2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle vs 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
677.0 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
CommentsLithium Iron Phosphate 48V/20Ah battery, 16.8 kg. Range 60 km. Recharging time: 4 hours. Made in Taiwan.-
ColoursWhite Hot Denim, Charcoal Pearl, Amber Whiskey, Vivid BlackBlack
Warranty-12 Months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)4.8 inches5.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)122 mm135 mm
Seat Height650 mm / 25.6 in.680 mm / 26.8 in.
Wheelbase1,702 mm / 67.0 in.1,645 mm / 64.8 in.
Height1,005 mm / 39.6 in.1,065 mm / 41.9 in.
Length2,357 mm / 92.8 in.2,465 mm / 97.0 in.
Width625 mm / 24.6 in.1,005 mm / 39.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.31 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)4.70 litres-
Dry Weight292.1 kg / 644.0 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Wet Weight307.1 kg / 677.0 lbs282.0 kg / 621.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Torque117.97 Nm (12.0 kgf-m or 87.0 ft.lbs) @ 675078.00 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)76.28 cubic inches55.10 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)1250.08 cc903.00 cc
CO2147.6 CO-
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.8 inches3.5 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)105.0 x 72.0 mm88.0 x 74.2 mm
Engine DetailLiquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-Twin-
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel InjectionInjection
Compression Ratio11.5:19.5:1
EmissionsZero emission-
Engine LubricationDry sumpForced Lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustSatin chrome, dual side exhaust system with turnouts-
Fuel Consumption6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg)-
Ignition-Digital
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveBeltBelt
Gearbox6-speed2-speed
Primary DriveGear, 117/64 ratio primary driveSelectable 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
Rake34.0°30.0°
Trail142 mm / 5.6 in.169 mm / 6.7 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationElectronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights, tachometerSpeedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge and coolant temp light
Lighting systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), coolant temperature, low fuel warnings30W 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. 4-pistonSingle disc. Twin-piston
Brakes - RearSingle disc. 2-pistonSingle disc. Twin-piston
RimsBlack, 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum-
Tyres - FrontMT90-ZR19130/90-16
Tyres - RearMU85-R18180/70-15

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle and the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 650 mm vs 680 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 135 mm vs 122 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle vs 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle or the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle has the lower seat at 650 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic sits higher at 680 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle or the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle has the edge in lower seat height, 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.