By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser vs Retro Classic
Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two (MY2012) vs Triumph Bonneville T100 (986MF2)
You'll feel the Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two's V-twin shove you off a stoplight the moment you crack the throttle open. The Triumph Bonneville T100's parallel twin thumps as you roll it on, and there's a smooth swell of pull behind every twist. It slides past slower cars without chasing revs.
So which one do you buy?
Buy the Bonneville T100 if…
Keeping running costs low
The pick: Bonneville T100
For a rider watching every dollar after the sale, the Bonneville T100 is the clear choice.
The Bonneville T100 has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Small edge: Bonneville T100
The Bonneville T100 edges it for the daily grind. That comes from friendlier manners and simpler maintenance. It's a small gap, not a reason on its own.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Slight edge: Bonneville T100
The Bonneville T100 is a touch more fun when the road starts bending. Thank lighter steering for that.
What makes each one tick
Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two
The Seventy-Two's Evolution V-twin lopes along on low-end torque, and it's ready to launch the second a light goes green. High pegs and tall bars hold you upright and a touch forward. The skinny front hoop tips in.
Bonneville T100
The Bonneville's air-cooled engine settles into a leisurely pace with a rich exhaust note. Steering at the bar doesn't take much effort, with no urge to fall in or stand up mid-bend. A bump runs up the telescopic fork into a seat that's still comfortable. The peashooters keep the beat.
Nils rode the Bonneville T100 in 2014 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two has the lower seat: 28.0 in (710 mm) vs 30.5 in (775 mm).
- The Bonneville T100 has the lower wet weight: 505 lb (229 kg) vs 545 lb (247 kg).
- The Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two makes more peak torque: 73 lb-ft (99 Nm) vs 50 lb-ft (68 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both miss here
For all-day comfort, both fall short. Keep the rides short and you'll get on fine with either.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
No verdict: Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two
Too much motor for a beginner: the Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two sits this one out.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two
What owners say
Strengths
- Strong low-end torque
Trade-offs
- Extremely limited fuel range
Bonneville T100
What owners say
Strengths
- Charismatic, torquey engine
- Timeless classic styling
- Easy to maintain
Known problems to check before you buy
Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
Bonneville T100
- Electrical gremlins (coils, sensors, connectors) Older bikes can suffer from failing coil packs, corroded connectors and broken sensors (MAP, TPS) leading to rough running; often traced to poor grounds and vibration.
- Cam cover gasket leaks A common weeping leak develops from the cam cover gasket; usually an easy fix with a replacement rubber gasket.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 28.0 in (710 mm) | 30.5 in (775 mm) |
| Wet weight | 545 lb (247 kg) | 505 lb (229 kg) |
| Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1202 cc | 865 cc |
| Engine | 45° V-twin | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Air/oil-cooled |
| Power | 66 hp (49 kW) | 63 hp (47 kW) |
| Torque | 73 lb-ft (99 Nm) | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,500 rpm | 6,000 rpm |
| Top speed | 95 mph (153 km/h) | 106 mph (170 km/h) |
| Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 48 mpg (US) / 4.9 L/100 km | 43 mpg (US) / 5.5 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 2.1 US gal (7.9 L) | 4.2 US gal (16 L) |
| Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Belt | Chain |
| Front tire | MH90-21 | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 150/80-16 | 130/80-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Sportster XL 1200 V Seventy-Two | Bonneville T100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
