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

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Year2021-
Colours-Vivid Black, Performance Orange, Stone Washed White Pearl, River Rock Grey Denim, Stiletto Red
Make ModelTriumph Bonneville Speedmaster-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-4.3 inches
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-711 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-28.0 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-110 mm
Seat Height705 mm / 27.8 in665 mm / 26.2 in.
Wheelbase1500 mm / 59.1 in1495 mm / 58.9 in.
Height1055 mm /41.5 in-
Length2225 mm / 87.6 in2164 mm / 85.2 in.
Width910 mm / 35.8 in-
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-2.80 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-2.96 US quarts
Dry Weight-247 kg / 544.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity12 Litres / 3.2 US gal7.90 litres / 2.09 US gallons
Wet Weight263 kg / 580 lbs252.0 kg / 555.6 lbs
Performance
Max Power57.5 kW / 76.9 hp @ 6100 rpm-
Max Torque106 Nm / 78.2 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm99.0 Nm (10.1 kgf-m or 73.0 ft.lbs) @ 3500 Revolutions"
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.2632 HP/kg
Engine
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (cc)-1202.0 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.9 x 96.8 mm
CO2-113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 3.8 inches
Displacement (ci)-73.35 cubic inches
Displacement1198 cc / 73.1 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinderEvolution® engine
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Bore x Stroke97.6 x 80 mm-
Compression Ratio10.0:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
EmissionsEURO5-
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
ExhaustChromed stainless steel 2 into 2 twin-skin exhaust system with chromed stainless silencersBlack, staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflers
Fuel Consumption-4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
Fuel InductionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection-
IgnitionDigital-
LubricationWet sump-
Starter-Electric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multi-plate, torque assist clutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveChainBelt   (final drive)
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-57/38 ratio
Transmission / Drive6-Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel, twin cradle frame-
Suspension - Front47 mm Showa cartridge forksTelescopic fork
Suspension - RearMono-shock RSU with linkage and preload adjustmentTwin shocks
Rake25.3°30.2°
SwingarmTwin sided fabrication-
Trail91.4 mm / 3.6 in135 mm / 5.3 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 - Front2 x 310mm disc, Brembo 2-piston sliding axial calipersSingle disc. Dual-piston. Optional ABS.
Brakes - RearSingle 255mm disc, Nissin single piston sliding axial caliperSingle disc. Single-piston. Optional ABS.
ABSStandard-
Rims-Black, Split 9-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Machined Highlights
Tyres - Front130/90-16130/90-B16
Tyres - Rear150/80-16-
Wheels - FrontWire 32-spoke, 16 x 2.5 in-
Wheels - RearWire 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

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 - Advantages

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

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

What are the engine differences between the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster and 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster uses Four stoke, parallel twin, 270° crank angle, SOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, while the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 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 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 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 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 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster or the 2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
Both are strong choices. The 2021 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster 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.