Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020 vs. Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021
Overview - Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020 vs Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021
Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020 compared to Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
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.
Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

The Sportster S returns to the tradition of this model series - yes, it really used to be about sport! That's why the latest American creation, with its 122 hp and 125 Nm of torque, doesn't want to be a cruiser, but instead is almost classless in its pursuit of customers. What is on offer is a wonderful poser bike that is surprisingly easy to ride. The single-disc brake at the front works well and the fat 160 front tyre steers better than you would expect. Only the hard suspension makes the rider suffer on longer distances - which of course doesn't matter at all in front of the ice cream parlour. Electronics and safety are top-notch, which mitigates the tidy price for true fans.