2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm
Top Speed
239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph
Weight
643.9 pounds
2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special

Naked bike

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
666.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Amphibian.
Year2012-
ColoursOrange/blackBlack Denim, Vivid Black, Ember Red Sunglo
Make ModelKawasaki Z 1000-
Warranty12 months-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)9.3 inches4.8 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)236 mm122 mm
Seat Height815.3 mm / 32.1 in.650 mm / 25.6 in.
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in1,702 mm / 67.0 in.
Ground Clearance145 mm / 5.7 in-
Height1055 mm / 41.5 in1,400 mm / 55.1 in.
Length2080 mm / 81.9 in2,365 mm / 93.1 in.
Width770 mm / 30.3 in1,600 mm / 63.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.31 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-4.70 litres
Dry Weight198 kg / 436.5 lbs288.9 kg / 637.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity18 Litres / 4.8 US gal18.93 litres / 5.00 gallons
Wet Weight221 kg / 487.2 lbs302.1 kg / 666.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed 239.7 km/h / 148.9 mph45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Max Power101.5 kW / 138 hp @ 9600 rpm-
Max Torque110 Nm / 1.2 kg-fm @ 7800 rpm112.95 Nm (11.5 kgf-m or 83.3 ft.lbs) @ 6750
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.1 sec-
Engine
Displacement (cc)-1250.08 cc
Bore x Stroke (in,)-4.1 x 2.8 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-105.0 x 72.0 mm
CO2-147.6 CO
Displacement (ci)-76.28 cubic inches
Fuel ControlDOHCDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Displacement1043 cc / 63.7 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.Liquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-Twin
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttlesInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Bore x Stroke77.0 x 56.0mm-
Compression Ratio11.8:111.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Engine Oil SpecificationSynthetic, 10W/40-
Exhaust-Straight-shot exhaust with brushed finish dual mufflers; black end caps and exhaust shield
Fuel Consumption17.1 km/lit6.36 litres/100 km (15.7 km/l or 36.98 mpg)
Fuel InductionDFIØ with four 38mm Keihin throttle bodies, oval sub-throttles-
IgnitionTCBI with digital advance-
LubricationWet sump-
Spark PlugNGK, CR9EK-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operatedMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Final DriveChainBelt
Gear Ratios1st 2.600 (39/15) 2nd 1.950 (39/20) 3rd 1.600 (24/15) 4th 1.389 (25/18) 5th 1.238 (26/21) 6th 1.136 (25/22)-
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary DriveX-Ring ChainGear, 117/64 ratio primary drive
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeType: Aluminum Backbone-
Suspension - Front41mm inverted cartridge fork with stepless compression and rebound damping, adjustable spring preloadIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Suspension - RearHorizontal monoshock with stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preloadIndependent coil springs and hydraulic dampers
Rake25°34.0°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in142 mm / 5.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear135 mm / 5.4 in-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light and countdown feature, low oil pressure indicator light, engine diagnostics readout, LED indicator lights, tachometer
Lighting system30W x 2 halogenHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system (optional), coolant temperature, low fuel warnings
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.8 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)250 mm-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches-
Brakes - Front2x 300mm 4 piston calipersSingle disc. 4-piston
Brakes - RearSingle 292mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle disc. 2-piston
Rims-Black, Split 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum w/ Orange Pinstripe
Tyres - Front120/70 R17-
Tyres - Rear190/50 R17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000

The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 edges out the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special thanks to its liquid cooling and greater ground clearance. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More ground clearance: 145 mm vs 122 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 vs 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 and 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special?
The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 uses In-line four, four-stroke, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 or the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Kawasaki Z 1000 has the edge in liquid cooling and greater ground clearance, while the 2013 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Night Rod Special stands out for fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.