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Classic rivalry renewed: triumph thruxton vs harley sportster 1200, who will triumph?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • In this blog post, we’ll compare the Triumph Thruxton vs Harley Sportster 1200 in terms of their design, performance, handling, and more to help you decide which bike is right for you.
  • The Harley Sportster 1200 has a more plush suspension and a wider, more comfortable seat, which makes it a better choice for riders who plan to spend a lot of time in the saddle.
  • The Sportster 1200, on the other hand, has a more traditional carburetor and ignition system, and it does not offer ABS or traction control.

When it comes to classic motorcycles, the Triumph Thruxton and Harley Sportster 1200 are two icons that come to mind. Both bikes have a rich history and a loyal following, but they offer very different riding experiences. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Triumph Thruxton vs Harley Sportster 1200 in terms of their design, performance, handling, and more to help you decide which bike is right for you.

Design

The Triumph Thruxton is a modern take on the classic British café racer. It features a sleek and sporty design with a round headlight, a sculpted fuel tank, and a low, tucked-in riding position. The Harley Sportster 1200, on the other hand, has a more traditional American cruiser design. It features a wide, low stance with a pulled-back handlebar and a large, chrome-accented fuel tank.

Performance

The Triumph Thruxton is powered by a 1,200cc parallel-twin engine that produces 97 horsepower and 80 lb-ft of torque. The Harley Sportster 1200 is powered by a 1,202cc V-twin engine that produces 73 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. While the Thruxton has a slight edge in power and torque, the Sportster’s V-twin engine provides a more distinctive and throaty exhaust note.

Handling

The Triumph Thruxton is a nimble and agile bike that handles well in both urban and rural environments. It has a shorter wheelbase and a more upright riding position than the Sportster, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The Harley Sportster 1200 is a more stable and comfortable bike on long rides. It has a longer wheelbase and a lower riding position, which provides a more relaxed and laid-back riding experience.

Comfort

The Triumph Thruxton has a relatively firm suspension and a thin seat, which can make it uncomfortable on long rides. The Harley Sportster 1200 has a more plush suspension and a wider, more comfortable seat, which makes it a better choice for riders who plan to spend a lot of time in the saddle.

Features

The Triumph Thruxton comes standard with a number of features that are not available on the Harley Sportster 1200, including fuel injection, ABS, and traction control. The Sportster 1200, on the other hand, has a more traditional carburetor and ignition system, and it does not offer ABS or traction control.

Price

The Triumph Thruxton starts at $12,500, while the Harley Sportster 1200 starts at $11,999. The Thruxton is a more expensive bike, but it also comes with more features and a more modern design.

The Verdict

The Triumph Thruxton and Harley Sportster 1200 are both excellent motorcycles, but they offer very different riding experiences. The Thruxton is a more modern and sporty bike that is better suited for urban riding and spirited riding on winding roads. The Sportster 1200 is a more traditional and comfortable bike that is better suited for long rides and cruising. Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your individual riding style and preferences.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which bike is faster, the Triumph Thruxton or the Harley Sportster 1200?
A: The Triumph Thruxton is faster than the Harley Sportster 1200, with a top speed of 130 mph compared to 115 mph.

Q: Which bike is more fuel-efficient, the Triumph Thruxton or the Harley Sportster 1200?
A: The Triumph Thruxton is more fuel-efficient than the Harley Sportster 1200, with a fuel economy of 50 mpg compared to 45 mpg.

Q: Which bike is more comfortable for long rides, the Triumph Thruxton or the Harley Sportster 1200?
A: The Harley Sportster 1200 is more comfortable for long rides than the Triumph Thruxton, thanks to its plush suspension and wider, more comfortable seat.

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Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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