Triumph Bonneville America vs. Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow

• Table of Contents
• 1. Triumph Bonneville America vs. Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow
• 2. Detailed Specs Comparison Between Triumph Bonneville America & Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow
• 3. Design: Triumph Bonneville America & Harley Sportster SuperLow
• 3.1 Triumph Bonneville America Design
• 3.2 Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow Design
• 4. Engine & Performance: Triumph Bonneville America & Harley Sportster SuperLow
• 4.1 Triumph Bonneville America Engine & Performance
• 4.2 Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow Engine & Performance
• 5. Comfort & Ergonomics: Triumph Bonneville America & Harley Sportster SuperLow
• 5.1 Triumph Bonneville America Comfort & Ergonomics
• 5.2 Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow Comfort & Ergonomics
• 6. Technology & Features: Triumph Bonneville America & Harley Sportster SuperLow
• 7. Pros & Cons: Triumph Bonneville America & Harley Sportster SuperLow
• 7.1 Triumph Bonneville America & Harley Sportster Pros & Cons
• 7.2 Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow Pros & Cons
• 8. Triumph Bonneville America & Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow: Which is Better?
• 9. Frequently Asked Questions
• 9.1 Where was the Triumph America Made Originally?
• 9.2 Why Did Triumph Stop Making the Triumph America?
• 9.3 Why Did Harley Davidson Discontinue the Sportster SuperLow?
• 9.4 What Does SuperLow Mean on a Harley?
• 10. Takeaway

1. Triumph Bonneville America vs. Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow

In the global motorcycle industry, two motorcycle companies have become popular with the motorcyclist communities in the United Kingdom and the United States. On the one hand is Triumph Motorcycles, a British motorcycle company specializing in producing Adventure Bikes, Roadsters, and Supersports. On the other hand is Harley Davidson, America’s most famous motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its Street, Touring, Sportster, Softail, and Dyna models. Both motorcycle companies have respectable reputations for producing new high-quality motorcycles and upgrading their older models. However, there have been occasions when Triumph Motorcycles and Harley Davidson have had to discontinue some of their motorcycle lineups. Though there are older models that are no longer in production, you may occasionally find the rare used Triumph or Harley Davidson model if you know where to look. Two examples of discontinued yet still popular motorcycles are the Triumph Bonneville America and the Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow.

2. Detailed Specs Comparison Between Bonneville America & Sportster SuperLow

	Triumph	Harley Davidson
Basic Information
Manufacturer	Triumph	Harley Davidson
Year	2015	2020
Model	Bonneville America	Sportster SuperLow
Motorcycle Type	Cruiser	Cruiser
Base Price	$8,399	$9,349
Colors	Phantom Black Morello/Cinder Red	Vivid Black Barracuda Silver River Rock Gray/Vivid Black
Engine & Systems
Displacement	865 cc	883 cc
Engine Type	DOHC Parallel-Twin	Evolution V-Twin
Cooling System	Air-Cooled	Air-Cooled
Compression Ratio	9.2:1	9:1
Stroke	68 mm	96.8 mm
Bore	90 mm	76.2 mm
Primary Drive Train	Gear	Chain
Transmission	Five-Speed	Five-Speed
Clutch	Wet Clutch w/ Multi Plates	Wet Clutch w/ Multi Plates
Exhaust	Headers Featuring Twin Walls w/ Two Silencers	Chrome, Staggered, Shorty Exhaust w/ Dual Mufflers
Fuel Delivery System	Fuel Injection - Electronic Multipoint & Sequential SAI Present	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Performance & Capacity
Speed	110 mph	105 mph
Torque	72 Nm	69 Nm
Horsepower	61 hp	50 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity	5.1 gal	4.5 gal
Oil Capacity	4.5 L	2.6 L
Dimensions
Trail	143 mm	145 mm
Rake	33°	31.1°
Seat Height	690 mm	705 mm
Wheelbase	1,617 mm	1,500 mm
Weight	231 kg	258 kg
Ground Clearance	-	100 mm

3. Design: Bonneville America & Sportster SuperLow

3.1 Triumph Bonneville America Design

The Triumph Bonneville America is a traditional-style, lightweight cruiser with a tubular steel frame. Built with a length of 2,420 mm and a weight of 231 kg, this Triumph motorcycle is better suited for short commutes and city travel, but its build gives it some touring capability. The extra length of this motorcycle makes it possible to attach a passenger seat at the rear. The Triumph America has wide drag-style handlebars that allow you to spread apart and rest your arms comfortably while riding. The front suspensions are 41 mm Kayaba telescopic forks, while the rear suspensions are Kayaba chrome twin shocks with adjustable preloads. The front brake is a single 310 mm disc, while the rear brake is a single 285 mm disc. The front tire is a size 130/90-R16 fitted with a 12-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the rear tire is a size 170/80-B15 fitted with a 12-spoke cast aluminum wheel.

The Triumph Bonneville America has a chrome body with only a few colored parts. The only colored parts are the front fender, rear fender, and fuel tank, with the remaining components being covered in a chrome finish. The features that make the Triumph America stand out are its sleek frame, mudguards, and raked-out front fork. This vehicle can come in the following colors: phantom black and morello/cinder red.

3.2 Harley Sportster SuperLow Design

The Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow is a low-slung, easy-riding chopper that offers excellent balance and comfort when riding. Built with a length of 2,225 mm, a weight of 258 kg, and a ground clearance of 100 mm, this Harley model is best suited for short commutes and traveling on city streets. The Harley Sportster SuperLow has straight handlebars that are easy to grip and within the comfortable reach of the rider. The front suspensions are non-adjustable 39 mm forks, while the rear suspensions are pre-load adjustable emulsion shocks. The front and rear brakes are dual-piston calipers that work with the ABS if one is installed. The front tire is a size 120/70 ZR-18 59W with a black split five-spoke with a machined rim front wheel fitted around it. The rear tire is a size 150/60 ZR-17 66W with a black split five-spoke with a machined rim rear wheel fitted around it.

The Harley Sportster SuperLow has a blacked-out frame with its outer parts covered with a chrome finish. The parts painted with a unique color scheme are the front fender, fuel tank, and rear fender. The license plate is positioned above the tail light and the side mirrors are positioned on top of the handlebars. This vehicle can come in the following colors: vivid black, barracuda silver, river rock, and gray/vivid black.

4. Engine & Performance: Triumph Bonneville America & Harley Sportster SuperLow

4.1 Engine & Performance: Triumph Bonneville America

The Triumph Bonneville America is powered by a DOHC parallel-twin 865 cc engine. This Triumph model has a five-speed transmission system connected to the rear wheel via a gear drive train. The Triumph Bonneville America can produce a maximum torque of 72 Nm at 3,300 rpm and a maximum horsepower of 61 bhp at 6,800 rpm. Designed with a 90 mm bore and a 68 mm stroke, the Triumph America can reach a top speed of 110 mph. Its air-cooled system works best during short commutes but cannot reliably prevent the engine from overheating on longer trips or in hot weather conditions.

4.2 Engine & Performance: Harley Sportster SuperLow

The Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow is powered by an Evolution 883 cc V-Twin engine. The Harley Sportster model also has a five-speed transmission system connected to the rear wheel, but it is via a chain drive train instead. The Harley Sportster SuperLow can produce a maximum torque of 69 Nm at 4,750 Nm. Though there are no official specifications regarding the Harley Sportster SuperLow’s top speed and horsepower, it is capable of performing similarly to the Harley Sportster Iron 883. On average, the Harley Sportster SuperLow can attain an average horsepower of 50 hp. Designed with a 76.2 mm bore and a 96.8 mm stroke, the Harley Sportster SuperLow can reach an average top speed of 105 mph. Its air-cooled system can reliably keep your engine cool on short commutes but may fail to stop your engine from overheating on longer trips or in hot weather conditions.

5. Comfort & Ergonomics: Triumph Bonneville America & Harley Sportster SuperLow

5.1  Comfort & Ergonomics: Triumph Bonneville America

The Triumph Bonneville America has a low-slung riding position that makes this vehicle ideal for shorter riders. The Triumph Bonneville America’s seat is made out of black leather that stands at a height of 690 mm. The low-slung seat is close enough to the ground that the rider’s feet can touch the ground and allows you to flatfoot when slowed or stopped. The wide handlebars and the footrests at the front ensure stability and comfort when riding. While the Triumph America does not have an ABS installed, its disc brakes are responsive and will apply quickly when prompted. This motorcycle has a low center of gravity that allows it to cruise easily on straight roads but it can also turn corners without issue. The light and smooth clutch make it possible to switch between gear levels quickly. Due to being a middleweight motorcycle, the Triumph Bonneville American can be ridden comfortably at mid to long-range distances. However, its touring capability can be improved even further by installing the right aftermarket parts, such as crash bars, fairings, luggage racks, and sissy bars.

5.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Sportster SuperLow

The Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow has an upright riding position and mid-mounted foot controls that make it suitable for shorter riders. The Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow’s seat is construed from black leather that stands at a height of 705 mm. The Harley Sportster SuperLow’s seat has a bucket shape that dips inward, providing a groove for you to fit your bottom. The rear suspension has longer wheel travel and an Emulsion rear shock that absorbs vibrations or impacts from bumpy or even roads. The Harley Sportster SuperLow’s dual-piston brakes and ABS provide reliable and immediate braking. Due to the low seat height and the narrow frame, this motorcycle can turn tight corners and navigate nimbly through traffic at low and high speeds. Though this vehicle’s lightweight and narrow build only let it perform at its best on city streets, it is possible to transform it into a touring motorbike by adding aftermarket parts, including crash bars, fairings, luggage racks, and sissy bars.

6. Technology & Features: Triumph Bonneville America & Harley Sportster SuperLow

	Triumph Bonneville America	Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow
ABS	X	Optional
Instrument Cluster	Tank-Mounted	Handlebar-Mounted
Clock	X	✔
Trip Meter	✔	✔
Speedometer	✔	✔
Odometer	✔	✔
Fuel Warning Indicator	X	✔
Engine Diagnostics	X	✔
Low Oil Pressure Indicator	X	✔
Low Battery Indicator	X	✔

7. Pros & Cons: Bonneville America & Sportster SuperLow

7.1 Triumph America Pros & Cons 

Triumph Bonneville America Pros	Triumph Bonneville America Cons
Suited for shorter riders	Stiff, uncomfortable stock seat
Better overall performance & capacity	No ABS included
More affordable	Not fit for taller and heavyweight riders
More lightweight	Less up-to-date
Lower seat height	instruments/gauges/technology
Ideal for city travel and short commutes	Less effective cooling system
Limited touring capability
Smooth clutch
Beginner-friendly motorcycle

7.2  Harley Sportster SuperLow Pros & Cons

Harley Sportster SuperLow Pros	Harley Sportster SuperLow Cons
Suited for shorter riders	Not ideal for touring
Has extra standard instruments/gauges	More expensive
ABS included (optional)	Not fit for taller and heavyweight riders
Reduced vibrations at varying rpm	Less effective cooling system
Better stability, handling, and control at varying speeds
More color options
Beginner-friendly motorcycle

8. Bonneville America & Sportster SuperLow: Which is Better?

Despite being manufactured by different companies, the Triumph Bonneville America and the Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow surprisingly share a few similarities. Both motorcycles are lightweight cruisers fitted with air-cooled systems and five-speed transmissions. Both motorcycles are beginner-friendly and are better suited for shorter riders.

The Triumph America is more affordable since it is $950 cheaper than the Harley Sportster SuperLow. This Triumph model has a higher top speed, produces more torque, can achieve higher horsepower, and has more fuel and oil capacities. Though not primarily a long-range tourer, the Triumph America can travel between cities or states without causing much discomfort to the rider. It is also possible to increase the Triumph America’s storage capacity by installing saddlebags, tank bags, sissy bar bags, tail bags, trunks, backpacks, or solo bags.

The Harley Sportster SuperLow was only discontinued in 2020, so it was fitted with more modern technology and extra gauges. Though an optional feature, the inclusion of the ABS would improve this vehicle’s braking and safety features. The rubber-mounted Evolution V-Twine engine is more effective at reducing vibrations even at high speeds. When traveling to work or getting around the city, it is possible to mount saddlebags, tank bags, sissy bar bags, tail bags, trunks, backpacks, or solo bags.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

9.1 Where was the Triumph America Made Originally?

The first Triumph Bonneville America was designed and built in Hinckley, Leicestershire.

9.2 Why Did Triumph Stop Making the Triumph America?

The Triumph Bonneville was permanently discontinued in 2015 due to its exhaust system not being compliant with the standards of the Euro-IV emissions regulations.

9.3 Why Did Harley Davidson Discontinue the Sportster SuperLow?

The reason why the production of the Sportster SuperLow in 2015 was discontinued was due to a lack of and a severe drop in sales. Due to the loss in popularity, Harley Davidson decided to cut its losses, with no plans to continue the SuperLow series later.

9.4 What Does SuperLow Mean on a Harley?

As the name suggests, the title “SuperLow” refers to the Harley model’s uniquely low seat height of 690 mm. Though many other Harley models were built lightweight and with low ground clearance, the Harley Sportster SuperLow was specifically built for shorter riders. This vehicle also could be ridden by novice and women riders.

10. Takeaway

The Triumph Bonneville America and the Harley Davidson Sportster SuperLow are older, discontinued cruisers still highly regarded by motorcycle enthusiasts. Despite not making it to the 2020s, the Triumph America has excellent performance and capacity when traveling short distances and has some limited touring capacity. Being discontinued only recently in 2020, the Harley Sportster SuperLow has the latest technological features and is suited for intercity travel. If you are a beginner or a shorter rider, then either one of these motorcycles can provide adequate handling, balance, and comfort. Depending on how frequently you ride a motorcycle, how far you plan to travel, and whether you wish to carry a passenger or belongings, these factors may determine whether it is preferable to choose the Triumph America or the Harley Sportster SuperLow.

Photo Credit: @motorcyclenews , @roughriderhd