2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk vs 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph
Weight
540.1 pounds
2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve
Power
37 kW / 50 hp @ 5700 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
281 kg / 620 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2006 - 07
Make Model-Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic
Dimensions
Seat Height790 mm / 31.1 in.680 mm / 26.8 in
Wheelbase1,641 mm / 64.6 in.1645 mm / 64.8 in
Height1,340 mm / 52.8 in.1065 mm / 41.9 in
Length2,370 mm / 93.3 in.2465 mm / 97.1 in
Width1,120 mm / 44.1 in.1005 mm / 39.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight245 kg / 540.1 lbs-
Fuel Capacity17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons20 Litres / 5.3 US gal.
Wet Weight-281 kg / 620 lbs
Performance
Top Speed168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph-
Max Power-37 kW / 50 hp @ 5700 rpm
Max Torque98.00 Nm (10.0 kgf-m or 72.3 ft.lbs) @ 300078 Nm / 8.0 kg-fm @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2490 HP/kg-
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Displacement (cc)1170.00 cc-
Displacement (ci)71.39 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-stroke-
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm-
Displacement-903 cc / 49 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke-88.0 x 74.2 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:19.5:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Fuel Induction-Fuel injection: Ø 34 mm x 2 with dual throttles
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons-
Ignition-Digital
Starter-Electric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
Clutch-Wet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveShaft 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)
Gearbox5-speed-
Primary Drive Ratios- 2.184 (83/38)
Transmission / Drive-5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeThree-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine.Double-cradle, steel
Suspension - FrontBMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut41mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload
Suspension - RearDie-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 handwheelUni-Trak with 7-way adjustable preload
Rake-32°
Steering Angle-Left 38° / Right 38°
Trail-160 mm / 6.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front144 mm / 5.7 in.150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear100 mm / 3.9 in.103 mm / 4.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)285 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)11.2 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble discSingle 300mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle 270mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front150/80-VR16130/90 -16
Tyres - Rear170/80-VR15180/70 -15

Verdict

Winner on specs

2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk

The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk edges out the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic thanks to its lighter kerb weight and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk - Advantages

  • Lighter: 245 kg vs 281 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • 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 790 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk vs 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk and 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic is powered by Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve.
Which is lighter, the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk or the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk is lighter at 245 kg compared to 281 kg for the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic - a difference of 36 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk 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 1200C Montauk sits higher at 790 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 1200C Montauk or the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2004 BMW R 1200C Montauk has the edge in lighter kerb weight and 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.