2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S vs 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC
Power
143.5 kW / 195 hp @ 13200 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
203 kg / 447.5 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20252026
Make ModelHarley Davidson Sportster SSuzuki GSX-R 1000/R
Dimensions
Seat Height765 mm / 30.1 in825 mm / 32.5 in
Wheelbase1520 mm / 59.8 in1420mm / 55.9 in
Ground Clearance90 mm / 3.5 in130 mm / 5.1 in
Height1085 mm / 42.7 in1145 mm / 45.1 in
Length2270 mm / 89.42 in2075 mm / 81.7 in
Seat Height (Laden)734 mm / 28.9 in-
Width840 mm / 33.1 in705 mm / 27.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight221 kg / 487 lbs-
Fuel Capacity11.7 Litres / 3.1 US gal16 Litres / 3.5 US gal
Wet Weight228 kg / 502 lbs203 kg / 447.5 lbs
Performance
Max Power121 hp / 90 kW @ 7500 rpm143.5 kW / 195 hp @ 13200 rpm
Max Torque126 Nm / 93 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm110 Nm / 81.1 lb-ft @ 11000 rpm
Engine
Displacement1252 cc / 76.4 cu-in998.6 cc / 60.9 cub. in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 60° V-twin Revolution Max 1250, Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake & exhaust VVT, four valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC
Bore x Stroke105 x 72.3 mm76.0 x 55.1 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:113.8:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Exhaust2-into-1-into-2, catalyst in mufflerAkrapovič
Fuel InductionElectronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)Fuel Injection
Ignition-Electronic ignition Transistorized
LubricationSemi-dry sumpWet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMechanical, 8 plate wet, assist & slip, 1090NWet, multi-plate type, SCAS-equipped
Final DriveBelt, 34/80 ratioChain, DID525HV3, 120 links
Gear Ratios1st 12.21 / 2nd 9.022 / 3rd 6.994 / 4th 5.641 / 5th 4.731 / 6th 4.131-
Primary DriveGear, 49/89 ratio-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed, constant mesh
Chassis
Frame TypeStressed-member, high strength low alloy steel trellis frame; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; MIG welded; aluminum forged mid-structureAluminum
Suspension - Front43 mm inverted fork with compression, rebound and spring preload adjustability. Aluminium fork triple clampsInverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension - RearLinkage-mounted, piggyback monoshock with compression, rebound and hydraulic spring preload adjustabilityLink type, coil spring, oil damped
Fork Angle28°-
Lean Angle35°-
Rake30°23.2°
SwingarmHigh strength low alloy steel, tubular sections, stamped x-member, forged axle junctions; MIG welded-
Trail148 mm / 5.8 in95 mm / 3.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front92 mm / 3.6 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear82 mm / 3.2 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 320mm rotor, radially mounted, monoblock, 4-piston caliper2 x 320 mm Discs radial mount Brembo 4-piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 260mm solid uniform expansion rotor, floating single piston caliperSingle 220mm disc, Nissin, 1-piston
ABSStandard-
Rims - Front4.5 x 17-
Rims - Rear5.0 x 16-
Tyres - Front160/70TR17 73V Dunlop- Harley-Davidson Series, radial, GT503120/70ZR17M/C (58W) tubeless
Tyres - Rear180/70R16 77V Dunlop- Harley-Davidson Series, radial, GT503190/50 ZR17 M/C (73W) tubeless
WheelsAluminum cast, satin black-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R

The 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R edges out the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S thanks to its lighter kerb weight, dual front discs and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 126 Nm vs 110 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 765 mm vs 825 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R - Advantages

  • Lighter: 203 kg vs 228 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 130 mm vs 90 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S vs 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S and 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R?
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S uses Four stroke, 60° V-twin Revolution Max 1250, Chain-driven, DOHC, hydraulic self-adjusting lifters, intake & exhaust VVT, four valves per cylinder, while the 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R is powered by Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC.
Which is lighter, the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S or the 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R?
The 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R is lighter at 203 kg compared to 228 kg for the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S - a difference of 25 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S or the 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R?
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S has the lower seat at 765 mm, making it more accessible. The 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R sits higher at 825 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S or 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R have ABS?
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S is listed with ABS as standard. The 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S or the 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R?
Both are strong choices. The 2025 Harley-Davidson Sportster S has the edge in higher torque and lower seat height, while the 2026 Suzuki GSX-R 1000/R stands out for lighter kerb weight and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.