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All Bikes/Compare/Harley-davidson Nightster Special vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900

Harley-davidson Nightster Special vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Harley-davidson Nightster Special vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Harley-davidson Nightster Special: 90 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 228 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated; note: factory limited, real-world reports vary), Motoryk rating 7.8/10. 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 Nightster Special Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Horsepower (hp)
90 hp
50 hp
Torque (Nm)
95 Nm
76 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
228 kg
272 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
90 hp @ 7,500 rpm
50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Kawasaki does not officially publish output figures for this model)
Torque
95 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
76 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h (estimated; note: factory limited, real-world reports vary)
175 km/h (estimated; note: governed more by wind resistance than engine limits)
Weight
228 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 Nightster Special
Harley-davidson Nightster Special
7.8/10

"The best Sportster-lineage bike Harley has ever built."

Pros
+Revolution Max engine is exceptional
+Handles surprisingly well
+Modern reliability and electronics
Cons
Suspension too soft stock
Seat comfort is poor
Limited wind protection
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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Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
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Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet
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Mesh Riding Jacket
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Riding Boots
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Chain Lube & Cleaner Kit
Chain Lube
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Battery Trickle Charger
Battery Tender
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Handlebar Phone Mount
Phone Mount
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Waterproof Motorcycle Cover
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Waterproof Motorcycle Cover
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Roadside Tool Kit
Tool Kit
Roadside Tool Kit
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Helmet Action Camera
Action Camera
Helmet Action Camera
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