Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020 vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

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Overview - Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020 compared to Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020
Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore88.9 mmBore83 mm
StrokeStroke96.8 mmStroke60 mm
Engine powerEngine power67 HPEngine power61 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power6,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque96 NmTorque63 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque3,500 rpmRpm at Torque6,600 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10 Compression Ratio10.8
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionTransistorIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionBeltTransmissionChain
Number of gearsNumber of gears5Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,202 ccmDisplacement649 ccm

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typePerimeter

Brakes Front

TypeTypeSingle diskTypeSingle disk
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width130 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter16 inchFront tyre diameter18 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height80 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter16 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,165 mmLength2,310 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth880 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,100 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,495 mmWheelbase1,575 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height710 mmSeat Height705 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)255 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)228 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity7.9 lFuel Tank Capacity14 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

If you look up the word bobber in the dictionary, a picture of the Harley-Davidson 48 is likely to come up. In our comparison, thanks to the long Sportster history and clever marketing, it is probably the most authentic bike of the four test motorbikes. And it's the only one that doesn't have the term "bobber" in its name - because it doesn't need it. Nothing about it has been softened to make comfort-consumed customers happy. When stationary, the motorbike vibrates and the gearbox makes a loud "clunk" with every gear change. The Harley-Davidson 48 is raw, uncompromising and simply oldschool - and cool. Unthinkable with other manufacturers, normal with Harley-Davidson - thanks to clever marketing! Nevertheless, the Forty-Eight rides like a relatively modern motorbike. The V2 has powerful pressure, which the brakes can easily handle. Even though the chassis is designed for comfort, we were surprised at how sportily the Sportster can be moved through curvy terrain.

Very successful appearance, available in four paint finishes

Cool peanut tank

Authentic appearance

Characterful features

Little lean angle clearance

Hard shifting

Very short range due to small tank

Unconventional indicator operation

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

The Vulcan S is reinvigorating the "small" mid-size cruiser scene - not only because of its unique design, but also because it is so easy to ride and is aimed at beginners. The low seat height and the narrow saddle help the rider to stand securely on the ground, while the low centre of gravity also makes for easy and safe handling. The engine also fits in well with the uncomplicated appearance, can be revved up decently from 2000 rpm and only stops at around 10,000 rpm - something that has never been seen before in a cruiser. The "Ergo-Fit" system, which varies the seat height, the rider's distance from the handlebars and the footrests, costs extra but also allows the Vulcan S owner generous customisation options.

Rev-happy engine that also behaves well in the lower rev range

decent brake with ABS

idiosyncratic look

narrow and therefore manoeuvrable 160 rear tyre

Ergo-Fit system for optimum adaptation to the rider

sufficiently comfortable chassis.

Ergo-Fit system costs extra

moderate wind protection

gear indicator only available as an option

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight vs Kawasaki Vulcan S

Price Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Vulcan S

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH