2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6100 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
263 kg / 580 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2021
ColoursVivid Black, Performance Orange, Stone Washed White Pearl, River Rock Grey Denim, Stiletto Red-
Make Model-Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster
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 Height665 mm / 26.2 in.705 mm / 27.8 in
Wheelbase1495 mm / 58.9 in.1500 mm / 59.1 in
Height-1055 mm /41.5 in
Length2164 mm / 85.2 in.2225 mm / 87.6 in
Width-910 mm / 35.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)2.96 US quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)2.80 litres-
Dry Weight247 kg / 544.5 lbs-
Fuel Capacity7.90 litres / 2.09 US gallons12 Litres / 3.2 US gal
Wet Weight252.0 kg / 555.6 lbs263 kg / 580 lbs
Performance
Max Power-57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6100 rpm
Max Torque99.0 Nm (10.1 kgf-m or 73.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500 Revolutions"106 Nm / 78.2 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2632 HP/kg-
Engine
Displacement (ci)73.35 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)88.9 x 96.8 mm-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 3.8 inches-
CO2113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Displacement (cc)1202.0 cc-
Displacement-1198 cc / 73.1 cu in
Engine DetailEvolution® engineFour stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection-
Bore x Stroke-97.6 x 80 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:110.0:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Emissions-EURO5
Engine LubricationDry sump-
ExhaustBlack, staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflersChromed stainless steel 2 into 2 twin-skin exhaust system with chromed stainless silencers
Fuel Consumption4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Ignition-Digital
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectric-
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet, multi-plate, torque assist clutch
Final DriveBelt   (final drive)Chain
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive57/38 ratio-
Transmission / Drive-6-Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Tubular steel, twin cradle frame
Suspension - FrontTelescopic fork47 mm Showa cartridge forks
Suspension - RearTwin shocksMono-shock RSU with linkage and preload adjustment
Rake30.2°25.3°
Swingarm-Twin sided fabrication
Trail135 mm / 5.3 in.91.4 mm / 3.6 in
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationHandlebar-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 systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.2 x 310mm disc, Brembo 2-piston sliding axial calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.Single 255mm disc, Nissin single piston sliding axial caliper
ABS-Standard
RimsBlack, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights-
Tyres - Front130/90-B16130/90-16
Tyres - Rear-150/80-16
Wheels - Front-Wire 32-spoke, 16 x 2.5 in
Wheels - Rear-Wire 32-spoke, 16 x 3.5 in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster

The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster edges out the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight thanks to its 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 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 665 mm vs 705 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - 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.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight and 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is powered by Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has the lower seat at 665 mm, making it more accessible. The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster sits higher at 705 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster have ABS?
The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 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 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster stands out for liquid cooling and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.