2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R vs 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4, rearward-rotating crankshaft, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder
Power
175 kW / 235 hp @ 15750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
186.5 kg / 411.2 lbs
2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, 60° V-twin Revolution Max 1250, Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake & exhaust VVT, four valves per cylinder
Power
121 hp / 90 kW @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
228 kg / 502 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20262025
Make Model-Harley Davidson Sportster S
Dimensions
Seat Height850 mm / 33.4 Single seat765 mm / 30.1 in
Wheelbase1471 mm / 57.9 in1520 mm / 59.8 in
Ground Clearance-90 mm / 3.5 in
Height-1085 mm / 42.7 in
Length-2270 mm / 89.42 in
Seat Height (Laden)-734 mm / 28.9 in
Width-840 mm / 33.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-221 kg / 487 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.49 US gal11.7 Litres / 3.1 US gal
Wet Weight186.5 kg / 411.2 lbs228 kg / 502 lbs
Performance
Max Power175 kW / 235 hp @ 15750 rpm121 hp / 90 kW @ 7500 rpm
Max Torque-126 Nm / 93 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Engine
Displacement998 cc / 60.9 cu-in1252 cc / 76.4 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4, rearward-rotating crankshaft, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinderFour stroke, 60° V-twin Revolution Max 1250, Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake & exhaust VVT, four valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke81 x 48.4 mm105 x 72.3 mm
Compression Ratio14.0:112.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
EmissionsEuro 5-
Exhaust4-2-1-2 system, with 2 catalytic converters and 4 lambda probes2-into-1-into-2, catalyst in muffler
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection system. Twin injectors per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies with aerodynamic valves. Variable length intake systemElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Lubrication-Semi-dry sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchHydraulically controlled slipper dry clutch. Self bleeding master cylinder.Mechanical, 8 plate wet, assist & slip, 1090N
Final DriveChain 520; Front sprocket 16; Rear sprocket 43Belt, 34/80 ratio
Gear Ratios1st = 36/15, 2nd = 34/17, 3rd = 33/19, 4th = 32/21, 5th = 30/22, 6th = 27/221st 12.21 / 2nd 9.022 / 3rd 6.994 / 4th 5.641 / 5th 4.731 / 6th 4.131
Primary DriveStraight cut gears; Ratio 1.80:1Gear, 49/89 ratio
Transmission / DriveSix-speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 26 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminum alloy Front Frame with optimized stiffnessesStressed-member, high strength low alloy steel trellis frame; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; MIG welded; aluminum forged mid-structure
Suspension - Front43 mm Fully adjustable Öhlins NPX pressurized fork with TiN treatment43 mm inverted fork with compression, rebound and spring preload adjustability. Aluminium fork triple clamps
Suspension - RearFully adjustable Öhlins TTX 36 unit with hydraulic spring preload adjusterLinkage-mounted, piggyback monoshock with compression, rebound and hydraulic spring preload adjustability
Fork Angle-28°
Lean Angle-35°
Rake24,5°30°
SeatSingle seat-
Swingarm-High strength low alloy steel, tubular sections, stamped x-member, forged axle junctions; MIG welded
Trail100 mm / 3.9 in148 mm / 5.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front125 mm / 4.9 in92 mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in82 mm / 3.2 in
Electronics
Equipment / FeaturesÖhlins suspension, Lithium-ion battery, Quick adjustment buttons, Forged aluminium wheels, Coming home, Single seat configuration, Ducati Power Launch (DPL DVO, TFT colour display, Full LED lighting system,Full LED headlight, Daytime Running Light (DRL), Self cancelling turning indicators, Lap Timer, Pit Limiter, Rear suspension rod with adjustable length, Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG) with Ducati Neutral Lock (DNL), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down 2.0, Billet aluminium steering stem with bike number, Öhlins SD20 steering damper.-
Safety EquipmentRiding Modes, Power Modes, Bosch Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) DVO, Auto tyre calibration, Race brake control, Road eCBS-
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationLast generation digital unit with 5in TFT colour display-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 330 mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc Hypure, 4-piston calipers. Self bleeding master cylinderSingle 320mm rotor, radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 245 mm disc, 2-piston caliperSingle 260mm solid uniform expansion rotor, floating single piston caliper
ABSCornering ABS with eCBSStandard
Rims - Front-4.5 x 17
Rims - Rear-5.0 x 16
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP-V4160/70TR17 73V Dunlop- Harley-Davidson Series, radial, GT503
Tyres - Rear200/60 ZR17, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP-V4180/70R16 77V Dunlop- Harley-Davidson Series, radial, GT503
Wheels-Aluminum cast, satin black
Wheels - Front3.50 x 17 in, 5-spoke aluminium alloy-
Wheels - Rear6.00 x 17 in, 5-spoke aluminium alloy-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R

The 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R edges out the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S thanks to its more peak power, dual front discs, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 175 kW vs 121 hp - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 130 mm vs 82 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 125 mm vs 92 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 765 mm vs 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 1252 cc vs 998 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R vs 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R and 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S?
The 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R uses Four stroke, Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4, rearward-rotating crankshaft, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, while the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S is powered by Four stroke, 60° V-twin Revolution Max 1250, Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake & exhaust VVT, four valves per cylinder.
Which has more power, the 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R or the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S?
The 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R produces more peak power at 175 kW, compared to 121 hp for the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R or the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S?
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S has the lower seat at 765 mm, making it more accessible. The 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R sits higher at 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R or the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S?
Both are strong choices. The 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R has the edge in more peak power and dual front discs, while the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S stands out for lower seat height and larger displacement. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.