Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs. Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

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Overview - Kawasaki Z900 2023 vs Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2023 compared to Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Kawasaki Z900 2023
Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore73.4 mmBore88.9 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke96.8 mm
Engine powerEngine power125 HPEngine power67 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power6,000 rpm
TorqueTorque98.6 NmTorque96 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque3,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio10
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionBelt
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears5
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesOHV
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingAir
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement1,202 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter49 mm

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeDouble cradle
RakeRake65 degreeRake29.6 degree
TrailTrail105 mmTrail132 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeSingle disk
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width130 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter16 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height80 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter16 inch
LengthLength2,070 mmLength2,165 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,065 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,495 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height795 mmSeat Height710 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)212 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)255 kg
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
Stationary noiseStationary noise97 dBStationary noise98 dB

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2023

Kawasaki Z900 2023

The Kawasaki Z900 may not be up to scratch when it comes to modern, lean angle-dependent electronic features, but it's relatively cheap and you shouldn't underestimate the fan base of the good old inline four - the Z900 is one of the cheapest ways to own such a great engine with just under a litre of displacement in a sporty naked bike! The higher weight is noticeable, but not massively annoying, because the handling and stability are quite alright. In terms of "outdated" electronics, the most annoying thing is the missing shift assistant, which is not even available as an option. Overall, however, the Z900 is a great naked bike with a great price-performance ratio.

Light and natural handling with high stability

silky engine with full pull from low revs

high chassis transparency, great feedback

seating position with feel-good factor

absolutely fair price.

Relatively cumbersome operation of the menu

no slope-dependent assistance systems

high weight

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

If you look up the word bobber in the dictionary, a picture of the Harley-Davidson 48 is likely to come up. In our comparison, thanks to the long Sportster history and clever marketing, it is probably the most authentic bike of the four test motorbikes. And it's the only one that doesn't have the term "bobber" in its name - because it doesn't need it. Nothing about it has been softened to make comfort-consumed customers happy. When stationary, the motorbike vibrates and the gearbox makes a loud "clunk" with every gear change. The Harley-Davidson 48 is raw, uncompromising and simply oldschool - and cool. Unthinkable with other manufacturers, normal with Harley-Davidson - thanks to clever marketing! Nevertheless, the Forty-Eight rides like a relatively modern motorbike. The V2 has powerful pressure, which the brakes can easily handle. Even though the chassis is designed for comfort, we were surprised at how sportily the Sportster can be moved through curvy terrain.

Very successful appearance, available in four paint finishes

Cool peanut tank

Authentic appearance

Characterful features

Little lean angle clearance

Hard shifting

Very short range due to small tank

Unconventional indicator operation

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH