2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod vs 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
643.7 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
ColoursVivid Black, Pewter Pearl, Flame Blue Pearl, Red Hot Sunglo, Vivid Black and Pewter Pearl; Flame Blue Pearl and Pewter Pearl-
Make Model-Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)127 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)5.0 inches-
Seat Height660 mm / 26.0 in.680 mm / 26.8 in
Wheelbase1,715 mm / 67.5 in.1645 mm / 64.8 in
Height-1065 mm / 41.9 in
Length2,455 mm / 96.7 in.2465 mm / 97.1 in
Width-1005 mm / 39.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight292 kg / 643.7 lbs-
Fuel Capacity18.90 litres / 4.99 gallons20 Litres / 5.3 US gal.
Wet Weight-281 kg / 620 lbs
Performance
Max Power-37 kW / 50 hp @ 5700 rpm
Max Torque115.0078 Nm / 8.0 kg-fm @ 3700 rpm
Engine
Stroke4-
Engine TypeV2-
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.1 x 2.8 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)105.0 x 72.0 mm-
Displacement (cc)1250.00 cc-
Displacement (ci)76.27 cubic inches-
Displacement-903 cc / 49 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection-
Bore x Stroke-88.0 x 74.2 mm
Compression Ratio11.5:19.5:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
ExhaustChrome, slash-cut exhaust with dual mufflers-
Fuel Induction-Fuel injection: Ø 34 mm x 2 with dual throttles
Ignition-Digital
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
Clutch9-plate, wet, Assist and SlipWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveBeltBelt
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 TypeSteel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails;Double-cradle, steel
Suspension - FrontWide, 49mm custom fork41mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload
Suspension - RearPreload adjustableUni-Trak with 7-way adjustable preload
Rake34.0°32°
Steering Angle-Left 38° / Right 38°
Trail115 mm / 4.5 in.160 mm / 6.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front102 mm / 4.0 in.150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear102 mm / 4.0 in.103 mm / 4.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS, 4-piston calipersSingle 300mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS, 4-piston calipersSingle 270mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR19130/90 -16
Tyres - Rear240/40-R18180/70 -15

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod and the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan 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

2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 660 mm vs 680 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More front wheel travel: 150 mm vs 102 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod vs 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod and 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod uses V2, while the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic is powered by Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve.
Which is lighter, the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod or the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
The 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic is lighter at 281 kg compared to 292 kg for the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod - a difference of 11 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod or the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod has the lower seat at 660 mm, making it more accessible. The 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan 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 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod or the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW V-Rod has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic stands out for liquid cooling and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.