Harley Davidson Sportster S vs Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE

Harley Davidson and Triumph Motorcycles Ltd are well-established and highly reputed motorcycle companies known for producing stylish and functional two-wheelers almost every year. Harley Davidson is an American motorcycle manufacturer established in 1903, while Triumph Motorcycles Ltd is a British motorcycle company founded in 1983. Despite being based on opposite sides of the world, both Harley and Triumph motorcycles have developed a large fanbase in the U.S. Among motorcycle enthusiasts, there is some friendly competition when it comes to the debate of whether Harley or Triumph motorcycles are better. This debate is most apparent in the comparison between the Harley Davidson Sportster S and the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE.

Drawing inspiration from the concept of the first Harley Davidson Sportster conceived in 1957, the first Sporster S model was introduced in 2021. The intention behind the Harley Sportster S’s creation was to add a sportier custom motorcycle to Harley Davidson’s lineup. This Harley model’s design broke away from the traditional cruiser look in exchange for better performance and a more bulky chassis, which was met with mixed reactions from Harley fans.

Built back in 2006, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 series originally had the design of a dirt bike but with only limited off-road capability. Meant to be a modified version of the Triumph Bonneville series, the Triumph Scrambler 1200’s design drew inspiration from the older Triumph TR6C Trophy. As the years passed, the latest Triumph Scrambler 1200 was built to be an all-terrain adventure motorbike.

The Harley Davidson Sportster S is a café-style cruiser with an 89.4-inch long blacked-out frame that encourages an aggressive riding style. A lightweight cruiser with a weight of 487 lbs, the majority of its heft comes from the Revolution Max 1250T V-Twin engine fitted in the center. Because it is not a traditional cruiser frame keeping the engine in place, the Harley Sportster S’s overall weight was reduced without sacrificing a robust chassis. The Harley Sportster S’s discernible features are its low-mounted handlebars, solo rider seat with a tail cowl, low ground clearance, and fat tires. Its front suspension is a 43 mm inverted fork with compression, rebound, and spring preload adjustability paired with aluminum fork triple clamps, while the rear suspensions are linkage-mounted, piggyback monoshock with compression, rebound, and hydraulic spring preload adjustability. The front brake is a radially mounted, monoblock, four-piston caliper, while the rear brake is a single-piston caliper. The front tire is a size 160/70R17 73V, while the rear tire is a size 180/70R16 77V. Both tires are fitted with aluminum-cast, satin black wheels. The colored parts of this motorcycle include the engine, fenders, and fuel tank. The Harley Sportster S can come in the following color schemes: vivid black, white sand pearl, and mineral green metallic.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE is a modern scrambler-style cruiser with crafted aluminum parts and brushed parts covered with brightly colored paint. Also a lightweight cruiser, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE weighs less than the Harley Sportster S with an overall weight of 456 lbs. Hanging low along the bottom, the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE runs on an eight-valve SOHC 270° parallel-twin engine. Designed to be suited for city streets, limited highway travel, wilderness exploration, and dirt trails, this Triumph model has a solo seat resembling a wide bench and wide handlebars with reversible risers that make it possible to adjust the riding position. Its front suspensions are Showa 47 mm fully adjustable upside-down forks, while the rear suspensions are fully adjustable Ohlins twin shocks with piggyback reservoir. The front brakes are twin 320 mm Brembo discs with Brembo M50 four-piston monobloc calipers, while the rear brake is a single 255 mm disc with a Brembo two-piston floating caliper. The front tire is a size 90/90-21 fitted with a tubeless 36-spoke wheel with aluminum rims, while the rear tire is a size 150/70 R17 fitted with a tubeless 32-spoke wheel with aluminum rims. The only colored parts of this motorcycle include the engine, fenders, and fuel tank. The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE comes in the following color schemes: sapphire black, jet black/carnival red, and matte jet black/matte khaki green.

The Harley Davidson Sportster S is powered by a 1,252 cc Revolution Max 1250T V-Twin engine. This Harley motorcycle has a six-speed transmission system that powers the rear wheel via a gear drive train. The Harley Sportster S is capable of a torque of 127 Nm and a horsepower of 121 hp. Designed with a 4.1-inch bore and a 2.8-inch stroke, the engine makes it possible for this Harley model to attain a top speed of 143 mph. The liquid-cooled transmission system will reliably keep the engine’s temperature low, except in extremely high temperatures and after traveling long distances.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE is powered by a 1,200 cc Bonneville parallel-twin engine. This Triumph model also has a six-speed transmission system that powers the rear wheel but relies on a chain drive train instead. The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE can produce a torque of 110 Nm and a horsepower of 89 hp. Designed with a 3.8-inch bore and a 3.2-inch stroke, the engine makes it possible for this vehicle to reach a top speed of 135 mph. The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE’s liquid-cooled transmission system functions the same as the Harley Sportster S.

The Harley Davidson Sportster S has a stretched riding position, swept-back handlebars, and forward foot controls that causes the rider to lean backward slightly. This Harley Sportster has a low black vinyl or leather solo seat with a seat height of 28.9 inches. The low seat height makes this vehicle better suited for shorter riders since they can rest their feet flat against the ground when stopped or slowed. The cruise control will help your motorcycle maintain a consistent speed and ensure balanced maneuverability when navigating through traffic. The combination of the ABS and the disc brakes will ensure reliable and responsive braking. Because of the Harley Sportster S’s low ground clearance of 3.5 inches, the ABS and cruise control contribute to this vehicle’s ability to clear tight corners. Depending on the road and weather conditions, you can switch between the following ride modes to properly adjust the parts: Sport, Road, and Rain. The Harley Sportster S is a compact, lightweight two-wheeler designed for traveling on city streets and going on short-distance trips. Though the stock version is not suited for touring, heavily modifying the Harley Sportster S with aftermarket parts, including crash bars, fairings, luggage racks, and sissy bars can transform it into a touring motorbike.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE has a forward riding position, adjustable folding foot controls, and wide adjustable handlebars that require the rider to lean slightly forward. This Triumph Scrambler has a long and flat black vinyl or leather rider’s seat and a seat height of 34.2 inches. Like the Harley Sportster S, the low seat height makes this vehicle better suited for shorter riders, allowing them to flatfoot when stopped or slowed. If you are traveling on straight roads for a considerable length of time, the cruiser control will lock your vehicle at a set speed so you do not need to constantly keep pulling the throttle. The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE has reliable safety features since its disk brake and ABS ensure that this vehicle stops almost immediately whether on asphalt or dirt roads. The traction control, cruise control, and ABS together help this vehicle maintain balance, navigate through traffic, and clear tight corners with ease. Because the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE can travel both on- and off-road, it comes with six riding modes for different road environments: Sport, Road, Rain, Rider Configurable, Off-Road, and Off-Road Pro. This Triumph model is a street-legal adventure cruiser able to travel on rough terrain and capable of completing short or mid-range trips. While the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE has a durable build suited for off-roading, it can be improved further by installing aftermarket parts like crash bars, fairings, luggage racks, and sissy bars.

Despite coming from different brands, the Harley Davidson Sportster S and the Triumph Scrambler 1200 EX do share a few similarities when comparing their specifications. Both are beginner-friendly motorcycles better suited for shorter riders from the cruiser series still in production. Both motorcycles come with three color schemes, a liquid-cooled system, and a six-speed transmission. However, that is where the similarities end.

The Harley Sportster S is the more affordable option, being $346 cheaper than the Triumph Scrambler 1200 EX. The Harley Sportster S’s overall performance statistics are also much better since it can race 8 mph faster, produce 17 Nm more torque, and generate 32 hp more horsepower. If you need to carry belongings with you to work, school, or any other destination, you can install additional storage space with saddlebags, tank bags, sissy bar bags, tail bags, trunks, backpacks, or solo bags.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 EX is the more versatile two-wheeler since its overall frame, tires, and suspensions make it suited for off-roading and navigating streets and highways. Having six riding modes ensures that this Triumph motorcycle is suited for almost every possible weather, road, and environmental condition. The Triumph Scrambler 1200 EX also weighs 31 lbs less and has a better fuel capacity of 1.1 gallons. If you wish to increase the Triumph Scrambler 1200 EX’s storage capacity, it is possible to fit saddlebags, tank bags, sissy bar bags, tail bags, trunks, backpacks, or solo bags.

Despite the Harley Sportster S having a small and narrow frame, it is possible to ride with two people on this motorcycle due to its high horsepower and torque and quick acceleration. While this Harley model does not come with a pre-installed passenger seat, it is possible to attach a passenger seat and backrest from the aftermarket parts store.

Yes, the Sportster S’s handlebars are pre-wired and connected to this motorcycle’s electrical system that keeps the grips warm. Though it does take a little bit to warm up, the heated grips will help keep your hands and fingers from becoming stiff in cold weather and freezing temperatures.

It is only possible to tour on a Triumph Scrambler 1200 if you install the necessary add-ons and modify its design, features, and performance. At a minimum, you must install a fairing or windshield, lower the seat height, and install a more plush and comfortable rider’s seat.

The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XEs are built at six factories around the world: two located in Hinckley, United Kingdom, three located in Chonburi, Thailand, and one located in Manaus, Brazil.

If you are a die-hard Harley Davidson or Triumph Motorcycle Ltd fan, you will likely pick the motorcycle from your favorite brand. However, if you are unbiased and trying to find a cruiser that best satisfies your criteria, then you may need to closely examine the pros and cons of the Harley Davidson Sportster S and the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE. If you are working with a small budget, prioritize good performance, and rely on a motorcycle for public transportation, the Harley Sportster S is the preferred choice. If you wish to save money on fuel and prefer to ride your motorcycle on adventures, then the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE is the way to go.