By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Retro Classic vs Cruiser
Triumph Thruxton (986ME) vs Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster (XL1200R-MY2005)
Off a stoplight, the Triumph Thruxton's overbuilt engine pulls like it's got years of miles left in it. Roll on the Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster's throttle and the air-cooled V-twin's already biting. There's a rumble as the low end thumps you forward.
So which one do you buy?
Buy the Thruxton if…
Keeping running costs low
Better bet: Thruxton
For a rider watching every dollar after the sale, the Thruxton is the clear choice.
The Thruxton has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
A touch ahead: Thruxton
The Thruxton edges it for the daily grind. It's down to friendlier manners and a smaller footprint. It's a small gap, not a reason on its own.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Edges it: Thruxton
Through a string of corners, the Thruxton feels a little more eager. Credit a sportier chassis and more feel through the bars. The gap is small, so ride both.
What makes each one tick
Thruxton
The Thruxton puts its retro looks ahead of outright pace, and the sculpted tank sets that tone before it's even running. Into a corner, the clip-ons hold you in a sporty crouch over that tank. The parallel twin doesn't hurry. Those wire wheels finish the cafe racer look.
Nils rode the Thruxton in 2014 (NastyNils Testride).
Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster
There's shove in the Roadster's 45-degree V-twin long before the tach climbs. Rubber isolators keep the twin's shake off the grips, and the ride stays smooth across a bump.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster has the lower seat: 28.3 in (719 mm) vs 31.1 in (790 mm).
- The Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster makes more peak torque: 79 lb-ft (107 Nm) vs 53 lb-ft (72 Nm).
- The Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster has the larger engine: 1202 cc vs 865 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Both fall short
Neither one is built for long-haul comfort. For big miles, look at a proper tourer or sport tourer.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
No verdict: Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster
Leave the Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster for your second or third bike. It's too much to learn on.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Thruxton
What owners say
Strengths
- Iconic classic cafe racer styling
- Solid and reliable engine
Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster
What owners say
Strengths
- Torquey, characterful engine
Known problems to check before you buy
Thruxton
- Rear suspension unit weld recall (2004) Recall 04V496000 A poor weld on the rear suspension unit body could cause the unit to fail, compromising stability and risking a crash. Triumph recalled affected 2004 models to replace the rear suspension units (NHTSA 04V496000).
Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they share
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
Where the spec sheets split
| Thruxton | Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 28.3 in (719 mm) |
| Thruxton | Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 865 cc | 1202 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin | 45° V-twin |
| Power | 68 hp (51 kW) | 66 hp (49 kW) |
| Torque | 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) | 79 lb-ft (107 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 5,750 rpm | 4,000 rpm |
| Top speed | 115 mph (185 km/h) | 110 mph (177 km/h) |
| Thruxton | Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 4.2 US gal (16 L) | 3.3 US gal (12.5 L) |
| Thruxton | Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Final drive | Chain | Belt |
| Front tire | 100/90-18 | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 130/80-17 | 150/80-16 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Thruxton | Sportster XL 1200 R Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Manually Adjustable Front Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
| Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
