2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special vs 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
666.0 pounds
2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
104.5 kW / 142 hp @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
491.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsAmphibian.-
Year-2015
ColoursBlack Denim, Vivid Black, Ember Red SungloGolden Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black
Make Model-Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)122 mm125 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)4.8 inches4.9 inches
Seat Height650 mm / 25.6 in.815.3 mm / 32.1 in.
Wheelbase1,702 mm / 67.0 in.1440 mm / 56.5 in.
Ground Clearance-140 mm / 5.5 in
Height1,400 mm / 55.1 in.1054 mm / 41.5 in
Length2,365 mm / 93.1 in.2045 mm / 80.5 in
Width1,600 mm / 63.0 in.790 mm / 31.1 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.31 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)4.70 litres-
Dry Weight288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons17 Litres / 4.5 US gal
Wet Weight302.1 kg / 666.0 lbs221 kg / 487.3 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Power-104.5 kW / 142 hp @ 10000 rpm
Max Torque112.95 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 6750111 Nm / 11.3 kgf.m @ 7300 rpm
Engine
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeIn-line four, four-stroke
CO2147.6 CO-
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.8 inches-
Displacement (cc)1250.08 cc-
Displacement (ci)76.28 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)105.0 x 72.0 mm-
Displacement-1043 cc / 63.6 cu-in
Engine DetailLiquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-TwinFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)Injection
Bore x Stroke-77.0 x 56.0mm
Compression Ratio11.5:111.8:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustStraight-shot exhaust with brushed finish dual mufflers; black end caps and exhaust shield-
Fuel Consumption6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-DFIØ with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles
Ignition-TCBI with digital advance / electric
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveBeltX-ring chain
Final Drive Ratio- 2.800 (43/15)
Gear Ratios-1st 2.600 (39/15) 2nd 1.950 (39/20) 3rd 1.600 (24/15) 4th 1.389 (25/18) 5th 1.238 (26/21) 6th 1.107 (31/28)
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveGear, 117/64 ratio primary driveX-Ring Chain
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Aluminum Backbone
Suspension - FrontIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers41 mm inverted SFF-BP fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampersHorizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, remotely adjustable spring preload
Rake34.0°24.5°
Steering Angle- 31° / 31°
Trail142 mm / 5.6 in.103 mm / 4.0 in
Wheel Travel - Front-120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-122 mm / 4.8 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, tachometer-
Lighting systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), coolant temperature, low fuel warnings-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. 4-piston2x 310mm discs etal-type rotors with radial-mount 4 piston monobloc calipers and ABS
Brakes - RearSingle disc. 2-pistonSingle 250mm disc petal-type rotor with 1 piston caliper and ABS
RimsBlack, Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Orange Pinstripe-
Tyres - Front-120/70 -R17
Tyres - Rear-190/50 ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS

The 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS edges out the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special thanks to its liquid cooling and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 140 mm vs 122 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special vs 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special and 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special or the 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the edge in fuel injection, while the 2015 Kawasaki Z 1000 ABS stands out for liquid cooling and 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.