2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic vs 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic 2013 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.
ColoursBlackHard Candy Voodoo Purple Flake, Sand Cammo Denim, Black Denim, Amber Whiskey
Warranty12 Months-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)135 mm99 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)5.3 inches3.9 inches
Seat Height680 mm / 26.8 in.653 mm / 25.7 in.
Wheelbase1,645 mm / 64.8 in.1,519 mm / 59.8 in.
Height1,065 mm / 41.9 in.1,005 mm / 39.6 in.
Length2,465 mm / 97.0 in.2,179 mm / 85.8 in.
Width1,005 mm / 39.6 in.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
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (mm)88.0 x 74.2 mm76.2 x 96.8 mm
Displacement (cc)903.00 cc883.32 cc
Displacement (ci)55.10 cubic inches53.90 cubic inches
CO2-107.0 CO
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 2.9 inches3.0 x 3.8 inches
Engine Detail-Air-cooled, Evolution®
Fuel SystemInjectionInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Compression Ratio9.5:18.9:1
Emissions-Zero emission
Engine LubricationForced Lubrication, wet sumpDry sump
Exhaust-Chrome, staggered shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel Consumption-4.61 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.02 mpg)
IgnitionDigital-
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveBeltBelt
Gearbox2-speed6-speed
Primary DriveSelectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft-
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble-cradle, steelSteel tube
Suspension - Front41 mm telescopic fork with 7-way preloadDual Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Suspension - RearUni-TrakSingle Hydraulic Shock Absorber
Rake30.0°30.5°
Trail169 mm / 6.7 in.117 mm / 4.6 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationSpeedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge and coolant temp lightHandlebar-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 system30W x 2 halogenHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.6 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)270 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 2013 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

2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 135 mm vs 99 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 653 mm vs 680 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic vs 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic or the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 has the lower seat at 653 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 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 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic or the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic has the edge in greater ground clearance, while the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.