Harley Davidson Sportster S vs Ducati Monster 1200 S

The Harley Davidson Sportster S is the next generation of Harley motorcycles that were first introduced in 1957. The Harley Davidson Sportster series has many remarkable models like the NIGHTSTER, FORTY-EIGHT, Roadster, SEVENTY-TWO, Iron, and Sportster S. The first Sportster S was released in 2021, being described as a “sports custom motorcycle.” According to Bennetts, the Sportster S shares many specs similar to the Harley Davidson V-Rod, such as its 1200 cc engine and liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. The V-Rod can deliver a horsepower of 125 hp and 111 Nm of torque, while the Sportster S can deliver a horsepower of 121 hp and 125 Nm of torque. But the V-Rod was a much heftier motorcycle with an overall weight of 300 kg, while the Sportster S only weighed about 228 kg. 

The Ducati Monster was first released in 1993 with a 900 cc engine that could produce 75 hp of horsepower. When Miguel Angel Galluzzi designed the first Ducati Monster, he had the vision to build a drag racer-inspired STREET MOTORCYCLE capable of things most sports motorcycles could do. The design of newer Ducati Monster 1200 models still draws inspiration from the first Ducati Monster M900. However, newer models have more features, differently sized disc brakes and tires, and different exhaust designs. In 2013, Ducati launched its Monster model with an air-cooled engine for the last time. After that, the Ducati Monster was designed to look sportier rather than being built as a well-rounded commuter. Every Ducati Monster from 2014 and onwards had full spec suspensions, Brembo disc brakes, and superbike quality parts fitted to a naked upright riding style.

The key differences between both of these models are provided below:

• The Sportster S is a cruiser, and the Ducati Monster 1200 S is a naked street motorcycle.

Speedometer Comparison of Sportster S & Ducati Monster 1200S

• Both motorcycles have different handlebar styles and TFT displays, but the Sportster S has a circular meter, while the Monster 1200 S has a rectangular-shaped meter.

Front Brakes comparison of Sportster S and Monster 1200 S

• The Ducati Monster 1200 S has dual disc brakes at the front, while Sportster S has a single disc at the front.

Footrests Positions of Sportster S and Monster 1200 S

• The Ducati Monster 1200 S has footrests positioned straight down, while the Sportster S has traditional footrests towards the front.

Drivetrain Comparison Of Monster 1200 S and Sportster S

• Both motorcycles have six-speed transmission systems, but the Harley Davidson Sportster S has a belt drivetrain, while the Monster 1200 S has a chain drivetrain.

Overall, there are not many similarities between the Harley Davidson Sporster S and the Ducati Monster 1200 S. However, both share a few similarities that are provided below:

Both motorcycles have a mono-shock suspension at the rear. However, the implements and styles are different. However, the Ducati Monster 1200S has adjustable mono-shock which can help the rider increase or decrease the seat height of the motorcycle. That feature does not exist in Sportster S.

The Sportster S and Scout Bobber have a two-in-one exhaust, but they have different positions and styles. In terms of sound, they both are very different from each other, Sportster produces a large sound but it feels like it has suppressed the rumble. While the Indian Scout Bobber produces a loud sound with enough wobble like the other traditional cruiser motorcycles.

Both have side mirrors above the handlebars. However, the side mirrors on the Sportster S are on at the ends of the handlebars, while the side mirrors on the Monster 1200 S are between the grips.

The HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER S has a 1,252-cc liquid-cooled, V-Twin that was first used in the Harley Davidson Pan America adventure motorcycle but turned down for a bit more mid-range and low-down torque. So, as it gets a lot of the same tech like the variable valve timing and lightweight engine covers, changes have been made to the valve ports and cams to increase the velocity of flow through the combustion chamber. That results in producing 125 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm.

The Ducati Monster 1200 S has a 1,198 cc liquid-cooled L-Twin engine, the L-Twin referring to the angle between both cylinders. This engine can deliver a peak torque of 124 Nm at 7,750 rpm and a maximum horsepower of 147 hp. This L-Twin engine is currently only used by Ducati and MOTO GUZZI, The L-Twin has the smoothest angle out of any twin-cylinder engine as it does not need a balance shaft but it also makes the engine bulky and difficult to package.

The Harley Sportster S has a height of 42.9 inches and a length of 89.3 inches, while the Ducati Monster 1200 S has a height of 40.9 and a length of 86.6 inches. The Sportster S also has a non-adjustable seat height of 28.9 inches, while the Ducati Monster 1200 S has an adjustable seat height that varies from 31.3 to 32.28 inches.

Examining the specs of the Harley Sportster S and Ducati Monster 1200 S’s engines, both have a similar engine displacement size and peak torque. However, there is a huge difference in the peak horsepower of both engines as the Ducati Monster’s engine has a slightly bigger bore size and a smaller stroke size. These qualities help the Ducati Monster’s engine provide more horsepower. It does perform well at lower rpm but has significantly better results at higher rpm.

The Ducati Monster 1200 S has a traditional NAKED MOTORCYCLE frame, but its exterior design is different from other naked motorcycles. It has strong aluminum pipes around the engine unlike other naked motorcycles, except the SUZUKI SV650 and KTM Duke.

The HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER S uses the engine as the stress member that transfers the forces and torque throughout its structure. But it also has a fully adjustable 43 mm front shock and an adjustable rear mono-shock. 

The Ducati Monster 1200 S performs well if the engine is warmed up. The rider can give a quick throttle pull while it is cold to speed up the process. Most riders who prefer the loud and brutish sound might prefer changing out the Ducati Monster 1200 S’s exhaust. For a beginner, the clutch might feel a bit stiff but will become easier to use the more you ride this vehicle.

Riding Position

HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER S Riding Position:

The Harley Davidson Sportster S has an aggressive sporty riding position despite being a cruiser, with a lower handlebars position and high seat height. The Sportster S does have a powerful engine and provides a sporty vibe. However, its footrests are on the front side which is a traditional position for cruisers. With a wet weight of 228 kg, the Sportser S is easy to ride for beginner and female riders.

DUCATI MONSTER 1200 S Riding Position:

Meanwhile, the Ducati Monster 1200 S has a better leaning angle and adjustable suspension that makes turning corners easy and relaxing for the rider. The Ducati Monster 1200 S performs well at 4,000 rpm or above. The Ducati Monster 12000 S’s engine produces fewer vibrations at higher speed and rpm, ensuring the motorcycle remains stable. The higher the rpm, the more stable the motorcycle feels to the rider, making it unique from other naked motorcycles.

HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER S Handlebars Position:

Harley Davidson Sportster S has a higher HANDLEBARS position with its high seat height comparable to other traditional cruisers.

DUCATI MONSTER 1200 S Handlebars Position:

The Ducati Monster 1200 S is a naked motorcycle with straight handlebars. This provides a natural and comfy riding position when riding a motorcycle.

The Harley Davidson Sportster S has a 320 mm radially mounted, Brembo Monoblock, four-piston single caliper brakes at the front, and 260 mm floating single-piston caliper brakes at the rear. These parts work together with the enhanced ABS as well.

The Ducati Monster 1200 S has dual 330 mm semi-floating discs at the front and a single 245 mm disc at the rear. Compared to the Sportster S, the Ducati Monster 1200 S has bigger disc brakes at the front and it has two discs instead of one disc like the Sportster S. However, the Sportster S has a larger disc brake at the rear. Overall, the Ducati Monster 1200 S has more reliable braking.

The Harley Davidson Sportster S has a Showa 43 mm inverted fork with compression rebound and spring preload-adjustable shocks at the front and a linkage-mounted, piggyback fully adjustable mono-shock at the rear. It also has a lean angle of 34^o. This motorcycle has aggressive and sporty riding capability suited for riders who desire a motorcycle with top-of-the-line performance and a stunning style.

The Ducati Monster 1200 S’s suspensions are fully adjustable, while the Sportster S does not. For a heavyweight or taller rider, the Ducati Monster 1200 S is comfortable and easy to ride. This motorcycle has decent suspension and an adjustable seat height suited for average and taller riders.

Most Common Modifications

Exhaust

Despite the fact that the Harley Sportster S is one of the most good-looking, sporty cruisers, it does not produce the same sound as other SPORTSTER models.

On the other hand, the Ducati Monster 1200 S has a fine exhaust despite being a naked motorcycle. However, because of its sporty riding position, this motorcycle produces a loud and rumbling sound. Therefore, many riders prefer to modify the r Ducati Monster 1200 S’s exhaust pipes.

The Sportster S is a slightly newer model released in 2021 with most of its parts being available from Harley’s official dealers. On the other hand, the Ducati Monster 1200 S was first released in 1993 and has more aftermarket parts readily available since no significant external changes have been made in recent years.

The Ducati Monster 1200 S has all the features of a typical touring motorcycle, including an enhanced ABS, traction control, a TFT display, different riding modes, a Multimedia system, an anti-theft system, adjustable suspension, etc. However, the problem is that the Ducati Monsters 1200 S’s riding position is unsuitable for touring. Normally, in touring motorcycles, the seating and handlebar positions help keep the rider’s spine straight rather than bending forward. However, the Ducati Monster 1200 S’s riding position is slightly more aggressive. The Ducati Monster 1200 S can be used for touring. However, the rider will have to take several rest breaks when traveling for several hours over long distances.

The Ducati Monster 1200 S has a base price of $17,595. However, maintenance costs for the Ducati Monster 1200 S are not too expensive. The Ducati, Monster 1200 S’s engine oil only needs to be replaced every 15,000 km (9,000 miles), and the motorcycle will need valve clearance adjustment every 30,000 km (18,000 miles), which can cost around $800-$1200 if provided by the Ducati’s Service Center.

In general, the Ducati Monster 1200 S doesn’t depreciate in value by much. If the Ducati Monster is kept well-maintained over time, it should not depreciate in value significantly for a long time.

The Harley Sportster S is powered by a 1,252-cc V-Twin engine, which can deliver a horsepower of 121 hp and peak torque of 127.7 Nm, making it possible to reach a top speed of 137 MPH (220 KM/H).

At first glance, the Harley Sportster S looks like a sports bike, but it is actually a cruiser built to look like a sporty-cruiser motorcycle. Among all the other cruisers in the world, the Sportster S is a cruiser that provides a riding experience and feels similar to a sports bike as well.

The Harley Davidson Sportster S weighs around 228 kg, which is considered lightweight among cruisers. Other than being a lightweight cruiser, the Sportster S also has useful features like N ABS, traction control, map navigation, Six-axis IMU, Tire pressure monitoring, and an assist & slipper clutch.

The Harley Davidson Sportster S and the Ducati Monster 1200 S represent the best their respective manufacturers have to offer, but having to choose between the two can be a tough decision to make. In terms of features, performance, and speed, the Ducati Monster 1200 S is clearly the winner. But when it comes to the price of the motorcycle, the Harley Sportster S has a significant advantage. If the rider wants to decide which motorcycle to pick based on the user and riding experience, it ultimately comes down to the rider’s decision. If the rider is tall or heavyweight and wants a motorcycle with good clearance, seat height, and suspensions, then the Ducati Monster 1200 S is the better option to pick. However, if the rider is more concerned about a relaxed riding position, then the Harley Sportster S is the better option. In terms of long-distance rides, both motorcycles are suited to the task.