By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Cruiser
Triumph Thunderbird Storm (MY2011) vs Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster (XL1200N)
At the first press of the starter, the Triumph Thunderbird Storm's twin settles into a deep exhaust note that's smooth at idle. The Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster's air-cooled twin barks awake with an unmistakable exhaust sound. It's all rumble at low revs.
So which one do you buy?
The Thunderbird Storm has the edge if…
Character, looks and sound
Narrow edge: Thunderbird Storm
Parked side by side, the Thunderbird Storm draws the eye a little more. It's down to more distinctive styling and more engine character. Only a little, and taste can flip it.
The Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Inches ahead: Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
Keeping running costs low
By a nose: Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster
For the money you spend after the purchase, the Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster nudges ahead. The gap is too small to plan a budget around.
Which one's the smarter buy
Nothing in it on value
At these used prices, neither bike is the clear better buy for the money. The small price gap doesn't tip the value scale toward the Thunderbird Storm or the Sportster.
What makes each one tick
Thunderbird Storm
Well before the engine spins up, the Thunderbird Storm hauls its bulk forward on a thick shove of torque that doesn't fade through a roll-on. In a bend the chassis holds a steady line, and the forward pegs are the first parts to scrape. There's little give in the stiff suspension, which sends a sharp bump straight up to the seat. The brakes bite hard.
Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster
Low and light, the Nightster drops into a bend on Iron Mountain Road while it's carrying its weight close to the pavement. A twist of the throttle brings a stout pull off the bottom that doesn't wait for the tach to climb. Heat and vibration ride along. The low seat keeps both boots on the pavement.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster has the lower seat: 25.7 in (653 mm) vs 27.6 in (700 mm).
- The Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster has the lower wet weight: 562 lb (255 kg) vs 747 lb (339 kg).
- The Thunderbird Storm makes more peak power: 97 hp (72 kW) vs 66 hp (49 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Daily commuting & city riding
Not built for it: Thunderbird Storm
There's no daily-ride verdict for the Thunderbird Storm. Getting to work isn't its job.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Look elsewhere
For all-day comfort, both fall short. Keep the rides short and you'll get on fine with either.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Thunderbird Storm
What owners say
Strengths
- Monstrous torque and smooth power delivery
- Surprisingly agile handling for a big cruiser
- Aggressive blacked-out styling
- Comfortable ergonomics for long days
Trade-offs
- Very heavy, difficult to manoeuvre at low speeds
- Limited cornering clearance
- Missing modern amenities
- Stiff suspension transmits bumps harshly
Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster
What owners say
Strengths
- Massive V-twin torque
- Addictive exhaust note
- Custom classic styling
- Reliable and well-built
- Agile handling for a cruiser
Trade-offs
- Uncomfortable stock seat
What they cost used
These prices compare a 15-year-old Thunderbird Storm with a 15-year-old Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster.
- Thunderbird Storm
- about $5,000
- Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster
- about $5,300
What they share
- Final drive
- Belt
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Thunderbird Storm | Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 27.6 in (700 mm) | 25.7 in (653 mm) |
| Wet weight | 747 lb (339 kg) | 562 lb (255 kg) |
| Thunderbird Storm | Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1699 cc | 1202 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin | 45° V-twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Power | 97 hp (72 kW) | 66 hp (49 kW) |
| Torque | 115 lb-ft (156 Nm) | 79 lb-ft (107 Nm) |
| Thunderbird Storm | Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 45 mpg (US) / 5.2 L/100 km | 49 mpg (US) / 4.8 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 5.8 US gal (22 L) | 3.3 US gal (12.5 L) |
| Thunderbird Storm | Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Front tire | 120/70-19 | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 200/50-17 | 150/80-16 |
| Wheelbase | 63.5 in (1613 mm) | 60.0 in (1524 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Thunderbird Storm | Sportster XL 1200 N Nightster | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Option (from 2012) | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
