2012 Ducati Diavel vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Ducati Diavel 2012 Ducati Diavel

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
119 kW / 162 hp / @ 9500rpm
Top Speed
252.4 km/h / 156.8 mph
Weight
239 kg / 527lbs
2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
573.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Amphibian.
Year2012-
Colours-Hard Candy Coloma Gold Flake, Ember Red Sunglo, Big Blue Pearl, Vivid Black
Make ModelDucati Diavel-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-3.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-99 mm
Seat Height770 mm / 30.3in660 mm / 26.0 in.
Wheelbase1590 mm / 62.6 in1,519 mm / 59.8 in.
Height1192 mm / 46.9 in1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length2235 mm / 87.9 in2,250 mm / 88.6 in.
Width860 mm / 33.8 in1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-2.60 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.17 quarts
Dry Weight210 Kg / 463 lbs250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal / 3.7 Imp gal7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons
Wet Weight239 kg / 527lbs259.9 kg / 573.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed252.4 km/h / 156.8 mph45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Power119 kW / 162 hp / @ 9500rpm-
Max Torque127.5 Nm / 13.0 kgf-m / 94 lb-ft / @ 8000rpm107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000
Standing Start ¼ Mile10.7 sec-
Engine
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
CO2-113.7 CO
Displacement (cc)-1201.25 cc
Displacement (ci)-73.30 cubic inches
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.9 x 96.8 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 3.8 inches
Displacement1198.4 cc / 73.1 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder. Air-cooled, Evolution®
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Bore x Stroke106 x 67.9 mm-
Compression Ratio11.5:19.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
ExhaustLightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflersE Type 9
Fuel Consumption5.2 L/100 km / 19.4 km/l / 45.6 US mpg / 54.8 Imp mpg4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
Fuel InductionMitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies with RbW-
IgnitionMarelli electronic-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveChain Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 43Belt
Gear Ratios1st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/25-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-57/38 ratio
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel Trellis frame-
Suspension - FrontMarzocchi 50mm fully adjustable USD forksIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Suspension - RearProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm,Independent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rake28°-
Steering Angle70°-
Trail-107 mm / 4.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.72 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear120 mm / 4.72 in-
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationTank mounted instrumentation with TFT colour display: Gear selected, air temp, battery voltage, trips 1 & 2, fuel reserve trip, average and actual fuel consumption and speed, trip time, scheduled maintenance. Full status and/or management of Riding Modes, DTC, RbW and ABS.4-inch Speedometer mounted low and integrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, LED indicator lights
Lighting system-High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x 320 mm Semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo calipers, 4-piston with ABSSingle disc. Dual-piston
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper with ABSSingle disc. Single-piston
Rims-Black, Laced Steel
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR 17150/80-16
Tyres - Rear240/45 ZR17150/80-B16

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Ducati Diavel

The 2012 Ducati Diavel edges out the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight thanks to its liquid cooling and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Ducati Diavel - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 660 mm vs 770 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2012 Ducati Diavel vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Ducati Diavel and 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2012 Ducati Diavel uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valves per cylinder., while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Ducati Diavel or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has the lower seat at 660 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Ducati Diavel sits higher at 770 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Ducati Diavel or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Ducati Diavel has the edge in liquid cooling and dual front discs, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.