Kawasaki Vulcan 900 vs Yamaha XV 950 RACER
The Yamaha XV 950 RACER is more powerful, while the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic has a lower seat. The Kawasaki produces 48 hp (36 kW), and its seat is 85 mm lower. That makes the Kawasaki the more accommodating fit for riders prioritizing easier ground reach, while the Yamaha pairs greater output with a lower wet weight. The comparison turns on whether seat reach or reduced mass matters more to your riding needs.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 vs Yamaha XV 950 RACER: specifications
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Vulcan 900Model year 2018 | Yamaha XV 950 RACERModel year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 903 cm³ | 942 cm³ |
| Power | 48 hp (36 kW) | 51 hp (38 kW) — Favorable value |
| Wet weight | 281.1 kg | 251 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 680 mm | 765 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 20 L — Favorable value | 12 L |
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 | Kawasaki Vulcan 900Model year 2018 | Yamaha XV 950 RACERModel year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 903 cm³ | 942 cm³ |
| Power | 48 hp (36 kW) | 51 hp (38 kW) — Favorable value |
| Torque | 77 Nm | 79.5 Nm — Favorable value |
| Engine type | V-Twin, four-stroke | V-Twin, four-stroke |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 x 74.2 mm | 85.0 x 83.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| Cooling | Liquid | Air |
| Fuel system | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
Transmission
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Vulcan 900Model year 2018 | Yamaha XV 950 RACERModel year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | Manual 5-speed | Manual 5-speed |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc | Wet, Multiple Disc |
| Final drive | Belt | Belt |
Dimensions and weight
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Vulcan 900Model year 2018 | Yamaha XV 950 RACERModel year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 281.1 kg | 251 kg — Favorable value |
| Seat height | 680 mm | 765 mm |
| Length | 2,465 mm | 2,295 mm |
| Width | 1,006 mm | 830 mm |
| Height | 1,064 mm | 1,160 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,646 mm | 1,570 mm |
| Ground clearance | 135 mm | 130 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 20 L — Favorable value | 12 L |
Chassis
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Vulcan 900Model year 2018 | Yamaha XV 950 RACERModel year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel | Double cradle |
| Front suspension | 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork | Telescopic forks, 41 mm |
| Rear suspension | Uni-Trak swingarm, 7 way adjustable spring preload | Swingarm |
| Front wheel travel | 150 mm | 135 mm |
| Rear wheel travel | 103 mm | 110 mm |
| Rake | 32.0° | 29.0° |
| Trail | 160 mm | 130 mm |
Brakes
| Specifications side by side | Kawasaki Vulcan 900Model year 2018 | Yamaha XV 950 RACERModel year 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Front brakes | Single disc. Hydraulic. Two-piston calipers. | Single disc. Wave disc. ABS. |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. Hydraulic. Two-piston calipers. | Single disc. Wave disc. ABS. |
| Front brake diameter | 300 mm | 298 mm |
| Rear brake diameter | 300 mm | 298 mm |
| Front tire | 130/90-16 | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 180/70-15 | 150/80-16 |
Key differences
This comparison uses Kawasaki Vulcan 900 from 2018 and Yamaha XV 950 RACER from 2018.
Power
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
48 hp (36 kW)
Yamaha XV 950 RACER
51 hp (38 kW)
Highlighted valueWet weight
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
281.1 kg
Yamaha XV 950 RACER
251 kg
Highlighted valueEngine capacity
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
903 cm³
Yamaha XV 950 RACER
942 cm³
Highlighted valueTorque
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
77 Nm
Yamaha XV 950 RACER
79.5 Nm
Highlighted valueSeat height
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
680 mm
Highlighted valueYamaha XV 950 RACER
765 mm
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 vs Yamaha XV 950 RACER: which one to choose?
- Choose Yamaha XV 950 RACER if lower wet weight helps with pushing and parking in city use: 30.1 kg.
- Choose Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic if a lower seat helps you reach the ground: 85 mm.
- Choose Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic if fewer refuelling stops matter: 70.1 % longer theoretical range.
FAQ
- Which motorcycle has more power?
- The Yamaha XV 950 RACER makes 51 hp (38 kW), compared with 48 hp (36 kW) for the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic.
- Which motorcycle is lighter?
- The Yamaha XV 950 RACER is lighter at 251 kg wet, versus 281.1 kg wet for the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic.
- Which motorcycle has the larger fuel tank?
- The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic has the larger tank at 20 L, compared with 12 L for the Yamaha XV 950 RACER.