Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 vs. Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

In terms of engine and drive train, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 features an in-line engine with 180 HP of power and 125 Nm of torque. It has a fuel injection system and is equipped with 3 cylinders. The cooling system is liquid-based, and the displacement is 1160 ccm. On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 has a V-type engine with 122 HP of power and 125 Nm of torque. It also has a fuel injection system and is equipped with 2 cylinders. The cooling system is liquid-based, and the displacement is 1252 ccm.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front. However, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 features Öhlins suspension with compression, preload, and rebound adjustment, while the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 features Showa suspension with the same adjustment options. In terms of the rear suspension, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 has a single swing arm with a monoshock from Öhlins, while the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 has a swing arm with a monoshock from Showa.

In terms of chassis, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 has an aluminum frame with a twin-tube design, while the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 has a steel frame with a tubular, load-bearing engine design.

Both bikes have double disk brakes at the front with a diameter of 320 mm and four pistons. They also feature radial, monoblock technology.

Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both bikes have ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, and traction control. However, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 also has cruise control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 has a front tire width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 190 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is 1445 mm, and the seat height is 830 mm. The kerb weight with ABS is 198 kg, and the fuel tank capacity is 15.5 liters. The range is 276 km, and the combined fuel consumption is 5.6 l/100km.

On the other hand, 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. The range is 245 km, and the combined fuel consumption is 5.1 l/100km.

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

In terms of strengths, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 is incredibly universal, easy to drive in city traffic, and super fast when needed. It has a rev-happy and powerful engine, a top quickshifter, and can be driven quietly when needed. It also has a light and compact ride, stable handling even in fast corners, strong brakes, and precise handling.

On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 has a powerful and refined engine, with brakes that are very good for a single-disc system. It also has a full electronics package with cornering ABS and lean angle-dependent traction control.

In terms of weaknesses, the Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS 2021 has load change reactions at low speeds, a slightly too low steering angle, and a narrow knee angle for tall people. It also has stubborn mobile phone connectivity, squeaky brakes, traction control that is too defensive even in track mode, vibrations on the handlebars, and a suspension that does not respond sensitively enough with a basic set-up that is too tight.

On the other hand, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 has a chassis that is really hard and turn-in behavior that is somewhat unwilling due to the wide front tire.