2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom vs 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
612.9 pounds
2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256.3 kg / 565 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2011 - 12
ColoursBlack-
Make Model-Harley Davidson XL 883N Iron
Dimensions
Seat Height686 mm / 27.0 in.Laden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 683 mm / 26.9 in.
Wheelbase1,646 mm / 64.8 in.1519 mm / 59.5 in.
Ground Clearance-120 mm / 4.7 in
Height1,120 mm / 44.1 in.1107 mm / 43.5 in
Length2,405 mm / 94.7 in.2179 mm / 85.4 in
Width894 mm / 35.2 in.821 mm / 32.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight278 kg / 612.9 lbs-
Fuel Capacity20.06 litres / 5.30 gallons12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal
Oil Capacity-2.6 Litres / 0.69 US gal
Wet Weight-256.3 kg / 565 lbs
Performance
Max Torque78.00 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 57.5 ft.lbs) @ 370073 Nm / 7.44 kgf-m / 53.8 ft/lb @ 3750 rpm
Engine
Displacement (cc)903.00 cc-
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke-
Displacement (ci)55.10 cubic inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)88.0 x 74.2 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 2.9 inches-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Displacement-883 cc / 50.8cu in/
Engine Detail-Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke-76.2 x 96.8 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:18.8:1
Cooling System-Air cooled
Exhaust-Chrome, staggered, shorty exhaust with dual mufflers
Fuel Induction-Electronic sequential port fuel injection
IgnitionTCBI with Electronic AdvanceDigital CDI
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
Clutch-Multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveBeltBelt
Gear Ratios-1st 10.407 / 2nd 7.436 / 3rd 5.53 / 4th 4.583 / 5th 3.93
Gearbox5-speed-
Primary Drive-Chain, 34/57 ratio
Transmission / Drive-5 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Mild steel, tubular frame, circular sections, cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions, MIG welded
Suspension - Front41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.∅39mm Fork
Suspension - RearUni-Track swingarm, seven-way adjustable spring preload / 4.1 in.Coil-over, dual-adjustable preload
Rake-31.1°
Trail-117 mm / 4.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front-92 mm / 3.62 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-41 mm / 1.6 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.6 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)270 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - FrontSingle discSingle ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers
Tyres - Front80/90-21100/90B19 57H
Tyres - Rear180/70-15130/90-16
Wheels - Front-Black, 13-spoke cast aluminium
Wheels - Rear-Black, 13-spoke cast auminium

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron

The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron edges out the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom thanks to its lower seat height and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Laden 653 mm vs 686 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom vs 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom and 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron?
The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom uses V2, four-stroke, while the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron is powered by Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom or the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron has the lower seat at Laden 653 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom sits higher at 686 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 Kawasaki VN900 Custom or the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom has its own strengths, while the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron stands out for lower seat height and 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.