At a group ride a couple weeks ago one of the guys from Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly came with the Sportster 883 that they're reviewing (I don't play alphabet soup so don't know the proper name; the base version anyway, in black) so I got to directly compare it to my 790cc Bonnie.
I'd say fit and finish give the Harley a little bit of an edge - both bikes are very well put together, but on several details the Harley was just a little better matched up. But the two bikes are VERY similar in terms of finish quality, and though I prefer the looks of the Triumph I really was impressed with the Sportster. "Out of the box" the Harley also sounds a little better.
In terms of personality, the Triumph wins by a mile for me, and I think that's what matters - the Sportster has become, IMO, too much of a cruiser considering that it started as a sporty standard. The Bonnie looks unique, the Sporty does not.
So which one was faster? We never tested it
I'd say you'll be pleased with a Bonnie.
[ This message was edited by: lindsayt on 2007-05-28 20:58 ]
