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Harley Davidson Showdown: Sportster S Vs V-rod – Battle Of The Bad Boys

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...

What To Know

  • 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.

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Matthew

Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his current Yamaha FZ6, Matthew enjoys tinkering with and upgrading his bikes. He has a keen interest in bike mechanics and regularly shares tips on maintenance and repairs with his readers. Matthew also provides gear and equipment reviews, helping other riders choose the best kit for weekend rides or longer touring trips. Beyond talking motorbikes, Matthew's blog gives readers an insight into his life. He shares stories and photos from motorcycle trips around the UK as well as further afield in Europe. Readers often describe Matthew's writing as both entertaining and inspirational; he aims to fuel the wanderlust of other bikers. Through his passion for two-wheel adventures on all types of roads, Matthew explores the freedom that motorcycling brings. He looks forward to many more years of thrills on two wheels and chronicling his experiences on matthewbikelog.
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