Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

• Table of Contents
• 1. Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
• 2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
• 3. Design: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
• 3.1 Design: Honda Shadow Aero 750
• 3.2 Design: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
• 4. Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
• 4.1 Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Aero 750
• 4.2 Engine and Performance: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
• 5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
• 5.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Aero 750
• 5.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
• 6. Technology and Features: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
• 7. Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
• 7.1 Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Aero 750
• 7.2 Pros and Cons: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
• 8. Colors and Cost: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
• 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 9.1 Is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 a Good Bike?
• 9.2 Is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 a Heavy Motorcycle?
• 9.3 What are the Key Differences between the Honda Shadow Aero 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic?
• 10. Which is Better: the Honda Shadow Aero 750 or the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic?

1. Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

Honda and Kawasaki are two of the most reliable Japanese motorcycle brands, having produced high-quality and durable motorcycles for decades. However, Honda is considered to be a more reliable brand, producing a wide range of long-lasting motorcycles. Both motorcycle brands are popular for their high-speed sports bikes and sturdy dirt bikes. However, both motorcycle brands have only produced a few cruiser models.

Honda’s most popular cruiser lineup, the Honda Shadow, was introduced in 1983 and is still currently in production. Currently, Honda only produces smaller cruisers with 750 cc engines. Meanwhile, the Kawasaki Vulcan series is the only cruiser lineup that is still being produced.

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic are two old-school cruisers with ideal cruiser designs and ergonomics. Both motorcycles have relaxed riding positions and styles that draw inspiration from the 1970s vintage cruisers. Both motorcycles are entry-level cruisers with good handling and stability. This article is a detailed comparison between the Honda Shadow Aero 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic.

Also Read: KAWASAKI VULCAN 900 VS. HARLEY-DAVIDSON IRON 883: A DETAILED COMPARISON

2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

2023 Honda Shadow Aero 750		2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
Identification
Honda	Maker	Kawasaki
Shadow	Series	Vulcan
Aero	Model	900 Classic
2023	Year Model	2023
Cruiser	Motorcycle Type	Cruiser
VT750C	Model ID	VN900B
$7,799	Base Price	$8,999
Engine and Performance
745 cc / 45.46 cu in	Displacement	903 cc / 55.1 cu in
52° V-Twin, Four-Stroke	Engine Design and Type	Four-Stroke, 55° V-Twin
Liquid-Cooled	Cooling System	Liquid-Cooled
Two	No. of Cylinders	Two
Three	Valves Per Cylinder	Four
44.6 hp at 5,500 rpm	Horsepower	50 hp
64.94 Nm at 3,500 rpm	Torque	78.9 Nm at 3,500 rpm
76 mm	Stroke	74.2 mm
79 mm	Bore	88 mm
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI); 34mm Throttle Body	Fuel Injection System	DFI 34 mm Throttle Bodies (2), with Sub-Throttle Valves
9.6:1	Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Wide-Ratio, Five-Speed	Transmission	Five-Speed with Positive Neutral Finder
Shaft	Final Drive	Kevlar-Reinforced Belt
Wet Multiplate	Clutch	Wet multi-Disc
56 mpg	Fuel Economy	N/A
Chrome, Separate Dual Mufflers	Muffler	Chrome, Separate Dual Slash-Cut Mufflers
Two-Into-Two Exhaust	Exhaust	Two-Into-Two Exhaust
Double-Cradle Steel Frame	Frame	Semi-Double Cradle, High-Tensile Steel
Electric	Starter	Electric
Fuel Tank-Mounted	Gauges	Fuel Tank-Mounted
Wheels
Wire-Spoked	Wheels	Wire-Spoked
Front: 120/90-17 Rear: 160/80-15	Tires	Front: 130/90-16 Rear: 180/70-15
Braking
296 mm Single disc Brake with Twin-Piston Caliper	Front	300 mm Single Hydraulic Disc
180 mm Drum	Rear	270mm Single Hydraulic Disc
2023 Honda Shadow Aero 750: N/A 2022 Honda Shadow Aero 750: Optional	ABS	N/A
Suspension
41 mm Telescopic Fork	Front	41 mm Showa Telescopic Fork
Dual Shocks with Five-Position Spring-Preload Adjustability	Rear	Uni-Trak® Swingarm, Seven-Way Adjustable Spring Preload
4.6 in	Front Wheel Travel	5.9 in
3.5 in	Rear Wheel Travel	4.1 in
Dimensions and Weight
6.3 in	Trail	6.3 in
34°	Rake	32°
3.7 gal	Fuel Tank Capacity	5.3 gal
130 mm / 5.1 in	Ground Clearance	134.62 mm / 5.3 in
919 mm / 36.2 in	Width	1005.84 mm / 39.6 in
1125 mm / 44.3 in	Height	1064.26 mm / 41.9 in
2459 mm / 96.8 in	Length	2463.8 mm / 97.0 in
25.9 in	Seat Height	26.8 in
64.5 in	Wheelbase	64.8 in
560 lbs	Wet Weight	619.6 lbs

3. Design: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

3.1 Design: Honda Shadow Aero 750

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 has a vintage cruiser design with chrome and blacked-out finishes. It has a planted design to ensure a low seat height and a low center of gravity for stable and comfortable rides. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 has a classic round headlamp fitted inside a chrome nacelle and a raked-out front end providing a chopper-style look and a long wheelbase of 64.5 inches. It is fitted with wide, swept-back buckhorn handlebars with round, chrome side mirrors. The chrome gauge cluster is mounted to a peanut-shaped fuel tank with a capacity of 3.7 gal. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 also comes with a comfortable two-piece saddle capable of two-up riding. The V-Twin engine has a blacked-out finish with a chrome teardrop-shaped air filter cover and chrome separate dual shorter exhaust pipes. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 also has touring-style chopped front and rear fenders with classic diamond-shaped tail/stop light and bullet-shaped turn signals. A black liquid-cooled radiator is fitted in front of the engine. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 also comes with wire-spoked wheels that enhance the classic cruiser look.

3.2 Design: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic is a modern motorcycle with an old cruiser look. It has a mostly blacked-out finish, except for the chrome separate dual slash-cut mufflers, wide swept-back handlebars, and side mirrors. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic has a large round headlamp with a blacked-out nacelle. It has a black, slightly raked-out front fork with a longer wheelbase of 64.8 inches. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic is bigger and bulkier than the Honda Shadow Aero 750, with a wet weight of 619.6 lbs. It has a blacked-out gauges cluster mounted to a teardrop-shaped fuel tank with a capacity of 5.3 gal. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic also has an average-sized chopped front fender and a large, chopped rear fender with a classic bulging tail/stop light and bullet-shaped turn signals. It is fitted with a comfortable single-piece saddle capable of two-up riding and wire-spoked wheels to enhance its old-school look.

4. Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

4.1 Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Aero 750

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 is a beginner-friendly cruiser powered by a 745 cc liquid-cooled, 52° V-Twin, four-stroke engine capable of a horsepower of 44.6 hp at 5,500 rpm and a torque of 64.94 Nm at 3,500 rpm. It is not a fast motorcycle, but the 52° V-Twin produces adequate power suited for long weekend rides, daily commutes, and around-town cruising. The Honda Shadow Aero 750 has a wide-ratio, five-speed transmission that connects to the rear wheel via a cleaner and maintenance-free shaft drive. This old-style cruiser also comes with a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with a 34 mm throttle body to ensure a good throttle response, a fuel economy of 56 mpg, and hassle-free starts even in cold conditions.

The Honda Shadow Aero 750’s engine features a long-stroke design to ensure adequate low-end torque at a broad rpm range. The 41 mm telescopic front fork has an aluminum triple clamp and steel shrouds for controlled and neutral handling. The chrome-covered, preload-adjustable dual rear shock absorbers come with a five-piston spring for a smooth riding experience. The front fork has a wheel travel of 4.6 inches and the dual rear shocks have a wheel travel of 3.5 inches. The 2022 Honda Shadow Aero 750 ABS VT750CS comes with a 296 mm single disc, a 180 mm rear drum, and an optional ABS. However, Honda has not launched the ABS version for the 2023 Honda Shadow Aero 750 model yet.

Also Read: HONDA REBEL 1100 VS. HONDA SHADOW 750

4.2 Engine and Performance: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic is fitted with a 903 cc liquid-cooled, 55° V-Twin, four-stroke engine capable of a torque of 78.9 Nm at 3,500 rpm and a horsepower of 50 hp. It also has a five-speed gearbox that connects to the rear wheel via a cleaner and easily-maintained Kevlar-Reinforced belt drive. Despite its traditional cruiser design, it comes with several modern features. The Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) with 34 mm throttle bodies and sub-throttle valves ensures optimum performance, precise throttle response, and low fuel consumption. The fuel injectors produce a fine-quality mist that improves the combustion process and provides better acceleration. The 903 cc, 55° V-Twin engine is rubber-mounted with gear-driven balancers and single pin crankshaft design to reduce engine vibrations. Its stability and handling were improved by the large-diameter box-section backbone frame able to fit a large fuel tank.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic has a triangular swingarm design to ensure a hard-tail look. However, it is fitted with a mono-shock absorber hidden under the seat for better stability and lightweight handling at low and high speeds. The longer wheelbase and 180 mm fat rear tire help improve stability and handling while maneuvering on straight roads or twists and turns. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 classic also comes with a 300 mm single hydraulic disc and a 270 mm single rear hydraulic disc brake to provide reliable braking.

5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

5.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Aero 750

Photo Credit: @motorcyclespecs

Having a traditional cruiser design, the Honda Shadow Aero 750 has ideal cruiser ergonomics with a low seat height of 25.9 inches, ensuring a low center of gravity and better stability. The longer wheelbase and the raked-out front end also provide better linear stability and performance on straight roads.

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 provides adequate legroom due to its forward-mounted foot controls. Its upright back position and adequate legroom make it suited for shorter and taller riders. The rider can comfortably reach the mid-mounted, swept-back buckhorn handlebars. With a few add-ons, including a windscreen, saddlebags, and backrests, it can become an ideal choice for long-distance rides.

5.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

Photo Credit: @kawasakiofuniversalcity

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic also has a classic cruiser design with laid-back ergonomics suited for comfortable cruising on open roads and city travel. It also has a longer wheelbase and a planted design that improves stability and ensures a low center of gravity. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic has a seat height of 26.8 inches with a dip in the rider’s seat to provide lumbar support. To improve comfort, it also comes with forward-mounted floorboards that allow riders to comfortably rest their feet while cruising. The wide low-mounted, swept-back handlebars and forward-mounted floorboards ensure stretched riding position and relaxed ergonomics for comfortable and continuous long-distance rides. With a large fuel tank capacity of 5.3 gal, it is a better choice for long-distance rides and touring. However, for a better touring experience, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic can be fitted with a windscreen, saddlebags, and backrests.

6. Technology and Features: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

2023 Honda Shadow Aero 750		2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
Technology and Features
2023 Honda Shadow Aero 750: No 2022 Honda Shadow Aero 750 (Optional)	ABS	No
No	Dual Throttle Valves	Yes
Yes	Speedometer	Yes
Yes	Odometer	Yes
No	Tachometer	No
No	Fuel Gauge	Yes
Yes	Trip meter	Yes
No	Clock	Yes
Yes	Fuel Indicator	Yes
Yes	Passenger Seat	Yes

7. Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

7.1 Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Aero 750

Honda Shadow Aero 750 Pros	Honda Shadow Aero 750 Cons
Ideal cruiser design	Smaller fuel tank capacity
Comfortable ergonomics	Less powerful and torquey engine
Upright back position	Slower motorcycle
Adequate legroom	Faulty starter switch
Affordable	Petcock leakage
Reliable	Lacks sixth gear
Cheaper to maintain	No ABS
Traditional cruiser look
Good fuel economy
Beginner-friendly
Comfortable for taller riders

7.2 Pros and Cons: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Pros	Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Cons
Affordable	Heavy for shorter riders
Ideal cruiser design	Lacks sixth gear
Comfortable ergonomics	Produces less horsepower
Relaxed riding position	Noisy drive pulley
Stock forward-mounted floorboards	No ABS
Beginner-friendly	Whining engine noise
Good for taller and heavy riders	Clutch slips sometimes
Smooth riding experience
Comfortable for long-distance rides
Reliable
Economical
Good intermediate-level motorcycle
Longer wheel travel
Large fuel tank capacity

8. Colors and Cost: Honda Shadow Aero 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

9.1 Is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 a Good Bike?

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is a well-rounded motorcycle with good handling and laid-back riding ergonomics. If you are looking for a reliable and affordable beginner-friendly or intermediate-level cruiser, then the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is the ideal choice. The engine is capable of producing good low-end torque and adequate power for comfortable cruising and long-distance rides. The high-quality suspensions have longer wheel travels to ensure a smooth riding experience.

9.2 Is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 a Heavy Motorcycle?

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is a heavy motorcycle with a wet weight of 619.6 lbs, making it slightly harder to handle at low speeds, especially for beginners. Even the stripped-down Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom model has a wet weight of 610.6 lbs which is not ideal for shorter or novice riders.

9.3 What are the Key Differences between the Honda Shadow Aero 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic?

Key Differences between the Honda Shadow Aero 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
Honda Shadow Aero 750	Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
745 cc / 45.46 cu in	903 cc / 55.1 cu in
52° V-Twin	55° V-Twin
Three valves per cylinder	Four valves per cylinder
Shaft drive	Belt drive
Dual shock absorbers	Mono-shock absorber hidden under the seat
Reasonable front and rear wheel travels	Longer front and rear wheel travels
Small fuel tank capacity	Large fuel tank capacity
A low seat height of 25.9 inches	Seat height of 26.8 inches
Wet weight of 560 lbs	Wet weight of 619 lbs
Shorter separate dual exhaust pipes	Separate dual slash-cut exhaust pipes
Two-piece saddle with removable passenger seat	Single-piece saddle capable of two-up riding

10. Which is Better: the Honda Shadow Aero 750 or the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic?

The Honda Shadow Aero 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 are beginner-friendly cruisers with laid-back riding styles and comfortable ergonomics. Both motorcycles are ideal for cruising, city travel, long-distance weekend rides, and riding through traffic. Being slightly more expensive than the Honda Shadow Aero 750, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 comes with a bigger engine, forward-mounted floorboards, and digital fuel injection (DFI) with dual throttle valves for better acceleration and fuel economy. Meanwhile, the Honda Shadow Aero 750 is an ideal beginner-friendly cruiser with a low seat height, low center of gravity, better handling, better stability, and good low-end torque. It also has a better aesthetic appeal than the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom and is easily customizable with tons of aftermarket parts readily available. If you want a high-speed and stripped-down cruising experience, the Honda Shadow Aero 750 can be improved with better and smoother suspensions and lightweight wheels, while removing the heavyweight fenders.

Photo Credit: @hondanews , @ertlepowersports