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

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

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

The Kawasaki Z900 2021 and the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 are both naked bikes that offer powerful performance and advanced rider assistance systems. However, there are some notable differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Kawasaki Z900 is equipped with an inline four-cylinder engine that produces 125.4 HP and 98.6 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S features a V-twin engine that delivers 122 HP and 125 Nm of torque. Both bikes have fuel injection systems and liquid cooling.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front and swing arm suspension at the rear. The Kawasaki Z900 offers adjustments for preload and rebound on both the front and rear suspension, while the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S provides additional compression adjustment. This allows for more customization and fine-tuning of the suspension settings.

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of braking systems, the Kawasaki Z900 is equipped with double disk brakes at the front with a diameter of 300 mm and four-piston calipers. The Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S, on the other hand, features a single disk brake at the front with a larger diameter of 320 mm and radial monoblock calipers. This setup provides excellent braking performance, especially considering it is a single-disc system.

Both bikes come with advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, riding modes, ride by wire, and traction control. However, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S offers additional features like cornering ABS, cruise control, and lean angle-dependent traction control. These features enhance the safety and performance of the bike, especially in challenging riding conditions.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Kawasaki Z900 has a wheelbase of 1450 mm and a seat height of 795 mm. It weighs 210 kg (with ABS). On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S has a slightly longer wheelbase of 1520 mm and a lower seat height of 755 mm. It weighs 228 kg (with ABS).

In terms of equipment, both bikes come with modern features such as LED headlights and TFT displays. However, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S offers additional connectivity options with Bluetooth and connectivity features.

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

In terms of strengths, the Kawasaki Z900 offers a powerful four-cylinder engine, intuitive handling, good equipment, aggressive looks, and value for money. On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S boasts a powerful and refined engine, excellent braking performance for a single-disc system, and a full electronics package with advanced features like cornering ABS and lean angle-dependent traction control.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Kawasaki Z900 lacks a quickshifter option and some competitors have more advanced electronic systems with a 6-axis IMU. The Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S has a chassis that is quite hard, and its turn-in behavior may be somewhat unwilling due to the wide front tire.

In conclusion, both the Kawasaki Z900 2021 and the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 are powerful naked bikes with advanced features. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities, such as riding style, desired features, and budget.

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

Kawasaki Z900 2021
Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore73.4 mmBore105 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke72.3 mm
Engine powerEngine power125.4 HPEngine power122 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio12
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionBelt
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement1,252 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel92 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel140 mmTravel51 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake65 degreeRake60 degree
TrailTrail105 mmTrail148 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeSingle disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter260 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

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

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width160 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 height55 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter16 inch
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,265 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth843 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,089 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,520 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height755 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)210 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)228 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2021

In terms of price-performance, the Kawasaki Z900 is hard to beat at the moment. With the perfectly tuned engine, the high-quality chassis components and the electronics added for 2020, this naked bike offers everything that sporty riders will be looking for. There is really nothing to complain about, except for the lack of a quickshifter option.

powerful four-cylinder

intuitive handling

good equipment

aggressive looks

value for money

No quickshifter option

competitors with 6-axis IMU electronically ahead.

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

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

There are a few key differences between a Kawasaki Z900 2021 and a Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021. There are the same number of bikes of both models available on the 1000PS.de marketplace, specifically 33. It takes less time to sell a Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S with 73 days compared to 107 days for the Kawasaki Z900. Since model year 2017 1000PS.de editors have written 46 reviews for the Kawasaki Z900 and 7 reviews for the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S since model year 2021. The first review for the Kawasaki Z900 was published on 11/11/2016 and now has more than 93,200 views. This compares to more than 78,300 views for the first review on Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S published on 7/13/2021.

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S

Model year
Current average market prices

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