Kawasaki Z900 2026 vs. Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2026

Kawasaki Z900 2026

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

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Technical Specifications Kawasaki Z900 2026 compared to Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Kawasaki Z900 2026
Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore73.4 mmBore105 mm
StrokeStroke56 mmStroke72.3 mm
Engine powerEngine power124 HPEngine power122 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power9,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpm
TorqueTorque97.4 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque7,700 rpmRpm at Torque6,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio12
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionBelt
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders4Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement948 ccmDisplacement1,252 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel120 mmTravel92 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountDeflection
TravelTravel140 mmTravel51 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeDouble cradleFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
TrailTrail110 mmTrail148 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeSingle disk
DiameterDiameter300 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFixed caliperShock mountFloating caliper
TechnologyTechnologyPetalTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter250 mmDiameter260 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonSingle piston

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Traction controlAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Riding modes, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Cruise control, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width160 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter17 inchFront tyre diameter17 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width180 mmRear tyre width180 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height55 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter16 inch
LengthLength2,065 mmLength2,265 mm
WidthWidth830 mmWidth843 mm
HeightHeight1,075 mmHeight1,089 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,450 mmWheelbase1,520 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height830 mmSeat Height755 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)213 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)228 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity17 lFuel Tank Capacity11.8 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA
RangeRange354 kmRange245 km
Combined fuel consumptionCombined fuel consumption4.8 l/100kmCombined fuel consumption5.1 l/100km

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, TFT displayEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, LED-Headlights, TFT display

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Z900 2026

Kawasaki Z900 2026

The new Z900 masters the balancing act between modernisation and proven virtues remarkably well. The 6-axle IMU, the precise quickshifter and the new electronics package make it technically absolutely up-to-date, while the characterful four-cylinder engine loses none of its fascination despite Euro 5+. The harmonious setup of all components is particularly impressive: whether suspension, engine or ergonomics - the overall package is just right.

Harmonious engine with impressive acceleration in the mid-range

very well functioning quickshifter with precise responsiveness

mature riding performance with a good compromise between stability and nimble handling

sensitive 6-axle IMU with harmonious control

superbly tuned seating position

excellent engine reponsiveness

confident cornering behaviour with transparent feedback from the front

harmonious electronics that do not restrict riding pleasure

smooth transmission with perfectly tuned ratios

first-class stop-and-go behaviour in city traffic

intuitive bike for beginners and experienced riders

slim waist despite four-cylinder layout

Great 5 inch display but the possibilities are not perfectly utilised with the Rideology app

licence plate holder seems a little carelessly integrated into the design

fuel consumption in practice significantly higher than factory specification (6.0-6.5l instead of 4.8l)

suspension of the basic version a little stiff on poor asphalt

promised app functions not yet available at the time of testing

Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S 2021

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

Price Comparison Average Market Price Kawasaki Z900 vs Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S

Price Kawasaki Z900

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Harley-Davidson Sportster S RH1250S

Model year
Current average market prices

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