2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two vs 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
555.0 pounds
2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
621.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsNorth America security system includes immobilizer; outside North America the security system includes immobilizer and siren.-
ColoursHard Candy Volcanic Orange Flake, Black Denim, Amber Whiskey, Hard Candy Voodoo Purple FlakeBlack
Warranty-12 Months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)4.7 inches5.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)119 mm135 mm
Seat Height676 mm / 26.6 in.680 mm / 26.8 in.
Wheelbase1,524 mm / 60.0 in.1,645 mm / 64.8 in.
Height1,005 mm / 39.6 in.1,065 mm / 41.9 in.
Length2,271 mm / 89.4 in.2,465 mm / 97.0 in.
Width625 mm / 24.6 in.1,005 mm / 39.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.17 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)2.60 litres-
Dry Weight247.2 kg / 545.0 lbs-
Fuel Capacity7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Wet Weight251.7 kg / 555.0 lbs282.0 kg / 621.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Torque98.99 Nm (10.1 kgf-m or 73.0 ft.lbs) @ 350078.00 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 57.5 ft.lbs) @ 3700
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.0383 HP/kg-
Engine
Fuel Control-SOHC
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)73.30 cubic inches55.10 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)1201.25 cc903.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 3.8 inches3.5 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)88.9 x 96.8 mm88.0 x 74.2 mm
CO2113.7 CO-
Engine DetailAir-cooled, Evolution®-
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel InjectionInjection
Compression Ratio10.0:19.5:1
EmissionsZero emission-
Engine LubricationDry sumpForced Lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustChrome, staggered exhaust with slash-cut mufflers-
Fuel Consumption4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)-
Ignition-Digital
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveBeltBelt
Gearbox6-speed2-speed
Primary DrivePrimary chain, 57/38 ratioSelectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel tubeDouble-cradle, steel
Suspension - FrontDual Hydraulic Shock Absorber41 mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload
Suspension - RearSingle Hydraulic Shock AbsorberUni-Trak
Rake30.1°30.0°
Trail135 mm / 5.3 in.169 mm / 6.7 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationHandlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lightsSpeedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge and coolant temp light
Lighting systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)30W x 2 halogen
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-270 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Dual-pistonSingle disc. Twin-piston
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Single-pistonSingle disc. Twin-piston
RimsChrome Steel Laced-
Tyres - FrontMH90-21130/90-16
Tyres - Rear150/80-B16180/70-15

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic

The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic edges out the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two thanks to its greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 135 mm vs 119 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two vs 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic - FAQs

Which should I buy, the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two or the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two has its own strengths, while the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic stands out for greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.