Triumphrat

yonder

Since performance wasn't really a consideration in my search for my first bike, I didn't notice this until now.

2007 Harley Davidson Sportster XL883
Displacement (cc): 883
Horsepower: 43
Weight (dry): 563 lbs

2007 Triumph Bonneville
Displacement (cc): 865
Horsepower: 66
Weight (dry): 451

It almost seems unfair to compare the specs on these two bikes. And even though the Harley has the lower MSRP, OTD price on a Bonnie is likely to be the same as the Harley if not less.

It almost seems more fair to compare the Bonnie to the bigger Sportster, the XL1200 series.

I wonder how the quarter mile times compare between the two in stock form. I'm sure someone here must have some numbers (Google is not my friend today, it seems) It almost seems like in order to get a competetive race between the two, you'd have to let the Harley guy upgrade to Screaming Eagle pipes & air cleaner (plus EFI remapping) and the Bonnie would have to take on a pillion.

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alfacliff

but the bonnie dosnt go "potato, potato" or vibrate as much so it dosnt infringe on Harleys copyrites.
cliff

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2006 Bonnie Black
1980 Yamaha xs650

yonder

OK I found this old post which says the older 790cc Bonnie in stock form was good for 13.57 sec @ 96.4 mph in the quarter mile.

I think it is fair to assume the 865cc Bonnie would do at least as well.

I'm having a hard time pulling numbers for a late model XL883. Also haven't found any yet for the current 865cc Bonnies.

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CAPTDON

I think my Bonne will eat a 1200 Sporty 0-60? The 883 there is no comp!!

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CAPT D

yonder

Closest I can find to a late model sportster is this:

2004 XL1200C

1/4 mi: 12.99 @ 100.11 mph
0-60: 4.58 sec.
Top speed: 124 mph

But that's for the 1200. Nothing on the late model 883's still.

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The Rand Man

I ride a Thruxton w/ K&N filters, Predator exhaust, and jets. My dad rides an '04 Sporty 883 with similar mods, and there is really no comparison in terms of acceleration. The Triumph is much quicker, and it handles more easily. The Sportster, on the other hand, is a little more comfy, and it has undeniable appeal. Here is a post and the discussion that follows:

http://www.triumphrat.net/triumph-tw...sportster.html

As for acceleration numbers, I found some in a recent issue of Motorcycle Consumer News (great mag), and I will see if I can look 'em up for you. All I remember is the 883 is shockingly slow. I think 0-60 was over 6 seconds.

You're right when you compare the numbers of a 1200 to the 865. They are much closer. The 1200 is a tad quicker in stock form.

Later!

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Mr. Rand
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'07 Thruxton, AI removed, BC airbox removal kit, Predators, mini rear fender & LED brake light, Kellermann turn signals.

dazco

HD's are generally about equal to bikes several 100 cc's smaller, so the 1200 would indeed be a better comparison. the 1450 is even worse. I doubt i could keep up with a 1200 sporty on my piped SM, but i've already tried and stayed neck and neck to 70 MPH with a piped 1450. HD's are really pretty pathetic as far as power/speed per cc. The 1200 is a slight exception to that rule and the Vrod is a clear exception, tho Porsche had to design the motor for them.

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2005 Speedmaster, Neon Blue, Thunderbike pipes, snorkel removed, UNI filter, drilled airbox, 130 mains, TBS needles.(2 shims) And speaking of Speedmasters, HERE'S MINE

Cat_Daddy

I don't know what the numbers say, but I own both a 1200 Sportster and my Bonneville. Both are jetted and exhaust mod'd.



The Sportster will stomp the Bonnie in any manner of acceleration. I'm not saying it's a better bike or anything, but that 1200 does pull stronger than my 865, but then again, it certainly should, it's much bigger.

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The Adventure Commuter:- Scrambler tank and fenders / TORs / Pelican top case and GIVI side cases / Lowered pegs / Bar risers / 19 t sprocket / Center stand / Gaiters / Renntec rack / Scrambler solo seat w/rack

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mikeinva

I dont know about a vrod cause i have not tried one yet but 1200 and 1450 hd arent much i can pull both of them from 0to60 but i kill them on top end they look like they die at 70.
Thats with a stock 790 with preds ,42mm carbs nark ,ing box ,coils and wires maybe after i get the stroker kit and head work going i will have to go find a vrod to try lol

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Why do I feel young on my bike

BonnieGreenDon

I own a highly modified 94 Sportster converted to a 1200 and a new Bonnie. The Bonnie handles much better, but the Sportster will blow just about anything on the road away in 0-60.
It just vibrates like crazy over 60 because of the hard mounted motor.

Herein lies the problem with the Sportster. When Harley switched the Sportster to rubber mounts, they added 100 pounds to the weight of the bike. A stock bike that was a marginal performer went from mediocre to worse. It made the bike smoother on the highway, but the tradoff was a significant weight increase.

The key with Harleys is that there is so much that can be done to them to increase power to the back wheel. My Sporty has about 92 hp.

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'07 Bonnie Black plus TORS, Bellmouth, K&N, 19t: minus AI, Restrictor plate, CA emissions. About 160,000 miles on the road since 2002.