The Sportster Competition: A Spec-Chart Shootout

The reinvention of the Sportster in this new Sportster S makes it difficult to categorize or cross-shop with likely competitors. As a buyer’s guide of sorts, here are specifications that illustrate key distinctions between American V-Twin offerings with less than 1,300cc.

The existing Sportster Forty-Eight has the same riding position as the new S, but its performance in comparison makes it look like a tractor. The S not only has 53 additional horsepower, it also has 23 extra lb-ft of torque and weighs nearly 60 pounds less. Also, the Forty-Eight has no fancy electronics, IMU, TFT, or cornering ABS, which can be a blessing or a curse depending on the rider.

Indian Motorcycle’s Scout seems to be the nearest analog to the Sportster S, as they both have liquid-cooled 60-degree V-Twins in a long and low cruiser profile. However, the Indian is out-gunned in the motor department, down about 20 horsepower and 22 lb-ft of torque, largely because of its 119cc-smaller engine displacement. The Scout also weighs significantly more than the S. The Scout has 33% more rear-suspension travel and is priced at $3,000 less.

Indian’s FTR uses a hot-rodded version of the Scout’s motor, with a larger (1,203cc) engine pushing out the same horsepower as the Sportster S, despite being 49cc smaller. The Harley’s extra cubes and variable valve timing give it an edge in torque production. Curb weights are nearly identical. Each has an IMU to inform traction control and cornering ABS, as well as ride modes. Both have TFT instrumentation, but only the Indian’s has a touchscreen. The biggest difference is that the FTR is ergonomically a sporty standard with sharper steering geometry rather than a low, raked-out cruiser, so it’s an apples/crabapples comparison.