Quick summary
- The Sportster S frame is lighter than the V-Rod frame, making the Sportster S more agile and easier to handle.
- The Sportster S also has a longer travel suspension than the V-Rod, giving it more ground clearance and making it more comfortable to ride over rough roads.
- The Harley Davidson Sportster S has dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc brake, while the V-Rod has dual front disc brakes and a dual rear disc brake.
The Harley Davidson Sportster S and V-Rod are two of the most iconic motorcycles in the world. Both bikes have a unique style and performance, but they also have some key differences. In this blog post, we will compare the Harley Davidson Sportster S vs V-Rod to help you decide which bike is right for you.
Engine
The Harley Davidson Sportster S is powered by a 1250cc Revolution Max engine, while the V-Rod is powered by a 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine. The Sportster S engine is more powerful than the V-Rod engine, producing 121 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque compared to the V-Rod’s 115 horsepower and 84 lb-ft of torque. The Sportster S engine also has a higher redline than the V-Rod engine, allowing it to rev higher and produce more power.
Chassis
The Harley Davidson Sportster S has a steel trellis frame, while the V-Rod has an aluminum frame. The Sportster S frame is lighter than the V-Rod frame, making the Sportster S more agile and easier to handle. The Sportster S also has a shorter wheelbase than the V-Rod, making it more maneuverable in tight spaces.
Suspension
The Harley Davidson Sportster S has a fully adjustable suspension, while the V-Rod has a non-adjustable suspension. The Sportster S suspension is more sophisticated than the V-Rod suspension, allowing you to fine-tune the bike’s handling to your liking. The Sportster S also has a longer travel suspension than the V-Rod, giving it more ground clearance and making it more comfortable to ride over rough roads.
Brakes
The Harley Davidson Sportster S has dual front disc brakes and a single rear disc brake, while the V-Rod has dual front disc brakes and a dual rear disc brake. The Sportster S brakes are more powerful than the V-Rod brakes, giving you more stopping power. The Sportster S also has a shorter stopping distance than the V-Rod, making it safer to ride in traffic.
Styling
The Harley Davidson Sportster S has a more modern and aggressive styling than the V-Rod. The Sportster S has a blacked-out finish, a low-slung seat, and a chopped rear fender. The V-Rod has a more classic styling, with a chrome finish, a high-rise seat, and a full-length rear fender.
Price
The Harley Davidson Sportster S starts at $14,999, while the V-Rod starts at $19,999. The Sportster S is more affordable than the V-Rod, making it a better value for the money.
Wrap-Up: Which Bike is Right for You?
The Harley Davidson Sportster S and V-Rod are both great motorcycles, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Sportster S is more powerful, agile, and affordable than the V-Rod. The V-Rod has a more classic styling and a more comfortable ride. Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Questions You May Have
1. Which bike is faster, the Sportster S or the V-Rod?
The Sportster S is faster than the V-Rod. The Sportster S has a more powerful engine and a lighter frame, giving it a better power-to-weight ratio.
2. Which bike is more comfortable to ride?
The V-Rod is more comfortable to ride than the Sportster S. The V-Rod has a higher seat and a more upright riding position, making it more comfortable for long rides.
3. Which bike is more affordable?
The Sportster S is more affordable than the V-Rod. The Sportster S starts at $14,999, while the V-Rod starts at $19,999.