2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special vs 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000

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
2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
485.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsAmphibian.-
ColoursBlack Denim, Vivid Black, Ember Red SungloGolden Blazed Green/Metallic Spark Black
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)122 mm125 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)4.8 inches4.9 inches
Seat Height650 mm / 25.6 in.815 mm / 32.1 in.
Wheelbase1,702 mm / 67.0 in.1,435 mm / 56.5 in.
Height1,400 mm / 55.1 in.1,055 mm / 41.5 in.
Length2,365 mm / 93.1 in.2,045 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 gallons17.00 litres / 4.49 gallons
Wet Weight302.1 kg / 666.0 lbs220.0 kg / 485.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Torque112.95 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 6750111.00 Nm (11.3 kgf-m or 81.9 ft.lbs) @ 11300
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.8 inches3.0 x 2.2 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)105.0 x 72.0 mm77.0 x 56.0 mm
CO2147.6 CO-
Displacement (cc)1250.08 cc1043.00 cc
Displacement (ci)76.28 cubic inches63.64 cubic inches
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)DOHC
Engine DetailLiquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-TwinReed valve.
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)Injection
Compression Ratio11.5:111.8:1
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)-
Ignition-Digital
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveBeltChain
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveGear, 117/64 ratio primary driveX-Ring Chain
Chassis
Frame Type-Twin-tube, aluminium
Suspension - FrontIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers41 mm inverted fork with stepless compression and rebound damping and spring preload adjustability
Suspension - RearIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampersHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged, with stepless rebound damping and preload adjustability
Rake34.0°24.5°
Trail142 mm / 5.6 in.104 mm / 4.1 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 (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. 4-pistonDouble disc. Floating discs.
Brakes - RearSingle disc. 2-pistonSingle disc
RimsBlack, Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Orange Pinstripe-
Tyres - Front-120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear-190/50-ZR17

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special and the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 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

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

  • Lower seat height: 650 mm vs 815 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special vs 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special or the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000?
The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the lower seat at 650 mm, making it more accessible. The 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 sits higher at 815 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special or the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2014 Kawasaki Z 1000 stands out for dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.