggest, flickable.

Down a country lane it is happy to swing through the bends in a manner which will leave you feeling happy and heroic.

The riding position also encourages this. No feet-forward ape-hanging here, just a normal roadster set up which makes you feel in control.

Controls are conventional, with twin clocks up front and only the fuel gauge in the tank

I could get to quite like this HD. In fact I do like it, very much.

Also breaking with the Hog tradition is its understated finish.

No Christmas tree chrome here, most of the Sport is black which sets off the lustrous purple paintwork nicely.

The Sport looks more a drag bike than a cruiser, with fat back tyre, low stance and normal rake forks.

The 1450cc engine throws out neck-snapping amounts of torque (an amazing 106Nm to be precise) which is as exhilarating as it is astounding.

Twist the throttle and the twin pipes bark and growl before the Sport leaps forward.

It's never going to be an R1 in the handling department but it feels nicely planted through the bends.

The brakes are a revelation - four pot calipers biting deeply and with force which gives you confidence.

And, of course, the best thing of all about a Harley is the image which comes with great dollops of American character to keep you grinning all day long.

l Bike from Just Harleys, of Sandyford, Newcastle. Price £10,495.