Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 vs. Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

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Overview - Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 vs Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

In terms of engine and drive train, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 features a V-type engine with a power output of 122 HP and torque of 125 Nm. It has a fuel injection system and is equipped with 2 cylinders. The cooling system is liquid-based, and the displacement is 1252 ccm. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 has an in-line engine with a power output of 111 HP and torque of 98.6 Nm. It also has a fuel injection system and is equipped with 4 cylinders. The cooling system is liquid-based, and the displacement is 948 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both bikes feature upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. The suspension on both bikes can be adjusted for compression, preload, and rebound. However, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 only allows adjustment for preload and rebound on the rear suspension.

In terms of chassis, both bikes have a steel frame. The Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 has a tubular, load-bearing engine frame type, while the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 has a tubular frame type.

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

When it comes to brakes, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 features a single disk brake at the front with a diameter of 320 mm and four pistons. The Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022, on the other hand, has double disk brakes at the front with a diameter of 300 mm and four pistons.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes are equipped with ABS and traction control. The Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 also features riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and a full electronics package with lean angle-dependent traction control. The Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022, however, does not have as many advanced rider assistance systems and lacks riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and cruise control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 has a front tire width of 160 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 180 mm and a diameter of 16 inches. The wheelbase is 1520 mm, and the seat height is 755 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 228 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 11.8 liters. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 has a front tire width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 180 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is slightly shorter at 1470 mm, and the seat height is higher at 835 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is lighter at 215 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is larger at 17 liters.

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

In terms of strengths, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 has a powerful and refined engine, with brakes that perform well for a single-disc system. It also boasts a full electronics package with cornering ABS and lean angle-dependent traction control. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 has a beautiful design, a powerful engine, stable handling, powerful brakes, a comfortable seating position, analogue displays, and adjustable levers.

In terms of weaknesses, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 has a chassis that is quite hard, and its turn-in behavior may be somewhat unwilling due to the wide front tire. The Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022, on the other hand, does not offer an optional quickshifter.

Overall, both the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 and the Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022 have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Harley-Davidson offers a more powerful engine and a comprehensive electronics package, while the Kawasaki boasts a beautiful design and comfortable riding position. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the rider's preferences and priorities.

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 compared to Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021
Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore105 mmBore73.4 mm
StrokeStroke72.3 mmStroke56 mm
Engine powerEngine power122 HPEngine power111 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,500 rpm
TorqueTorque125 NmTorque98.6 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,000 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12 Compression Ratio10.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionBeltTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders4
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
LubricationLubricationDry sumpLubricationForced
DisplacementDisplacement1,252 ccmDisplacement948 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter41 mm
TravelTravel92 mmTravel120 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel51 mmTravel140 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentCompression, Preload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake60 degreeRake65 degree
TrailTrail148 mmTrail98 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeSingle diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter320 mmDiameter300 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter260 mmDiameter250 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width160 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height55 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter16 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,265 mmLength2,100 mm
WidthWidth843 mmWidth865 mm
HeightHeight1,089 mmHeight1,150 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,520 mmWheelbase1,470 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height755 mmSeat Height835 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)228 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)215 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity11.8 lFuel Tank Capacity17 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

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.

Powerful, refined engine

brakes very good for a single-disc system

full electronics package with cornering ABS and lean angle-dependent traction control

Chassis really hard

turn-in behaviour somewhat unwilling due to wide front tyre

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022

The Z900 RS enjoys a large fan base and in 2022 it once again proves why it is so popular. The powerful engine scores with pulling power and a wonderful sound that is not too obtrusive. The handling feels natural and presents no challenges. Only a quickshifter would suit the bike - even if that doesn't quite fit the retro idea.

beautiful design

powerful engine

stable handling

powerful brake

comfortable seating position

analogue displays

adjustable levers

No optional quickshifter available

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S vs Kawasaki Z900 RS

There are a few key differences between a Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 and a Kawasaki Z900 RS 2022. It takes less time to sell a Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S with 73 days compared to 127 days for a Kawasaki Z900 RS. Since model year 2021 1000PS.de editors have written 7 reviews for the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S and 26 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 RS since model year 2018. The first review for the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S was published on 7/13/2021 and now has more than 78,300 views. This compares to more than 63,700 views for the first review on Kawasaki Z900 RS published on 9/6/2017.

Price Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Z900 RS

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Current average market prices

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