Harley-Davidson Sportster S vs Triumph Rocket 3 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.

The Triumph Rocket 3 is the most powerful motorcycle in production known for its large 2,458 cc three-cylinder engine that makes a massive 165 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 221 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The torque output is also the highest of any production motorcycle in the world. The engine is paired to a six-speed gearbox which is torque assisted. There is a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) which in turn assists cornering ABS, cornering traction control and hill-hold control.