Harley-Davidson Sportster S vs Kawasaki Versys 1000 Comparison

The Harley-Davidson Sportster S certainly has a lot going for it. Great looks, a punchy engine, and all the latest electronics and chassis components that you may seek in a thoroughly modern motorcycle. But the lack of suspension travel, and the feet forward riding position robs the Sportster S of comfort and practicality. Limited fuel tank capacity, and ergonomics aren’t suitable to take the Sportster S out for a long-ish ride. As a motorcycle, the new Sportster S makes a solid case as a modern-day Harley-Davidson. The design may have polarising opinions, particularly from the ‘classic’ Harley faithful. Despite its negatives, it does make for an attractive proposition, if it’s a quintessential Harley-Davidson one is looking for, in a more modern, performance-oriented avatar.

With no cosmetic changes, the 2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000 continues to sport the same dual-LED headlamps, tall visor, massive fairing and long split seats to maximise comfort. Power comes from the same BS6 compliant 1043 cc in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that develops 118 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 102 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and gets an assist and slipper clutch. It is a decent sport touring road-oriented motorcycles.