Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 vs. Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 2009

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 2009

Overview - Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 vs Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 2009

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 2009

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 compared to Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 2009

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 2009

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 2009

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	V	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	105 mm	Bore	76 mm
Stroke	Stroke	72.3 mm	Stroke	55.1 mm
Engine power	Engine power	122 HP	Engine power	178 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	12,000 rpm
Torque	Torque	125 Nm	Torque	112 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,000 rpm	Rpm at Torque	8,500 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12	Compression Ratio	12.3
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Belt	Transmission	Chain
Cylinders	Cylinders	2	Cylinders	4
Strokes	Strokes	4-Stroke	Strokes	4-Stroke
Valves per cylinder	Valves per cylinder	4	Valves per cylinder	4
Valves	Valves	DOHC	Valves	DOHC
Cooling	Cooling	liquid	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	1,252 ccm	Displacement	999 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Aluminium
Frame type	Frame type	Tubular, Load-bearing engine	Frame type	Twin Tube

Brakes Front

Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Single piston

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Four pistons

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	160 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	17 inch	Front tyre diameter	17 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	180 mm	Rear tyre width	190 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	70 %	Rear tyre height	50 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	16 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,265 mm	Length	2,080 mm
Width	Width	843 mm	Width	685 mm
Height	Height	1,089 mm	Height	1,130 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,520 mm	Wheelbase	1,410 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	755 mm	Seat Height	820 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	11.8 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

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

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade 2009

Those who focus on good lap times will not find the CBR 1000 RR the best partner in the field. Those who simply want to ride nice laps around the ring or on the country road will still have fun with it. It rides heart-stoppingly, looks great and gives you a lot of feeling for the rear wheel. At the regulars' table, Honda fans can at least score points with Marquez's victories, but they won't be able to come up with the Fireblade's fabulous performance figures or lap records.

great look

transparent handling

good feeling for traction

high-quality chassis

great basis for racetrack conversion

reliable and proven technology

Peak power no longer up to date

lack of traction control