Side by Side Motorcycle Specifications Comparison
Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
Run an instant motorcycle specifications comparison across 44,149+ models. Select any two bikes below to compare engine displacement, horsepower, torque, wet weight, seat height, motorcycle fit, brakes, suspension, and ownership factors side by side.
Overlay rider knee angle, torso lean, and traffic-stop foot reach for Sportster Iron 883 vs Vulcan 900 Custom using your exact height & inseam:
Head-to-Head Character Radar
| Spec | Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 2018 | Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Custom - Cruiser | Custom - Cruiser |
| Year | 2018 | 2018 |
| Displacement | 883.3 ccm (53.90 cubic inches) | 903.0 ccm (55.10 cubic inches) ✓ |
| Power | 51.0 HP (37.2 kW) @ 6000 RPM ✓ | 48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 68.0 Nm (6.9 kgf-m or 50.2 ft.lbs) @ 4750 RPM | 78.9 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 58.2 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM ✓ |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Final Drive | Belt (final drive) | Belt (final drive) |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shocks. | Uni-Trak swingarm, 7-way adjustable spring preload |
| Front Tyre | 100/90-B19 | 80/90-21 |
| Rear Tyre | 150/80-B16 | 180/70-15 |
| Front Brakes | Single disc. Optional ABS, dual piston | Single disc. Hydraulic. |
| Rear Brakes | Single disc. Optional ABS, dual piston | Single disc. Hydraulic. |
| Dry Weight | 247.0 kg (544.5 pounds) | — |
| Wet Weight | 256.0 kg (564.4 pounds) ✓ | 277.1 kg (610.8 pounds) |
| Power/Weight | 0.2065 HP/kg ✓ | 0.1732 HP/kg |
| Seat Height | 653 mm (25.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. | 686 mm (27.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Fuel Capacity | 12.50 litres (3.30 US gallons) | 20.06 litres (5.30 US gallons) ✓ |
| Oil Capacity | 2.60 litres (2.75 US quarts) | 3.60 litres (3.80 US quarts) |
| Wheelbase | 1515 mm (59.6 inches) | 1646 mm (64.8 inches) |
| Ground Clearance | 100 mm (3.9 inches) | 140 mm (5.5 inches) ✓ |
| Engine Oil | SAE 20W-50 V-Twin Synthetic/Mineral motorcycle oil | SAE 10W-40 / 10W-50 Synthetic 4T (API SN / JASO MA2) |
| Spark Plugs | HD 6R12 / Champion RA8HC / NGK DCPR7E | NGK CR9E /CR9EIA-9 / DPR8EA-9 |
| Battery | 12V 19Ah / 28Ah AGM (YTX20HL-BS / YIX30L-BS) | 12V 12Ah / 14Ah (YTX12-BS / YTX14-BS / YTZ14S) |
| Front Tire Pressure | 2.5 bar (36 psi) | 2.5 bar (36 psi) |
| Rear Tire Pressure | 2.8 bar (40 psi) | 2.9 bar (42 psi) |
Popular Motorcycle Comparisons
Click any matchup below to open a side-by-side motorcycle specifications comparison, including Indian Scout vs Chief, Indian Scout vs Bobber, and popular middleweight rivals.
Motorcycle Sport, Touring & Cruiser Differences Comparison
When comparing motorcycles across categories, numbers like horsepower and displacement tell only part of the story. Use this table to compare how sport, touring, cruiser, and naked motorcycles differ in ergonomics, seat height, weight, and real-world use.
| Category | Riding Posture & Fit | Typical Seat Height | Wet Weight Range | Power & Torque Character | Best Real-World Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport Bikes | Forward lean, clip-on bars, high rearsets | 780 – 835 mm (30.7″ – 32.9″) | 165 – 208 kg | High-RPM horsepower, aerodynamic fairing, sharp braking | Canyon carving, track days, spirited weekend rides |
| Touring Motorcycles | Relaxed upright, full wind protection, spacious saddle | 755 – 840 mm (29.7″ – 33.1″) | 235 – 380+ kg | Broad midrange torque, 20L+ fuel tank, shaft or belt drive | Two-up highway travel, cross-country distance comfort |
| Cruisers & Bobbers | Low-slung seat, upright or forward footpegs | 649 – 720 mm (25.5″ – 28.3″) | 220 – 320 kg | Strong low-RPM V-twin or parallel-twin torque, relaxed gearing | Easy flat-foot stops, boulevard cruising, relaxed highway miles |
| Naked & Standards | Neutral upright bars, balanced peg placement | 775 – 815 mm (30.5″ – 32.1″) | 168 – 215 kg | Punchy low-to-midrange street torque, wide steering lock | Daily commuting, urban agility, all-around versatility |
Motorcycle Fit & Seat Height Comparison Guide
Evaluating motorcycle fit requires comparing three specs together: seat height (mm), wet weight (kg), and wheelbase. A narrow 790 mm twin-cylinder motorcycle is often easier to flat-foot at traffic lights than a wide 750 mm touring saddle.
- Compare your trouser inseam against the published seat height in our motorcycle seat height chart by rider height.
- Check dry/wet weight alongside seat height—every 20 kg of weight reduction noticeably improves low-speed balance.
- Review our optimal motorcycle fit guide before test-sitting your shortlist.
Motorcycle Comparison Questions
What motorcycle specifications should I compare first?
Start a motorcycle specifications comparison with category, displacement (cc), horsepower, torque RPM, wet weight, seat height, and wheelbase. Together these numbers reveal real-world acceleration, low-speed balance, and ergonomic fit.
What are the main differences in a sport vs touring vs cruiser motorcycle comparison?
Sport motorcycles prioritize light weight, high-RPM horsepower, sharp steering geometry, and forward-leaning ergonomics. Cruisers feature low seat heights (650–720 mm), relaxed feet-forward ergonomics, and low-end V-twin or parallel-twin torque. Touring motorcycles combine upright long-distance comfort, wind protection, large fuel capacity (20L+), and high payload capacity.
How do I compare motorcycle fit and seat height for my rider height?
Compare published seat height alongside wet weight and engine configuration. A narrow 790 mm twin-cylinder bike is often easier to flat-foot than a wide 750 mm inline-four or heavy touring model. Compare your inseam against the seat height spec before buying.
How do motorcycle specifications affect a motorcycle insurance comparison?
Insurers price policies largely by engine displacement (cc), category classification (supersport vs standard/cruiser), power-to-weight ratio, ABS availability, and replacement value. A 650cc standard or cruiser typically costs significantly less to insure than a 600cc supersport bike.
What is the difference between Indian Scout vs Chief and Indian Scout vs Bobber?
The Indian Scout uses a liquid-cooled V-twin (1,133 cc, ~100 HP) in a lighter ~256 kg chassis with a 649 mm seat height, whereas the Indian Chief uses an air-cooled Thunderstroke V-twin (1,811–1,890 cc) tuned for massive low-RPM torque in a heavier ~304 kg frame. The Scout Bobber shares the Scout platform with lower suspension, blacked-out bobber styling, and a slightly more forward riding posture.
Can I compare beginner motorcycles side by side here?
Yes. Search any two 125cc, 300cc, 400cc, or 500cc beginner motorcycles in Bike A and Bike B above to compare their seat height, wet weight, power delivery, and fuel capacity side by side.