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All Bikes/Compare/Harley-davidson Softail Slim vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900

Harley-davidson Softail Slim vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Harley-davidson Softail Slim vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Harley-davidson Softail Slim: 94 hp @ 5,020 rpm (2018+ Milwaukee-Eight 107; note: Harley officially rates in torque, hp is estimated) hp, 303 kg (curb weight, 2018+ model) weight, top speed 185 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 7.5/10. 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 Softail Slim Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Horsepower (hp)
94 hp
50 hp
Torque (Nm)
145 Nm
76 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
185 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
303 kg
272 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
94 hp @ 5,020 rpm (2018+ Milwaukee-Eight 107; note: Harley officially rates in torque, hp is estimated)
50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Kawasaki does not officially publish output figures for this model)
Torque
145 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
76 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
185 km/h (estimated)
175 km/h (estimated; note: governed more by wind resistance than engine limits)
Weight
303 kg (curb weight, 2018+ model)
272 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
6.2 L/100km (approx. 16 km/L) — estimated real-world average
5.2 L/100km (approx. 19.2 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No

Individual Reviews

Harley-davidson Softail Slim
Harley-davidson Softail Slim
7.5/10

"A characterful, honest cruiser that rewards patient, smooth riders."

Pros
+Milwaukee-Eight torque is excellent
+Retro styling ages beautifully
+Strong used market supply
Cons
Stock suspension genuinely disappointing
16-inch front limits handling
Pre-2018 heat management poor
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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PUIG Chopper Windshield Harley Softail Slim
PUIG · Windshield
PUIG Chopper Windshield Harley Softail Slim
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V&H Shortshots Staggered Chrome Softail
Vance & Hines · Exhaust
V&H Shortshots Staggered Chrome Softail
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Longride Leather Throw-Over Saddlebags Harley Softail
Longride · Saddlebags
Longride Leather Throw-Over Saddlebags Harley Softail
View on Amazon →
Drag Specialties Upswept Sissy Bar Softail Slim
Drag Specialties · Sissy Bar
Drag Specialties Upswept Sissy Bar Softail Slim
View on Amazon →
Kuryakyn Engine Guard Highway Crash Bar Softail
Kuryakyn · Crash Bar
Kuryakyn Engine Guard Highway Crash Bar Softail
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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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