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All Bikes/Compare/Harley-davidson Iron 883 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900

Harley-davidson Iron 883 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Harley-davidson Iron 883 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Harley-davidson Iron 883: 53 hp @ 6,000 rpm (note: Harley-Davidson does not officially publish peak hp figures; this is a widely accepted dyno-tested estimate) hp, 256 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 170 km/h (estimated; note: electronically limited in some markets), Motoryk rating 7.0/10. Kawasaki Vulcan 900: 50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Kawasaki does not officially publish output figures for this model) hp, 272 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 175 km/h (estimated; note: governed more by wind resistance than engine limits), Motoryk rating 7.5/10.

Performance at a Glance

Green = winner per metric · Bars are relative to the higher value

Harley-davidson Iron 883 Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Horsepower (hp)
53 hp
50 hp
Torque (Nm)
68 Nm
76 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
170 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
256 kg
272 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
53 hp @ 6,000 rpm (note: Harley-Davidson does not officially publish peak hp figures; this is a widely accepted dyno-tested estimate)
50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Kawasaki does not officially publish output figures for this model)
Torque
68 Nm @ 3,750 rpm
76 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
170 km/h (estimated; note: electronically limited in some markets)
175 km/h (estimated; note: governed more by wind resistance than engine limits)
Weight
256 kg (wet/curb weight)
272 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L, typical real-world average)
5.2 L/100km (approx. 19.2 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No

Individual Reviews

Harley-davidson Iron 883
Harley-davidson Iron 883
7.0/10

"A flawed but lovable urban scrapper that earns its cult status."

Pros
+Bulletproof resale value
+Parts absurdly cheap and available
+Low seat, beginner-friendly height
Cons
Vibration kills long-distance comfort
Tiny 3.3-gallon fuel tank
Underpowered stock above 60mph
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
7.5/10

"Dependable, honest cruiser that punches above its used asking price."

Pros
+Near-indestructible engine reliability
+Comfortable upright riding position
+Affordable used market pricing
Cons
Wallowy at highway speeds
Stock seat punishes long rides
Chrome quality disappoints over time

Top 10 Accessories

Picks that work on either bike.

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Caltric Front Rear Brake Pads Compatible with Harley Davidson Xl883N Xl 883N Iron 883 2014 2015 2016
Brake Pads
Caltric Front Rear Brake Pads Compatible with Harley Davidson Xl883N Xl 883N Iron 883 2014 2015 2016
View on Amazon →
100/90-19 (57H) Dunlop D401 Front Motorcycle Tire Wide White Wall for Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Iron XL883N 2009-2016
Tires
100/90-19 (57H) Dunlop D401 Front Motorcycle Tire Wide White Wall for Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Iron XL883N 2009-2016
View on Amazon →
Energizer TX14L AGM Motorcycle 12V Battery, 200 Cold Cranking Amps and 12 Ahr. Replaces: YTX14L-BS and others
Battery
Energizer TX14L AGM Motorcycle 12V Battery, 200 Cold Cranking Amps and 12 Ahr. Replaces: YTX14L-BS and others
View on Amazon →
Caltric Drive Chain Compatible with Harley Davidson Xlh1100 Sportster Xlh-1100 1967-1982
Chain & Lube
Caltric Drive Chain Compatible with Harley Davidson Xlh1100 Sportster Xlh-1100 1967-1982
View on Amazon →
V-Twin Oil Change Kit Synthetic w/Black Filter, Sportster
Engine Oil
V-Twin Oil Change Kit Synthetic w/Black Filter, Sportster
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Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
Helmet
Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
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Riding Gloves
Gloves
Riding Gloves
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Mesh Riding Jacket
Jacket
Mesh Riding Jacket
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Riding Boots
Boots
Riding Boots
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Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
Chain Lube
Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
View on Amazon →
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