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All Bikes/Compare/Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900

Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900

Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers

Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus: Approximately 18 hp @ 5,250 rpm (estimated based on 350cc AVL engine of the era) hp, Approximately 180 kg (wet/curb weight, estimated) weight, top speed Approximately 120 km/h (estimated), Motoryk rating 6.5/10. 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

Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Horsepower (hp)
18 hp
50 hp
Torque (Nm)
28 Nm
76 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
120 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
180 kg
272 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
Approximately 18 hp @ 5,250 rpm (estimated based on 350cc AVL engine of the era)
50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Kawasaki does not officially publish output figures for this model)
Torque
Approximately 28 Nm @ 4,000 rpm (estimated)
76 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
Approximately 120 km/h (estimated)
175 km/h (estimated; note: governed more by wind resistance than engine limits)
Weight
Approximately 180 kg (wet/curb weight, estimated)
272 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
Approximately 30-35 km/L (estimated; note: specific Thunderbird Plus figures vary by year and conditions)
5.2 L/100km (approx. 19.2 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No

Individual Reviews

Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus
Royal Enfield Thunderbird Plus
6.5/10

"Characterful budget tourer that rewards patient, mechanically-minded owners."

Pros
+Addictive thumper character
+Cheap parts everywhere
+Comfortable highway cruising posture
Cons
Electrical reliability genuinely questionable
Carb needs constant attention
Weak pillion accommodation
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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Motul · Engine Oil
10W-40 Semi-Synthetic Motorcycle Oil JASO MA2
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Motul 7100 10W-40 Synthetic 4L
Motul · Engine Oil
Motul 7100 10W-40 Synthetic 4L
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⚙️
Oil Filter
Oil Filter
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HifloFiltro HF303 Oil Filter
HifloFiltro · Oil Filter
HifloFiltro HF303 Oil Filter
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🌬️
Air Filter
Air Filter
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K&N KA-9006 Air Filter
K&N · Air Filter
K&N KA-9006 Air Filter
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Spark Plugs
Spark Plug
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NGK CPR7EA-9 (x2)
NGK · Spark Plugs
NGK CPR7EA-9 (x2)
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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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