Harley-Davidson XL Sportster vs Triumph Super III (1996)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Harley-Davidson XL Sportsterstacks up against the Triumph Super III. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Harley-Davidson XL Sportster | Triumph Super III |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1959 | 1996 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 883 cc | 885 cc |
| Horsepower | 42 hp | 115 hp |
| Torque | — | 89 Nm |
| Weight | — | 211 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 Super III — which should you buy?
Picking between the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster and the Triumph Super III usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Harley-Davidson XL Sportster brings 42 hp, while the Triumph Super III counters with 115 hp at 211 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:

