2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 2014 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
2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 90°°L°twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valve per cylinder.
Power
162 hp / 119 kW @ 9500rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
239 kg / 527lbs ABS
Full Specifications
General
CommentsLithium Iron Phosphate 48V/20Ah battery, 16.8 kg. Range 60 km. Recharging time: 4 hours. Made in Taiwan.-
Year-2015
ColoursVivid Black, Blackened Cayenne Sunglo, Morocco Gold Pearl, Hard Candy Volcanic Orange Flake, Hard Candy Chrome Flake-
Make Model-Ducati Diavel Carbon
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)3.9 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)99 mm-
Seat Height660 mm / 26.0 in.770 mm / 30.3in
Wheelbase1,519 mm / 59.8 in.1590 mm / 62.6 in
Height1,005 mm / 39.6 in.1192 mm / 46.9 in
Length2,250 mm / 88.6 in.2235 mm / 87.9 in
Width625 mm / 24.6 in.860 mm / 33.8 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)2.60 litres-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.17 quarts-
Dry Weight250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs210 Kg / 463 lbs
Fuel Capacity7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons17 Litres / 5.3 gal
Wet Weight259.9 kg / 573.0 lbs239 kg / 527lbs ABS
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Power-162 hp / 119 kW @ 9500rpm
Max Torque107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 400094 lb-ft / 127.5 Nm @ 8000rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.0383 HP/kg-
Engine
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Bore x Stroke (mm)88.9 x 96.8 mm-
Displacement (cc)1201.25 cc-
CO2113.7 CO-
Displacement (ci)73.30 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 3.8 inches-
Displacement-1198.4
Engine DetailAir-cooled, Evolution®Four stroke, 90°°L°twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valve per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)-
Bore x Stroke-106 x 67.9mm
Compression Ratio9.7:111.5:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled,
EmissionsZero emission-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
ExhaustE Type 9Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and two lambda probes. Twin aluminium mufflers
Fuel Consumption4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies with RbW
Ignition-Marelli electronic
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathLight action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run.
Final DriveBeltChain Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 43
Gear Ratios-1st 37/15 / 2nd 30/17 / 3rd 27/20 / 4th24/22 / 5th 23/24 / 6th 22/25
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary Drive57/38 ratio-
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel tubeTubular steel Trellis frame
Suspension - FrontDual Hydraulic Shock AbsorberMarzocchi 50mm fully adjustable USD forks,
Suspension - RearSingle Hydraulic Shock AbsorberProgressive linkage with fully adjustable Sachs monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm,
Rake-28°
Steering Angle-70°
Trail107 mm / 4.2 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.72 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-120 mm / 4.72 in
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation4-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 systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Dual-piston2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo callipers, 4-piston with ABS
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Single-pistonSingle 265mm disc, 2-piston floating calliper with ABS
RimsBlack, Laced Steel-
Tyres - Front150/80-16120/70 ZR 17
Tyres - Rear150/80-B16240/45 ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon

The 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon edges out the 2014 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

2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Advantages

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

2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon - 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.

2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight and 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon is powered by Four stroke, 90°°L°twin cylinder, DOHC, desmodromic 4 valve per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has the lower seat at 660 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon 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 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2015 Ducati Diavel Carbon stands out for liquid cooling and dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.