Honda Shadow 750 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900
The Honda Shadow 750 is lighter and lower, while the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is more powerful. The Honda Shadow 750 makes 46 hp (34 kW), and its lower wet weight and seat height support easier maneuvering and ground reach. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900’s greater output may appeal to riders who value extra power, while the Honda’s dimensions offer practical advantages at stops and during parking. Both are cruiser choices with distinct priorities.
Honda Shadow 750 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Honda Shadow 750Model year 2017 | Kawasaki Vulcan 900Model year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 745 cm³ | 903 cm³ |
| Power | 46 hp (34 kW) | 48 hp (36 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 243.1 kg — Favorable value | 281.1 kg |
| Seat height | 653 mm | 680 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 20 L — Favorable value |
Percentages use the second model as the baseline. Highlighting applies only to comparable power, torque, mass and fuel capacity; it does not predict handling or acceleration.
Engine
| Specifications side by side | Honda Shadow 750Model year 2017 | Kawasaki Vulcan 900Model year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 745 cm³ | 903 cm³ |
| Power | 46 hp (34 kW) | 48 hp (36 kW) — Favorable value |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 77 Nm — Favorable value |
| Engine type | V-Twin, four-stroke | V-Twin, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 x 76.0 mm | 88.0 x 74.2 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 3 | 4 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Honda Shadow 750Model year 2017 | Kawasaki Vulcan 900Model year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 5-speed | Manual 5-speed |
| Final drive | Shaft | Belt |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Honda Shadow 750Model year 2017 | Kawasaki Vulcan 900Model year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 243.1 kg — Favorable value | 281.1 kg |
| Dry weight | 225 kg — Favorable value | 281 kg |
| Seat height | 653 mm | 680 mm |
| Length | 2,510 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Width | 920 mm | 1,006 mm |
| Height | 1,125 mm | 1,064 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,656 mm | 1,646 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 20 L — Favorable value |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Honda Shadow 750Model year 2017 | Kawasaki Vulcan 900Model year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Front suspension | 41.0mm fork | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability | Uni-Trak swingarm, 7 way adjustable spring preload |
| Front wheel travel | 114 mm | 150 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 89 mm | 103 mm |
| Rake | 34.3° | 32.0° |
| Trail | 158 mm | 160 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Honda Shadow 750Model year 2017 | Kawasaki Vulcan 900Model year 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Double disc. Two-piston calipers. | Single disc. Hydraulic. Two-piston calipers. |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Single disc. Hydraulic. Two-piston calipers. |
| Front brake diameter | 296 mm | 300 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 180 mm | 300 mm |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 | 130/90-16 |
| Rear tire | 160/80-15 | 180/70-15 |
Key differences
This comparison uses Honda Shadow 750 from 2017 and Kawasaki Vulcan 900 from 2017.
Power
Honda Shadow 750
46 hp (34 kW)
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
48 hp (36 kW)
Highlighted valueWet weight
Honda Shadow 750
243.1 kg
Highlighted valueKawasaki Vulcan 900
281.1 kg
Engine capacity
Honda Shadow 750
745 cm³
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
903 cm³
Highlighted valueTorque
Honda Shadow 750
64 Nm
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
77 Nm
Highlighted valueSeat height
Honda Shadow 750
653 mm
Highlighted valueKawasaki Vulcan 900
680 mm
Honda Shadow 750 vs Kawasaki Vulcan 900: which one to choose?
- Choose Honda Shadow 750 if city maneuvering and parking matter; its comparable wet weight is lower by 38 kg.
- Choose Honda Shadow 750 if easier ground reach matters; its seat is lower by 27 mm.
- Choose Honda Shadow 750 if A2 numerical limits matter: only this model fits them at 46 hp (34 kW); by these data, check approval in your market.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 has more power: 48 hp (36 kW) versus the Honda Shadow 750’s 46 hp (34 kW).
- Which motorcycle has the lower seat?
- The Honda Shadow 750 has the lower seat at 653 mm, compared with 680 mm on the Kawasaki Vulcan 900.
- Can fuel consumption be compared?
- No, a direct comparison is not possible: the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 has a consumption figure of 4.9 L/100 km, but the Honda Shadow 750’s figure is unknown.