2016 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport vs 2017 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport 2016 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport

Sport

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
590.8 pounds
2017 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight 2017 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight

Sport

Engine
Evolution®, four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
252 kg / 556 lbs
Full Specifications
General
CommentsMaximum power with RAM Air is 154.5 kW (210 PS at 10,000 rpm. Small windscreen.-
Year-2016 - 17
ColoursGolden Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black-
Make Model-Harley Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)4.9 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)125 mm-
Seat Height800 mm / 31.5 in.Unladen 710 mm / 28.0 in.
Wheelbase1,480 mm / 58.3 in.1495 mm / 58.9 in.
Ground Clearance-110 mm / 4.3 in
Height1,170 mm / 46.1 in.-
Length2,170 mm / 85.4 in.2210 mm / 87.0 in
Width770 mm / 30.3 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons7.9 L / 2.1 US gal
Oil Capacity-2.6 L / 0.69 US gal
Wet Weight268.0 kg / 590.8 lbs252 kg / 556 lbs
Performance
Max Torque158.20 Nm (16.1 kgf-m or 116.7 ft.lbs) @ 7500 Revolutions96 Nm / 9.8 kgf-m / 70.8 ft/lbs./ @ 3500 rpm
Engine
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Displacement (cc)1441.00 cc-
Displacement (ci)87.93 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)84.0 x 65.0 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.3 x 2.6 inches-
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke-
Displacement-1202 cc / 73.4 cu in.
Engine Detail-Evolution®, four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. 44 mm x 4 (Mikuni)-
Bore x Stroke-88.8 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio12.3:110.0:1
Cooling System-Air cooled
Engine LubricationForced lubrication, wet sump with oil cooler-
Exhaust-Shorty-dual exhaust with blacked out mufflers
Fuel Induction-Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
IgnitionDigitalDigital CDI
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manual-
Final DriveChainBelt
Gear Ratios-1st 9.004 / 2nd 6.432 / 3rd 4.783 / 4th 3.965 / 5th 3.400:1
Gearbox6-speed-
Primary DriveSealed chain-
Primary Drive Ratios-38/57 ratio
Transmission / Drive-5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeMonocoque, pressed-aluminiumMild steel, tubular frame; circular sections; cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions; MIG welded
Suspension - Front43 mm inverted fork with top-out springs. Compression damping: 18-way. Rebound damping: 15-way. Spring preload: Fully adjustable.Front forks with cartridge dampening technology
Suspension - RearBottom-Link Uni-Trak, ?hlins TTX39 rear shock with piggyback reservoir and remote preload adjuster. Compression Damping: 22-wayRebound Damping: 22-way. Spring Preload: Fully adjustableEmulsion technology rear shocks with 50 mm range of pre-load adjustability and an under-seat, rear shock suspension adjustment wrench
Lean Angle-27.1°
Rake23.0°29.6°
Trail93 mm / 3.7 in.132 mm / 5.2 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.2 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)310 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Dual radial-mount, Brembo M50 monobloc, opposed 4-piston.Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Opposed, twin-piston caliper.Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17130/90 B16 73H
Tyres - Rear190/50-ZR17150/80 B16 77H
Wheels - Front-Cast aluminium, 9 double spoke, black, machined highlights
Wheels - Rear-Cast aluminium, 9 double spoke, black, machined highlights

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2016 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport and the 2017 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2016 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 125 mm vs 110 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2017 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Unladen 710 mm vs 800 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2016 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport vs 2017 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport and 2017 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight?
The 2016 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2017 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight is powered by Evolution®, four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport or the 2017 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight?
The 2017 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight has the lower seat at Unladen 710 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport sits higher at 800 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2016 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport or the 2017 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X Forty-Eight?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Performance Sport has the edge in greater ground clearance, while the 2017 Harley-Davidson XL 1200X 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.