2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S vs 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), 90° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, dual spark
Power
159 hp / 117 kW @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
244 kg / 538 lbs
2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256 kg / 564 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20202020 - 21
Make ModelDucati Diavel 1260 SHarley Davidson Sportster Iron 1200
Dimensions
Seat Height780 mm / 30.7 in735 mm / 28.9 in
Wheelbase1600 mm / 63.0 in1515 mm / 59.6 in
Ground Clearance-140 mm / 5.5 in
Length-2200 mm / 86.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight214 kg / 481 lbs248 kg / 547 lb.
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal12 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Oil Capacity-2.6 Litres / 2.7 US qrts
Wet Weight244 kg / 538 lbs256 kg / 564 lbs
Performance
Max Power159 hp / 117 kW @ 9500 rpm-
Max Torque128.9 Nm / 95 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm99 Nm / 73 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine
Displacement1262 cc / 77 cu-in1202 cc / 73.4 cub in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), 90° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, dual sparkFour stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke106 x 71.5 mm88.9 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio13.0:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
EmissionsEuro4-
ExhaustStainless steel pipes and single muffler with twin tail pipes, Catalytic converter and 2 lambda probesBlack, staggered exhaust and headers with black slash-cut mufflers
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection system, Øeq 56 mm elliptical throttle bodies with Ride-by-Wire systemElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
IgnitionElectronicDigital CDI
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchSlipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control-
Final DriveChain, Front sprocket Z15, Rear sprocket Z43Belt
Gear Ratios1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 22/251ST 9.315 2ND 6.653 3RD 4.948 4TH 4.102 5TH 3.517
Primary DriveStraight cut gears, Ratio 1.84:1Chain, 38/57 ratio
Transmission / Drive6-Speed5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis frameMild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube section, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Suspension - Front48 mm USD Öhlins adjustable fork, TiN treatment39 mm Forks
Suspension - RearÖhlins fully adjustable monoshock, Aluminium casted single-sided swingarmCoil-over, dual-adjustable preload
Lean Angle-28°
Rake27°30°
Trail120 mm / 4.7 in117 mm / 4.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear110 mm / 4.33 in-
Electronics
Equipment / FeaturesÖhlins fully adjustable suspension, Ducati Quick Shift up/down Evo (DQS), Cruise control, Ducati Power Launch Evo (DPL), Hands-Free, Backlit handlebar switches, 3.5″ TFT colour display, Full LED lighting system, Daytime Running | Safety Equipment Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Safety Pack (Cornering ABS Evo, Ducati Traction Control Evo DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control Evo (DWC), Cruise control, Ducati Power Launch Evo (DPL), Hands-Free, Backlit handlebar switches, 3.5″ TFT colour display, Full LED lighting system, Self cancelling turn indicators-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation3.5 in TFT colour display and dedicated warning light display-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, Radially mounted Brembo monobloc 4-piston M4.32 callipers, PR18/19 radial master cylinderSingle 292 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 265mm disc, 2-piston Brembo floating calliperSingle 292mm disc, 1 piston caliper
ABSCornering ABS Evo-
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II100/90B19 57H
Tyres - Rear240/45 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II150/80B16 77H
WheelsLight alloy, casted and machined,-
Wheels - Front3.50 x 17Black, 9-spoke
Wheels - Rear8.00 x 17Black, 9-spoke

Verdict

Winner on specs

2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S

The 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S edges out the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 thanks to its larger fuel tank, liquid cooling, standard ABS and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 735 mm vs 780 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S vs 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S and 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
The 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S uses Four stroke, Testastretta DVT, while the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 is powered by Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
The 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S is lighter at 244 kg compared to 256 kg for the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 - a difference of 12 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 has the lower seat at 735 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S sits higher at 780 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
The 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S has the larger tank at approximately 17 litres vs 12 litres for the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 283-340 km vs 200-240 km between stops.
Does the 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S or 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 have ABS?
The 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S is listed with ABS as standard. The 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S or the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260 S has the edge in larger fuel tank and liquid cooling, while the 2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 1200 stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.