2010 Kawasaki VN900 Classic vs 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2010 Kawasaki VN900 Classic 2010 Kawasaki VN900 Classic

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
621.7 pounds
2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
573.2 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Lithium Iron Phosphate 48V/20Ah battery, 16.8 kg. Range 60 km. Recharging time: 4 hours. Made in Taiwan.
ColoursBlack, blueHard Candy Voodoo Purple Flake, Sand Cammo Denim, Black Denim, Amber Whiskey
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-3.9 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-99 mm
Seat Height-653 mm / 25.7 in.
Wheelbase1,646 mm / 64.8 in.1,519 mm / 59.8 in.
Height-1,005 mm / 39.6 in.
Length2,407 mm / 94.8 in.2,179 mm / 85.8 in.
Width-625 mm / 24.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-2.60 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.17 quarts
Dry Weight-251 kg / 553.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons12.49 litres / 3.30 gallons
Wet Weight282.0 kg / 621.7 lbs260.0 kg / 573.2 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Torque78.00 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 57.5 ft.lbs) @ 370072.95 Nm (7.4 kgf-m or 53.8 ft.lbs) @ 33750
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.0383 HP/kg
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)55.10 cubic inches53.90 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)903.00 cc883.32 cc
CO2-107.0 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)88.0 x 74.2 mm76.2 x 96.8 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 2.9 inches3.0 x 3.8 inches
Engine Detail-Air-cooled, Evolution®
Fuel SystemInjection. Fuel injection 34 mm x 2 with dual throttlesInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio9.5:18.9:1
Emissions-Zero emission
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Exhaust-Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel Consumption-4.61 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.02 mpg)
IgnitionTCBI with Electronic Advance-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multidiskMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveBeltBelt
Gearbox5-speed6-speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble-cradle, steelSteel tube
Suspension - Front41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.Dual Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Suspension - RearUni-Track® swingarm, seven-way adjustable spring preload / 4.1 in.Single Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Rake32.0°30.5°
Trail160 mm / 6.3 in.117 mm / 4.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear100 mm / 3.9 in.-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Handlebar-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock, dual tripmeter, low fuel warning light, low oil pressure light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights
Lighting system-High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)270 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.6 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Twin-pistonSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Twin-pistonSingle disc
Rims-Black, 13-Spoke Cast Aluminum
Tyres - Front130/90-16100/90-B19
Tyres - Rear180/70-15150/80-B16

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2010 Kawasaki VN900 Classic and the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 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

2010 Kawasaki VN900 Classic - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2010 Kawasaki VN900 Classic matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2010 Kawasaki VN900 Classic vs 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 - FAQs

Which should I buy, the 2010 Kawasaki VN900 Classic or the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883?
Both are strong choices. The 2010 Kawasaki VN900 Classic has its own strengths, while the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.