Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020 vs. Kawasaki Ninja 650 2017

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2017

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2017

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Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020 compared to Kawasaki Ninja 650 2017

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020
Kawasaki Ninja 650 2017

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeVEngine typeIn line
BoreBore88.9 mmBore83 mm
StrokeStroke96.8 mmStroke60 mm
Engine powerEngine power67 HPEngine power68.2 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power6,000 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,000 rpm
TorqueTorque96 NmTorque65.7 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque3,500 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10 Compression Ratio10.8
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionTransistorIgnitionDigital
TransmissionTransmissionBeltTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears5Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
ValvesValvesOHVValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingAirCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,202 ccmDisplacement649 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork
DiameterDiameter49 mmDiameter41 mm

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular
RakeRake29.6 degreeRake65.5 degree
TrailTrail132 mmTrail100 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeSingle diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountSemi-Schwimmsattel

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width130 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter16 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width160 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height80 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter16 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,165 mmLength2,055 mm
WidthWidth820 mmWidth740 mm
HeightHeight1,065 mmHeight1,135 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,495 mmWheelbase1,410 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height710 mmSeat Height790 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)255 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)193 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity7.9 lFuel Tank Capacity15 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

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

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2017

Kawasaki Ninja 650 2017

The Ninja 650 firmly stamps its predecessor (Er-6f). The engine has mastered the Euro 4 hurdle well and serves up a very usable 68 hp, the chassis is simply great for this class, and the weight reduction of 18(!) kilos compared to the ER-6f justifies reverent nods.

Transparent chassis for sport

playful and good-natured handling, excellent brakes, sharp looks a la ZX-10R

resilient engine.

Little sound from the series pot

engine shows slight vibrations

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight vs Kawasaki Ninja 650

Price Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Kawasaki Ninja 650

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

1000PS Partner

ChigeeContinental MotorradreifenMotorex AGcalimoto GmbH