Harley-Davidson XL Sportster vs Triumph Daytona 900 (1996)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL Sportsterstacks up against the Triumph Daytona 900. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Harley-Davidson XL Sportster | Triumph Daytona 900 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1959 | 1996 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 883 cc | 885 cc |
| Horsepower | 42 hp | 98 hp |
| Torque | — | 83 Nm |
| Weight | — | 213 kg |
| Seat height | — | 31 mm |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | 6-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Dual disc |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Single disc |
| Tires | 3.50-18 / 3.50-18 | — |
Harley-Davidson XL Sportster vs Triumph Daytona 900 — which should you buy?
Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster and the Triumph Daytona 900 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster brings 42 hp, while the Triumph Daytona 900 counters with 98 hp at 213 kg.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: