2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic vs 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | - | 2006 - 07 |
| Make Model | - | Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 740 mm / 29.1 in. | 680 mm / 26.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 1,650 mm / 65.0 in. | 1645 mm / 64.8 in |
| Height | 1,130 mm / 44.5 in. | 1065 mm / 41.9 in |
| Length | 2,340 mm / 92.1 in. | 2465 mm / 97.1 in |
| Width | 1,050 mm / 41.3 in. | 1005 mm / 39.6 in |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 238 kg / 524.7 lbs | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons | 20 Litres / 5.3 US gal. |
| Wet Weight | 258.0 kg / 568.8 lbs | 281 kg / 620 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph | - |
| Max Power | - | 37 kW / 50 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Max Torque | 98.00 | 78 Nm / 8.0 kg-fm @ 3700 rpm |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.2563 HP/kg | - |
| Engine |
| Stroke | 4 | - |
| Fuel Control | SOHC | - |
| Displacement (cc) | 1170.00 cc | - |
| Displacement (ci) | 71.39 cubic inches | - |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 101.0 x 73.0 mm | - |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 4.0 x 2.9 inches | - |
| Engine Type | Two cylinder boxer | - |
| Displacement | - | 903 cc / 49 cu-in |
| Engine Detail | - | Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve |
| Fuel System | Injection | - |
| Bore x Stroke | - | 88.0 x 74.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Cooling System | - | Liquid cooled |
| Fuel Induction | - | Fuel injection: Ø 34 mm x 2 with dual throttles |
| Fuel Reserve | 4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons | - |
| Ignition | - | Digital |
| Starter | - | Electric |
| Valve System | 4 | - |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | - | Wet multi-disc, manual |
| Final Drive | Shaft drive (cardan) | Belt |
| Gear Ratios | - | st 2.786 (39/14) 2nd 1.889 (34/18) 3rd 1.360 (34/25) 4th 1.107 (31/28) 5th 0.963 (26/27) |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | - |
| Primary Drive Ratios | - | 2.184 (83/38) |
| Transmission / Drive | - | 5 Speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine. | Double-cradle, steel |
| Suspension - Front | BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut | 41mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload |
| Suspension - Rear | Die-cast steel single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Monolever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of hydraulic handwheel | Uni-Trak with 7-way adjustable preload |
| Rake | 27.2° | 32° |
| Steering Angle | - | Left 38° / Right 38° |
| Trail | - | 160 mm / 6.3 in |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 144 mm / 5.7 in. | 150 mm / 5.9 in |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 100 mm / 3.9 in. | 103 mm / 4.1 in |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | 12.0 inches | - |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | 305 mm | - |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | 11.2 inches | - |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | 285 mm | - |
| Brakes - Front | Double disc | Single 300mm disc 2 piston caliper |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc | Single 270mm disc 2 piston caliper |
| Tyres - Front | 100/90-ZR18 | 130/90 -16 |
| Tyres - Rear | 170/80-ZR15 | 180/70 -15 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic
The 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic edges out the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic thanks to its lower seat height and liquid cooling. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic - Advantages
- 💿Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 680 mm vs 740 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
- 🌡️Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic vs 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic and 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
The 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic is powered by Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic or the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
The 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic has the lower seat at 680 mm, making it more accessible. The 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic sits higher at 740 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic or the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic has the edge in dual front discs, while the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.