Yamaha V-max 1200 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha V-max 1200 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Yamaha V-max 1200: 143 hp @ 9,000 rpm hp, 262 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 220 km/h, 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
Yamaha V-max 1200
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Horsepower (hp)
143 hp
50 hp
Torque (Nm)
150 Nm
76 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
220 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
262 kg
272 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
143 hp @ 9,000 rpm
50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Kawasaki does not officially publish output figures for this model)
Torque
150 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
76 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
220 km/h
175 km/h (estimated; note: governed more by wind resistance than engine limits)
Weight
262 kg (wet/curb weight)
272 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
7.5 L/100km (typical real-world average, varies significantly with riding style)
5.2 L/100km (approx. 19.2 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Yamaha V-max 1200
7.8/10
"Pure muscle-bike theater that genuinely delivers the performance goods."
Pros
+Savage V4 thrust delivery
+Iconic unmistakable visual presence
+Bulletproof engine when maintained
Cons
−Four carbs are maintenance-intensive
−Handles like a barge
−Terrible fuel economy
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.









