MotoSpecs

2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm
Top Speed
188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph
Weight
308 kg / 678 lbs
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 ModelTriumph Thunderbird 1600-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-99 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-3.9 inches
Seat Height702 mm / 27.6 in660 mm / 26.0 in.
Wheelbase1641 mm / 64.6in1,519 mm / 59.8 in.
Height1216mm / 47.9 in1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length2350 mm / 92.5 in2,250 mm / 88.6 in.
Width947 mm / 37.2 in (Handlebars)1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.17 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-2.60 litres
Dry Weight308 kg / 678 lbs250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons
Oil Capacity4.2 L / 1.1 US gal . 0.92 Imp gal-
Wet Weight-259.9 kg / 573.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed188.5 km/h / 117.1 mph45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Power63 kW / 85.6 hp @ 4850 rpm-
Max Torque146 Nm / 14.89 kgf-m / 107.7 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 4000
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.1 sec-
Engine
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-73.30 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1201.25 cc
CO2-113.7 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.9 x 96.8 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 3.8 inches
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement1597 cc / 97.5 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.Air-cooled, Evolution®
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Bore x Stroke103.8 x 94.3mm-
Compression Ratio9.7:19.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Exhaust-E Type 9
Fuel Consumption7.0 L/100 km / 14.2 km/l / 33.4 US mpg / 40.1 Imp mpg4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
IgnitionDigital, inductive type via electronic engine management -
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
Clutch-Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveToothed beltBelt
Gear Ratios1st 2.9875:1 / 2nd 1.958:1 / 3rd 1.536:1 / 4th 1.219:1 / 5th 1.029:1 / 6th 0.909:1-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-57/38 ratio
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Suspension - FrontShowa 47 mm forksIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Suspension - RearShowa chromed spring twin shocks with 5 position adjustable preloadIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rake32°-
Trail-107 mm / 4.2 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-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 310 mm Discs, 4 piston calipersSingle disc. Dual-piston
Brakes - RearSingle 310 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc. Single-piston
Rims-Black, Laced Steel
Tyres - Front120/70 R19150/80-16
Tyres - Rear200/50 R17150/80-B16

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 and the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster 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

2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 - 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 702 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 vs 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 and 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 uses Four stroke, parallel twin, DOHC, 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 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 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 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 sits higher at 702 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 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 or the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 has the edge in liquid cooling and dual front discs, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight stands out for lower seat height and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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