Yamaha Virago 250 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha Virago 250 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Yamaha Virago 250: 21 hp @ 8,000 rpm hp, 148 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 130 km/h, 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
Yamaha Virago 250
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Horsepower (hp)
21 hp
50 hp
Torque (Nm)
20 Nm
76 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
130 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
148 kg
272 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
21 hp @ 8,000 rpm
50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Kawasaki does not officially publish output figures for this model)
Torque
20 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
76 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
130 km/h
175 km/h (estimated; note: governed more by wind resistance than engine limits)
Weight
148 kg (wet/curb weight)
272 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
3.5 L/100km (approx. 28.5 km/L) — typical real-world average
5.2 L/100km (approx. 19.2 km/L typical real-world average)
Fairing
No
No
Individual Reviews
Yamaha Virago 250
7.5/10
"The perfect starter bike you'll sadly outgrow fast."
Pros
+Bulletproof reliability record
+Shaft drive, zero maintenance
+Confidence-inspiring low seat
Cons
−Outgrown within 18 months
−Carburetors clog when stored
−Highway speeds feel strained
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.
