2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow vs. Triumph America [Video]

Prestige-brand cruisers that won’t crush your pocketbook

By Pete Brissette, Jan. 26, 2012, Photography by Pete Brissette, Alfonse Palaima, Video by Alfonse Palaima and Adam Wood

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And The Winner Is...

With MSRPs so close in proximity, the Harley and Triumph’s costs become a non-issue. A prospective buyer is then left to decide which motorcycle will better suit specific needs and desires.

I genuinely found riding the SuperLow a gas. Despite occasionally feeling like the SL’s cramped quarters would eventually grow old if I owned it, I still couldn’t deny the care and quality that Harley invested in this model, from its clean, simple styling to the undeniable “American V-Twin” character it possess. It is, after all, the original.

2012 Triumph America Harley-Davidson SuperLow

But my pragmatic side says the Triumph America just makes more sense for a greater cross section of riders because of its accommodating fit, big bike looks and feel, good overall performance and unique engine. I felt like I could live more comfortably day in and day out with the America than I could the SuperLow. But if you’re a rider that finds the Harley is an ideal fit, then you’ve found your cruiser.

In either case, with such low price tags for these quality motorcycles from venerable motorcycle brands, either choice is the right choice.

By the Numbers
	Harley-Davidson Sportster SuperLow	Triumph America
Engine Type	Air-Cooled V-Twin	Air-cooled parallel-Twin
Displacement	883cc	865cc
Bore & Stroke	76.2 x 96.8mm	90.0 x 68.0mm
Compression	8.9:1	N/A
HP (BHP or Rear Wheel)	45.5	50.4
Torque	46.3	47.1
Frame	Steel tube	Steel tube
Wheelbase	59.3 in	63.6 in
Rake/Trail	31.1/5.7	33.0/5.6
Front Suspension	39mm Showa Fork	41mm Kayaba
Rear Suspension	Dual Coil-Over	Dual Coil-Over
Front/Rear Tires	120/70 x 18 & 150/60 x 17	130/90 x 16 & 170/80 x 15
Front Brakes	Single, dual piston	Single, dual piston
Rear Brakes	Single-piston	Single, dual piston
Seat Height	26.8 in.	27.1 in.
Wet Weight	563 lbs	550 lbs
Fuel Capacity	4.5 gal	5.1 gal