Are you torn between the classic charm of the Harley Davidson Sportster S and the sleek power of the Ducati Diavel? You’re not alone. Many riders face this exciting dilemma, each bike offering a unique blend of style and performance.
Key Takeaways
- Design and Aesthetics: The Harley Davidson Sportster S features a classic yet modern design with notable elements like an oversized front tire and minimalist rear, while the Ducati Diavel combines an aggressive stance with elegant lines and high-quality materials.
- Performance: The Sportster S has a Revolution Max 1250T engine producing 121 horsepower, focusing on agility and smooth riding, while the Diavel’s Testastretta DVT 1262 engine delivers 162 horsepower, emphasizing raw power and advanced rider aids for an exhilarating ride.
- Technology Features: Both motorcycles integrate advanced technology: the Sportster S has a 4-inch TFT display with customizable layouts and Bluetooth connectivity, whereas the Diavel offers a 3.5-inch display and similar connectivity features focused on navigation and music control.
- Safety Features: The Sportster S includes customizable ride modes and advanced traction control, while the Diavel emphasizes safety with multiple riding modes and real-time traction control adjustments for enhanced handling.
- Pricing: The Sportster S starts at approximately $14,999, offering lower maintenance and insurance costs, while the Diavel begins around $20,995, with higher maintenance expenses and potentially increased insurance premiums due to its sporty profile.
- Fuel Economy: The Sportster S provides better fuel efficiency at around 50 miles per gallon compared to the Diavel’s average of 40 miles per gallon, impacting long-term ownership costs.
Overview of Harley Davidson Sportster S
The Harley Davidson Sportster S blends classic design with modern technology. This motorcycle caters to riders seeking a unique blend of style and performance.
Design and Aesthetics
The Sportster S boasts a modern yet classic aesthetic. Its low-slung stance, muscular presence, and unique silhouette catch attention. Key design elements include an oversized front tire and a minimalist rear. The LED lighting adds a contemporary touch. The color options enhance its visual appeal, providing choices for personalization. You’ll notice the distinctive Harley Davidson brand features, like the iconic logo and signature engine design.
Key Features and Specifications
The Sportster S packs powerful specifications. It features a liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250T engine, delivering 121 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed transmission ensures optimal performance. Advanced technology includes a customizable Ride Mode system, which allows you to adjust throttle response and traction control settings. The bike also comes with a 4-inch TFT display, providing essential ride information. With a lightweight chassis and adjustable rear suspension, the handling remains agile and responsive. Overall, these features position the Sportster S as a formidable contender in the motorcycle realm, combining performance with classic Harley Davidson charm.
Overview of Ducati Diavel
The Ducati Diavel combines striking design with impressive power and performance. This motorcycle stands out as a bold choice for riders seeking a unique riding experience.
Design and Aesthetics
Ducati’s Diavel showcases a distinctive look, blending muscle and elegance. It features a low, aggressive stance that complements its streamlined body. Highlights include a prominent headlight design, flowing lines, and a powerful rear. The use of high-quality materials, such as aluminum and carbon fiber, enhances its modern aesthetic. Options for customization allow you to personalize colors and accessories to match your style.
Key Features and Specifications
The Diavel packs significant features under its stylish exterior. It houses a Testastretta DVT 1262 engine that produces 162 horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque, providing exhilarating acceleration. The six-speed transmission ensures smooth shifting, enhancing your riding experience. Advanced rider aids include multiple riding modes, traction control, and ABS for added safety. The 3.5-inch TFT display keeps you informed of vital ride information. Lightweight design elements, like the trellis frame, contribute to agile handling, making the Diavel both powerful and nimble on the road.
Performance Comparison
Both the Harley Davidson Sportster S and Ducati Diavel offer exceptional performance, catering to different riding styles and preferences. This section delves into key aspects of their performance, focusing on engine and powertrain, as well as handling and ride quality.
Engine and Powertrain
The Harley Davidson Sportster S boasts a liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250T engine that generates 121 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. This engine employs a six-speed transmission for seamless power delivery. Riders appreciate the customizable Ride Mode system, enabling tailored performance for various conditions. Whether you’re cruising on city streets or exploring country roads, the Sportster S adapts to your riding style effectively.
In contrast, the Ducati Diavel features the Testastretta DVT 1262 engine, delivering 162 horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque. This formidable power results in thrilling acceleration. With its six-speed transmission, riders experience quick and smooth shifts. The advanced rider aids, including multiple riding modes and traction control, enhance performance and safety. You’ll find that the Diavel effortlessly combines raw power with refined technology.
Handling and Ride Quality
The Harley Davidson Sportster S excels in agility and responsiveness. The lightweight chassis and adjustable rear suspension contribute to a smooth ride, even on bumpy terrains. The 160mm front tire offers excellent grip, providing confidence during cornering. Riders appreciate the comfortable ergonomics, making longer rides enjoyable without feeling fatigued.
The Ducati Diavel, on the other hand, provides a balanced blend of performance and comfort. Its trellis frame enhances agility, allowing for precise cornering. Additionally, the motorcycle’s low center of gravity contributes to its stable handling. The wide seat and upright riding position ensure both comfort and control during spirited rides. With a focus on performance, the Diavel handles twisty roads and highways with ease.
The Sportster S focuses on an engaging, classic ride, while the Diavel emphasizes brute power and agility. Your choice between the two will depend on your preferences for style and performance in your riding experience.
Technology and Features
Both the Harley Davidson Sportster S and Ducati Diavel come packed with advanced technology and features tailored to enhance your riding experience.
Instrumentation and Connectivity
The Harley Davidson Sportster S features a 4-inch TFT display that presents ride information clearly, including speed, gear position, and fuel levels. This display’s customizable layouts allow you to prioritize the information most relevant to you. The bike includes Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to sync your smartphone for navigation and call management, ensuring you stay connected on your rides.
The Ducati Diavel employs a smaller 3.5-inch TFT display, which delivers essential data like speed and riding mode clearly. The Diavel also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for navigation assistance and music control directly from the display. Both bikes provide smartphone integration, enhancing your riding experience with easy access to apps and notifications.
Safety Features
Safety plays a crucial role in both motorcycles, filling each with features designed to protect you. The Sportster S boasts advanced rider aids, including a customizable Ride Mode system that adjusts throttle response and traction control based on your preferences. Cornering-enhanced traction control and ABS provide extra layers of safety during challenging riding conditions.
The Ducati Diavel clearly emphasizes safety with its extensive suite of rider aids. It includes multiple riding modes that tailor the bike’s performance to fit varying conditions. The Diavel’s traction control system adapts in real-time, ensuring smoother and safer handling. ABS prevents wheel lockup during hard braking, enhancing stability and control.
Both motorcycles ensure you ride with confidence, offering a robust mix of technology and safety features tailored to suit your riding style.
Pricing and Value
When assessing the Harley Davidson Sportster S and Ducati Diavel, pricing plays a crucial role. Both motorcycles represent significant investments, so understanding their costs is essential.
Cost Comparison
The starting price of the Harley Davidson Sportster S generally falls around $14,999. With various accessories and customization options, prices can increase significantly based on your preferences. Comparatively, the Ducati Diavel’s base price starts at approximately $20,995. The Diavel’s higher price reflects its premium materials and advanced technology.
| Motorcycle | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Harley Davidson Sportster S | $14,999 |
| Ducati Diavel | $20,995 |
Maintenance and Ownership Costs
Maintenance costs for both motorcycles can vary. The Sportster S typically incurs lower routine service expenses, with basic maintenance costing around $300-$500 annually. Conversely, the Diavel may present higher costs, averaging $500-$1,000 per year due to its complex systems and premium parts.
Ownership also involves insurance. The Sportster S generally has lower insurance premiums, while the Diavel’s sporty profile may lead to increased rates. Factors affecting insurance include riding experience, location, and coverage type.
Additionally, consider fuel economy. The Sportster S delivers roughly 50 miles per gallon, whereas the Diavel averages about 40 miles per gallon. Fuel costs contribute to overall ownership expenses, impacting your long-term financial planning.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Harley Davidson Sportster S and the Ducati Diavel really comes down to what you value most in a motorcycle. If you’re drawn to classic aesthetics with modern features the Sportster S might be your perfect match. Its agility and comfort make it ideal for longer rides while still turning heads.
On the other hand if you crave power and a striking design the Diavel could be calling your name. With its exhilarating acceleration and advanced technology it offers a thrilling ride that’s hard to beat.
Ultimately both bikes deliver unique experiences so think about your riding style and preferences. Whichever you choose you’re in for an exciting journey ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the Harley Davidson Sportster S?
The Harley Davidson Sportster S features a blend of classic and modern design, including a low-slung stance, muscular appearance, LED lighting, and multiple color options. It boasts a Revolution Max 1250T engine delivering 121 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque, along with advanced technology like customizable Ride Modes and a 4-inch TFT display for ride information.
What makes the Ducati Diavel stand out?
The Ducati Diavel stands out for its striking design and impressive performance. Its Testastretta DVT 1262 engine produces 162 horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque, promising thrilling acceleration. The Diavel features a low, aggressive stance and high-quality materials, with multiple riding modes and a 3.5-inch TFT display for key ride information.
How do the engines of both motorcycles compare?
The Sportster S is equipped with a liquid-cooled Revolution Max 1250T engine that generates 121 horsepower, focusing on agility and comfort. In contrast, the Diavel features a more powerful Testastretta DVT 1262 engine producing 162 horsepower, offering exhilarating acceleration suitable for performance enthusiasts.
What are the differences in handling between the Sportster S and Diavel?
The Sportster S excels in agility and comfort, making it ideal for longer rides with a more relaxed riding position. The Diavel, on the other hand, offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort, with precise cornering capabilities due to its lightweight trellis frame and advanced suspension.
What are the maintenance costs for each motorcycle?
Maintenance costs for the Harley Davidson Sportster S average between $300-$500 annually, making it relatively low-cost to maintain. Conversely, the Ducati Diavel has higher maintenance costs, averaging $500-$1,000 annually due to its complex systems and premium materials.
How do the prices of the Sportster S and Diavel compare?
The Harley Davidson Sportster S starts at around $14,999, while the Ducati Diavel begins at approximately $20,995. The higher price of the Diavel reflects its premium materials and advanced technology, appealing to riders seeking a high-performance motorcycle.
What are the fuel economy ratings for the Sportster S and Diavel?
The Harley Davidson Sportster S delivers about 50 miles per gallon, making it more fuel-efficient. In comparison, the Ducati Diavel averages around 40 miles per gallon, which, while lower, is typical for a high-performance motorcycle.
