2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic vs 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 2006 - 07 | - |
| Make Model | Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic | - |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 680 mm / 26.8 in | 740 mm / 29.1 in. |
| Wheelbase | 1645 mm / 64.8 in | 1,650 mm / 65.0 in. |
| Height | 1065 mm / 41.9 in | 1,130 mm / 44.5 in. |
| Length | 2465 mm / 97.1 in | 2,340 mm / 92.1 in. |
| Width | 1005 mm / 39.6 in | 1,050 mm / 41.3 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | - | 238 kg / 524.7 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 Litres / 5.3 US gal. | 17.50 litres / 4.62 gallons |
| Wet Weight | 281 kg / 620 lbs | 258.0 kg / 568.8 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | - | 168.0 km/h / 104.4 mph |
| Max Power | 37 kW / 50 hp @ 5700 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 78 Nm / 8.0 kg-fm @ 3700 rpm | 98.00 |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | - | 0.2563 HP/kg |
| Engine |
| Stroke | - | 4 |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | - | 101.0 x 73.0 mm |
| Displacement (cc) | - | 1170.00 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | - | 71.39 cubic inches |
| Engine Type | - | Two cylinder boxer |
| Fuel Control | - | SOHC |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | - | 4.0 x 2.9 inches |
| Displacement | 903 cc / 49 cu-in | - |
| Engine Detail | Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve | - |
| Fuel System | - | Injection |
| Bore x Stroke | 88.0 x 74.2 mm | - |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled | - |
| Fuel Induction | Fuel injection: Ø 34 mm x 2 with dual throttles | - |
| Fuel Reserve | - | 4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons |
| Ignition | Digital | - |
| Starter | Electric | - |
| Valve System | - | 4 |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc, manual | - |
| Final Drive | Belt | Shaft drive (cardan) |
| 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) | - |
| Gearbox | - | 5-speed |
| Primary Drive Ratios | 2.184 (83/38) | - |
| Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed | - |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Double-cradle, steel | Three-section composite frame consisting of front and rear section, load bearing engine. |
| Suspension - Front | 41mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload | BMW Motorrad Telelever; stanchion diameter 35 mm, central strut |
| Suspension - Rear | Uni-Trak with 7-way adjustable preload | Die-cast steel single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Monolever; WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of hydraulic handwheel |
| Rake | 32° | 27.2° |
| Steering Angle | Left 38° / Right 38° | - |
| Trail | 160 mm / 6.3 in | - |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 150 mm / 5.9 in | 144 mm / 5.7 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 103 mm / 4.1 in | 100 mm / 3.9 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | - | 11.2 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | - | 12.0 inches |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | - | 305 mm |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | - | 285 mm |
| Brakes - Front | Single 300mm disc 2 piston caliper | Double disc |
| Brakes - Rear | Single 270mm disc 2 piston caliper | Single disc |
| Tyres - Front | 130/90 -16 | 100/90-ZR18 |
| Tyres - Rear | 180/70 -15 | 170/80-ZR15 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic
The 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic edges out the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic thanks to its lower seat height and liquid cooling. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic - Advantages
- 📏Lower seat height: 680 mm vs 740 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
- 🌡️Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic - Advantages
- 💿Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic vs 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic and 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic?
The 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic uses Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve, while the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic or the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic?
The 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic has the lower seat at 680 mm, making it more accessible. The 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic sits higher at 740 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic or the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2004 BMW R 1200 C Classic 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.