Yamaha Xv250 Virago vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Side-by-side comparison for used motorcycle buyers
Yamaha Xv250 Virago vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900. Yamaha Xv250 Virago: 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 Xv250 Virago
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
Horsepower (hp)
21 hp
50 hp
Torque (Nm)
19.6 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
19.6 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
3.0 L/100km (approx. 33 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 Xv250 Virago
7.5/10
"The definitive first cruiser — honest, tough, and genuinely fun."
Pros
+Near-bulletproof V-twin engine
+Excellent low seat height
+Parts availability still strong
Cons
−Carbs hate being neglected
−Outgrown within one season
−Many examples are abused
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.
