Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021 vs. Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

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Overview - Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021 vs Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Technical Specifications Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021 compared to Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021
Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeV
BoreBore83 mmBore88.9 mm
StrokeStroke60 mmStroke96.8 mm
Engine powerEngine power61 HPEngine power67 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,500 rpmRpm at Max. Power6,000 rpm
TorqueTorque62.4 NmTorque96 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,600 rpmRpm at Torque3,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio10.8 Compression Ratio10
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
IgnitionIgnitionDigitalIgnitionTransistor
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionBelt
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears5
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingAir
DisplacementDisplacement649 ccmDisplacement1,202 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTelescopic forkFront suspensionTelescopic fork
DiameterDiameter41 mmDiameter49 mm

Suspension Rear

AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typePerimeterFrame typeDouble cradle
TrailTrail120 mmTrail132 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeSingle diskTypeSingle disk
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonDouble piston

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 diameter18 inchFront tyre diameter16 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width160 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height80 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter16 inch
LengthLength2,310 mmLength2,165 mm
WidthWidth880 mmWidth820 mm
HeightHeight1,100 mmHeight1,065 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,575 mmWheelbase1,495 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height705 mmSeat Height710 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)229 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)255 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity14 lFuel Tank Capacity7.9 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2021

No matter which platform Kawasaki puts the 650 cubic two-cylinder in, the result is always a great motorbike! Even though the engine is unusually rev-happy for a cruiser, it results in a cruiser that actually qualifies as a sports cruiser when paired with the sporty chassis set-up. The only brake is the limited lean angle clearance, but this will not deter lovers of hearty footrest grinding. With such a good bike, we hope that Kawasaki will follow suit - after all, the Vulcan S has been with us almost unchanged since 2015.

powerful engine

chassis tuning with sporty Kawasaki DNA

real cruiser seating position

easy-to-read display

potential in tuning

Appearance a little outdated

moderate wind protection

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 Vulcan S vs Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight

Price Kawasaki Vulcan S

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200X Forty-Eight

Model year
Current average market prices

Alternative Comparisons

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