MotoSpecs

2018 Ducati XDiavel S vs 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Ducati XDiavel S 2018 Ducati XDiavel S

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), 90° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, dual spark
Power
114.7 kW / 156 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
247 kg / 545 lbs
2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
555.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2017 - 18-
Colours-Vivid Black, Performance Orange, Stone Washed White Pearl, River Rock Grey Denim, Stiletto Red
Make ModelDucati XDiavel S-
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-711 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-28.0 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-110 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-4.3 inches
Seat Height755 mm / 29.7 in665 mm / 26.2 in.
Wheelbase1615 mm / 63.6 in1495 mm / 58.9 in.
Length-2164 mm / 85.2 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-2.96 US quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-2.80 litres
Dry Weight220 kg / 485 lbs247 kg / 544.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.75 US gal7.90 litres / 2.09 US gallons
Wet Weight247 kg / 545 lbs252.0 kg / 555.6 lbs
Performance
Max Power114.7 kW / 156 hp @ 9500 rpm-
Max Torque128.9 Nm / 95 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm99.0 Nm (10.1 kgf-m or 73.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500 Revolutions"
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.2632 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 3.8 inches
Displacement (cc)-1202.0 cc
Displacement (ci)-73.35 cubic inches
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.9 x 96.8 mm
CO2-113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement1262 cc / 77 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing), 90° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, dual sparkEvolution® engine
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Bore x Stroke106 x 71.5 mm-
Compression Ratio13.0:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
EmissionsEuro 4-
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
ExhaustStainless steel exhaust and muffler with dual oval exits, catalytic converter and 2 lambda probesBlack, staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflers
Fuel Consumption-4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
Fuel InductionBOSCH fuel injection system, full ride-by-wire system, DEQ 56 oval throttle bodies-
IgnitionElectronic-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchSlipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic controlMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveBelt, front sprocket Z28, rear sprocket Z80Belt   (final drive)
Gear Ratios1st 37:15 / 2nd 30:17 / 3rd 27:20 / 4th 24:22 / 5th 23:24 / 6th 22:25-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary DriveStraight cut gears, 1.84:1 ratio57/38 ratio
Transmission / Drive6-Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis frame-
Suspension - Front50mm USD adjustable forks with DLC treatmentTelescopic fork
Suspension - RearSingle shock absorber, adjustable preload and rebound, remote reservoir. Single sided cast/trellis frame swingarm, natural anodized and brushed swingarmTwin shocks
Rake30º30.2°
Trail130 mm / 5.1 in135 mm / 5.3 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear110 mm / 4.33 in-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights
Lighting system-High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 320 mm semifloating discs, radial Brembo monobloc 4-piston M4-32 callipers and radial master cylinderSingle disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating calliperSingle disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.
ABSBOSCH cornering ABS as standard equipment-
Rims-Black, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II130/90-B16
Tyres - Rear240/45 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II-
Wheels - FrontLight alloy, cast, 3.50 x 17-
Wheels - RearLight alloy, cast, 8.00 x 17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2018 Ducati XDiavel S

The 2018 Ducati XDiavel S edges out the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight thanks to its liquid cooling and standard ABS. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 Ducati XDiavel S - Advantages

  • 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.

2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 665 mm vs 755 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2018 Ducati XDiavel S vs 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S and 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2018 Ducati XDiavel S uses Four stroke, Testastretta DVT, while the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S or the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has the lower seat at 665 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 Ducati XDiavel S sits higher at 755 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S or 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight have ABS?
The 2018 Ducati XDiavel S is listed with ABS as standard. The 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Ducati XDiavel S or the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Ducati XDiavel S has the edge in liquid cooling and standard ABS, while the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 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.

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