By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Harley-Davidson Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS (MY2021) vs Sportster S (MY2021)
Into a tightening bend, the Harley-Davidson Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS tips in on its narrow tires and its suspension doesn't wallow. The Harley-Davidson Sportster S snaps in off its steep front end, and it's eager to flick over. Its stiff trellis frame then holds it steady.
So which one do you buy?
The Sportster S has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Nose ahead: Sportster S
Through rush hour, the Sportster S is a little easier to live with. The difference is easier everyday riding and easier maneuvering in tight spots.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Small edge: Sportster S
Once the road starts to bend, the Sportster S noses ahead. What tips it: harder acceleration and better suspension. Your own skill counts for more than a gap this size.
Which one's the smarter buy
Money won't decide it
The Sportster S costs less, but that gap doesn't make it the better buy. Neither bike is the clear winner on value.
What makes each one tick
Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS
Off idle, the Street Bob's Milwaukee-Eight 114 pulls without letting up, and it's still shoving as the revs climb toward redline. There's 655 lb (297 kg) for the brake lever to haul down after each of those pulls. Mini-ape bars lift your fists into the wind while the tiny digital dash stays out of sight. Chrome glints off all that black.
Sportster S
The Sportster's liquid-cooled Revolution Max punches from low revs, and there's plenty more waiting higher up. Its Brembo radial calipers bite hard while the piggyback Showa shock won't let the rear end wander. Each throttle twist yanks it forward.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS has the lower seat: 26.8 in (681 mm) vs 29.7 in (755 mm).
- The Sportster S has the lower wet weight: 503 lb (228 kg) vs 655 lb (297 kg).
- The Sportster S makes more peak power: 121 hp (90 kW) vs 94 hp (70 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Wrong job for both
Both of these get tiring on a long day. A proper tourer will treat you better on big miles.
Count character and running costs as a draw. The deal on the table and the condition of the bike matter more here.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS
What owners say
Strengths
- Agile handling for its size
- Huge torque from the Milwaukee-Eight 114
- Minimalist, cool styling
Sportster S
What owners say
Strengths
- Explosive Revolution Max engine
- Striking, modern muscle‑bike design
- Agile, confidence‑inspiring handling
- Premium braking and suspension package
What they cost used
These prices compare a 5-year-old Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS with a 5-year-old Sportster S.
- Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS
- about $12,300
- Sportster S
- about $11,100
At five years old, the Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS sits around $12,300 while the Sportster S lands near $11,100. That's a $1,200 gap in the Sportster S's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Belt
Where the spec sheets split
| Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS | Sportster S | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 26.8 in (681 mm) | 29.7 in (755 mm) |
| Wet weight | 655 lb (297 kg) | 503 lb (228 kg) |
| Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS | Sportster S | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1868 cc | 1252 cc |
| Engine | 45° V-twin | 60° V-twin |
| Cooling | Air/oil-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 94 hp (70 kW) | 121 hp (90 kW) |
| Peak power at | 5,020 rpm | 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 119 lb-ft (161 Nm) | 94 lb-ft (127 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,000 rpm | 6,000 rpm |
| Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS | Sportster S | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 47 mpg (US) / 5 L/100 km | 46 mpg (US) / 5.1 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 3.5 US gal (13.2 L) | 3.1 US gal (11.8 L) |
| Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS | Sportster S | |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | Telescopic | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front tire | 100/90-19 | 160/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 150/80-16 | 180/70-16 |
| Wheelbase | 64.2 in (1631 mm) | 60.0 in (1525 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Softail Street Bob 114 FXBBS | Sportster S | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Option | Standard |
| Cruise Control | Option | Standard |
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
| LED Headlight | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
