Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 vs. Kawasaki Z1000SX 2019

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Kawasaki Z1000SX 2019

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021 compared to Kawasaki Z1000SX 2019

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Kawasaki Z1000SX 2019

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Kawasaki Z1000SX 2019

Engine and Drive Train

Engine type	Engine type	V	Engine type	In line
Bore	Bore	105 mm	Bore	77 mm
Stroke	Stroke	72.3 mm	Stroke	56 mm
Engine power	Engine power	122 HP	Engine power	142 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	10,000 rpm
Torque	Torque	125 Nm	Torque	111 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	6,000 rpm	Rpm at Torque	7,300 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	12	Compression Ratio	11.8
Fuel system	Fuel system	Injection	Fuel system	Injection
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Transmission	Transmission	Belt	Transmission	Chain
Transmission Type	Transmission Type	Gearshift	Transmission Type	Gearshift
Number of gears	Number of gears	6	Number of gears	6
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	1,043 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspension	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork	Front suspension	Upside-Down telescopic fork
Diameter	Diameter	43 mm	Diameter	41 mm
Travel	Travel	92 mm	Travel	120 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

Suspension	Suspension	Swing arm	Suspension	Swing arm
Shock absorber	Shock absorber	Monoshock	Shock absorber	Monoshock
Travel	Travel	51 mm	Travel	144 mm
Adjustment	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound	Adjustment	Compression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Aluminium
Rake	Rake	60 degree	Rake	65.5 degree
Trail	Trail	148 mm	Trail	102 mm

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Double disk
Diameter	Diameter	320 mm	Diameter	300 mm
Piston	Piston	Four pistons	Piston	Four pistons
Shock mount	Shock mount	Floating caliper	Shock mount	Semi-Schwimmsattel
Technology	Technology	radial, Monoblock	Technology	radial, Monoblock, Petal

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Diameter	Diameter	260 mm	Diameter	250 mm
Piston	Piston	Single piston	Piston	Single piston
Shock mount	Shock mount	Fixed caliper	Shock mount	Floating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control	Advanced Rider Assistance Systems	ABS, Traction control

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	2,100 mm
Width	Width	843 mm	Width	790 mm
Height	Height	1,089 mm	Height	1,185 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,520 mm	Wheelbase	1,440 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	755 mm	Seat Height	815 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	228 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	235 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	11.8 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	19 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

Kawasaki Z1000SX 2019

The nakedbike genes of the original Z1000 have fortunately been retained in the right areas, but the bike has been consistently tuned for touring suitability. An adapted seating position with a clearly comfortable seat (also and especially for the pillion rider), a finely controllable engine and sufficient wind protection provide the optimal basis for long, extensive and not least sporty rides. The rather compact knee angle might cause some of you to take an early break on long rides. In return, however, you get an upright riding position in which you can freely develop your upper body. The Z1000SX is a reduced to the essential touring bike with a top price-performance ratio! One thing in particular stood out: you don't always have to have all the electronic "helpers" on board to create a sporty bike that rides very well - a TOP sports tourer at a favourable price compared to the other two bikes!

Noticeable increase in power compared to the Versys 1000

Sensitive in-line four-cylinder that can be dosed in a controlled manner

The price-performance winner among the tested sports touring bikes

Ideal compromise between sportiness and touring capabilities

Electronically rather rudimentary

instruments not optimally readable in direct sunlight