The 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster is a cruiser-styled 1200cc retro roadster designed for riders seeking classic aesthetics with modern performance. Its air-cooled parallel-twin engine produces 77 bhp and 106 Nm torque, delivering relaxed mid-range power ideal for highway cruising and commuting. Known for its chrome-laden styling, comfortable ergonomics, and accessible handling, it appeals to both experienced riders and those returning to motorcycling.
The 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster is a middleweight cruiser designed for riders seeking modern performance in a compact, nimble package. Its 481-pound frame, responsive handling geometry, and 91-horsepower Milwaukee-Eight engine deliver accessible power and agility, making it ideal for both new and experienced riders exploring urban riding and lighter touring.
Both are cruisers, so this is a like-for-like choice.
2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster: Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and easy highway travel with strong low-rpm torque rather than outright top-end speed.
2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster: Built primarily for stylish street cruising and weekend riding rather than outright speed or long-distance touring.
Verdict: Choose the 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster if you want a bigger tank. Choose the 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster if you want more power, lighter weight and a lower seat. Check the full table below for every figure, and the size comparison for fit.
| Specification | 2026 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster | 2026 Harley-Davidson Nightster |
|---|---|---|
| Other | ||
| Category | Cruiser | Cruiser |
| Fuel Tank Material | Metal | Plastic |
| Rake | 25.3 deg | 30 |
| Engine | ||
| Capacity: | 1200.0 ccm (73.23 cubic inches) | 975.1 ccm (59.50 cubic inches) |
| CO2 Emissions | ✓105 CO2 g/km | ✓128 CO2 g/km |
| EPA Certificate No. | TTDXC1.20DBO-016 | - |
| EPA Est. Fuel Consumption | 4.49 L/100km (52.4 US mpg) | 5.45 L/100km (43.2 US mpg) |
| EPA CO Emissions | 2.0 CO g/km | 1.2 CO g/km |
| Engine Type | Parallel Twin, four-stroke | V-Twin, four-stroke |
| Bore x Stroke | 97.6 x 80.0 mm (3.8 x 3.1 inches) | 97.0 x 66.0 mm (3.8 x 2.6 inches) |
| Compression | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid | Air |
| Fuel System | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | Naturally aspirated |
| Valves Per Cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 76.9 HP (57.5 kW) @ 6100 RPM | ✓91.0 HP (66.9 kW) @ 7500 RPM |
| Torque | ✓106.0 Nm (10.8 kgf-m or 78.2 ft.lbs) @ 4000 RPM | 97.6 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.0 ft.lbs) @ 5750 RPM |
| Power/Weight Ratio | 0.2902 HP/kg (wet) | 0.4342 HP/kg (dry) |
| Chassis & suspension | ||
| Frame | Tubular steel, with steel cradles | - |
| Front Suspension | Showa 1.85 in (47mm) cartridge forks | 41mm (1.6 in) SHOWA® Dual Bending Valve conventional forks. Aluminum fork triple clamps. |
| Rear Suspension | KYB monoshock RSU with linkage | Rear suspension is dual outboard, direct-acting (no linkage) emulsion technology shock absorbers with coil springs and a threaded collar for pre-load adjustment. |
| Front Wheel Travel | 90 mm (3.5 inches) | - |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 73 mm (2.9 inches) | - |
| Rake (fork angle) | 25.3° | 30.0° |
| Trail | 91 mm (3.6 inches) | 137 mm (5.4 inches) |
| Ground Clearance | 91 mm (3.6 inches) | 109 mm (4.3 inches) |
| Transmission | ||
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Final Drive | Chain | Belt |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate, slip & assist | Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath |
| Brakes & wheels | ||
| Front Brakes | Twin 12.2 in (310mm) fixed discs, Brembo 2-piston floating calipers, OCABS | Front: axially mounted, 4-piston caliper; Rear: floating, single piston caliper |
| Front Brakes Diameter | 310 mm (12.2 inches) | - |
| Rear Brakes | Single 10 in (255mm) disc, Nissin single piston sliding caliper, OCABS | Expanding brake (drum brake). ABS. Floating, single piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes Diameter | 255 mm (10.0 inches) | - |
| Front Tyre | MT90B16 | 100/90-19 57H |
| Rear Tyre | 150/80 R16 | 150/80B16 77H |
| ABS | - | Yes |
| Dimensions & weight | ||
| Wheelbase | 1500 mm (59.1 inches) | 1544 mm (60.8 inches) |
| Overall Length | 2225 mm (87.6 inches) | 2250 mm (88.6 inches) |
| Overall Width | 910 mm (35.8 inches) | 838 mm (33.0 inches) |
| Overall Height | 1055 mm (41.5 inches) | - |
| Seat Height | 705 mm (27.8 inches) | ✓688 mm (27.1 inches) |
| Wet Weight | 265.0 kg (584.2 pounds) | ✓218.2 kg (481.0 pounds) |
| Fuel Capacity | ✓14.00 litres (3.70 US gallons) | 11.70 litres (3.09 US gallons) |
| Oil capacity | 4.50 litres (4.76 US quarts) | 4.50 litres (4.76 US quarts) |
| Dry weight | - | 209.6 kg (462.1 pounds) |
"Best" (✓) reflects that single spec only, not overall suitability - a bike can win on paper and still be the wrong choice for you. Ties are all marked; specs with no clear better/worse direction (e.g. displacement, wheel size) are never marked, only tinted where bikes differ.
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Specs are pulled from the same categories used throughout the site: engine and transmission (capacity, power, torque, gearbox), physical measures (weight, seat height, fuel and tank capacity), frame and dimensions, speed and acceleration, and brakes, suspension, frame and wheels (including tyres) - plus general information and maintenance data where it's on record for a bike.
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