Yamaha Virago 535 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha Virago 535 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Yamaha Virago 535: 40 hp @ 7,500 rpm hp, 181 kg (wet/curb weight) weight, top speed 155 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 535
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Horsepower (hp)
40 hp
50 hp
Torque (Nm)
44 Nm
76 Nm
Top Speed (km/h)
155 km/h
175 km/h
Weight (kg) — lower is better
181 kg
272 kg
Type
Cruiser
Cruiser
Horsepower
40 hp @ 7,500 rpm
50 hp @ 6,000 rpm (estimated; Kawasaki does not officially publish output figures for this model)
Torque
44 Nm @ 6,000 rpm
76 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Top Speed
155 km/h
175 km/h (estimated; note: governed more by wind resistance than engine limits)
Weight
181 kg (wet/curb weight)
272 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel
4.5 L/100km (approx. 22 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 535
7.5/10
"A brilliant starter cruiser if you buy smart and inspect carefully."
Pros
+Dead reliable when maintained
+Cheap parts everywhere
+Forgiving low-speed handling
Cons
−Carbs need attention always
−Charging system fails regularly
−Worn suspension almost universal
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.
