Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 vs. Triumph Thruxton RS 2020

In terms of engine and drive train, the Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 is equipped with a V-twin engine that produces 122 horsepower and 125 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the Triumph Thruxton RS 2020 features an in-line crankpin offset engine with 105 horsepower and 112 Nm of torque. Both bikes have fuel injection systems, liquid cooling, and 2 cylinders.

In terms of suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front. The Sportster S RH1250S uses Showa suspension with adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings, while the Thruxton RS features Showa suspension at the front with similar adjustability. At the rear, the Sportster S RH1250S has a swing arm suspension with a monoshock from Showa, while the Thruxton RS has a swing arm suspension with a dual shock from Öhlins.

In terms of chassis, both bikes have steel frames. The Sportster S RH1250S has a tubular, load-bearing engine frame type, while the Thruxton RS has a central tube frame type.

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

When it comes to brakes, the Sportster S RH1250S has a single disc front brake with a diameter of 320 mm and four pistons. It utilizes radial, monoblock technology. The Thruxton RS, on the other hand, has double disc front brakes with a diameter of 310 mm and four pistons. It also uses radial, monoblock technology.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, the Sportster S RH1250S offers ABS, riding modes, cornering ABS, ride by wire, cruise control, and traction control. The Thruxton RS, on the other hand, only offers ABS.

Triumph Thruxton RS 2020

In terms of dimensions and weights, the Sportster S RH1250S 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. It has a wheelbase of 1520 mm, a seat height of 755 mm, a dry weight (with ABS) of 221 kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 11.8 liters. The Thruxton RS has a front tire width of 120 mm and a diameter of 17 inches, while the rear tire has a width of 160 mm and a diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1415 mm, a seat height of 810 mm, a dry weight (with ABS) of 197 kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 14.5 liters.

In terms of strengths, the Sportster S RH1250S has a powerful and refined engine, excellent brakes for a single-disc system, and a full electronics package with cornering ABS and lean angle-dependent traction control. The Thruxton RS, on the other hand, is praised for its attention to detail with many wonderful details, powerful engine, high-quality brakes, good chassis, and great engine response. It is also described as easy to handle and control.

In terms of weaknesses, the Sportster S RH1250S is criticized for its hard chassis and somewhat unwilling turn-in behavior due to the wide front tire. The Thruxton RS, on the other hand, is noted to only be available as the top version RS and has inadequate splash protection in bad weather.