Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

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

1. Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

Honda and Kawasaki are two reliable Japanese motorcycle brands that specialize in producing versatile motorcycles. However, when it comes to producing beginner-friendly and intermediate-level custom cruisers, they have introduced only a few models, such as the Honda Shadow and Kawasaki Vulcan series.

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom are stripped-down custom cruisers with minimal styling and lightweight design. Both motorcycles are beginner-friendly vehicles due to being lightweight and low-powered motorcycles. However, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is slightly bulkier than the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 due to being an intermediate-level bike with a 903 cc engine. If you are a beginner looking for an affordable custom cruiser that costs under $10,000, handles well, and has a low failure rate, the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom are ideal options. This article is a detailed comparison between the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom.

Also Read: HONDA SHADOW PHANTOM 750 VS. HARLEY DAVIDSON SPORTSTER IRON 1200

2. Detailed Specs Comparison: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

Honda Shadow Phantom 750		Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
Identification
Honda	Maker	Kawasaki
Shadow Phantom 750	Model	Vulcan 900 Custom
2023	Year Model	2023
Custom / Cruiser	Motorcycle Type	Custom / Cruiser
VT750C2B	Model ID	VN900
$7,899	Base Price	$9,499
Engine and Performance
745 cc / 45.46 cu in	Displacement	903 cc / 55.10 cu in
52° V-Twin, Four-Stroke Engine	Engine Design and Type	55° V-twin, Four-Stroke Engine
Liquid-Cooled	Cooling System	Liquid- and Air-Cooled
Two	No. of Cylinders	Two
Three	Valves Per Cylinder	Four
44.6 hp @ 5,500 rpm	Horsepower	50 hp @ 5,700 rpm
64.94 Nm @ 3,500 rpm	Torque	78.9 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
76 mm / 3 in	Stroke	74.2 mm / 2.92 in
79 mm / 3.11 in	Bore	88 mm / 3.47 in
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI); 34 mm 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	Blacked-out, Separate Parallel Slash Cut Mufflers
Two-Into-Two Exhaust	Exhaust	Two-Into-Two Exhaust
Steel	Frame	Semi-Double Cradle, High-Tensile Steel
Electric	Starter	Electric
Fuel Tank-Mounted	Gauges	Fuel Tank-Mounted
Wheels
Steel Spoked-Wheels with Black Rims	Wheels	Split, Nine-Spoke Steel Wheels
Front: Dunlop® 120/90 R17 64S Rear: Dunlop® 160/80 R15 74S	Tires	Front: 80/90-21 Rear: 180/70-15
Braking
Single 296 mm Disc with Twin-Piston Caliper	Front	300 mm Single Hydraulic Disc
180 mm Drum	Rear	270 mm Single Hydraulic Disc
No	ABS	No
Suspension
41 mm Front Fork	Front	41 mm Showa Telescopic Fork
Dual Shocks with Five-Position Spring-Preload Adjustability	Rear	Uni-Trak® Swingarm, Seven-Way Adjustable Spring Preload
116.84 mm / 4.6 in	Front Wheel Travel	149.86 mm / 5.9 in
88.9 mm / 3.5 in	Rear Wheel Travel	104.14 mm / 4.1 in
Dimensions and Weight
160 mm / 6.3 in	Trail	182.88 mm / 7.2 in
34°	Rake	33°
3.7 gal	Fuel Tank Capacity	5.3 gal
129.5 mm / 5.1 in	Ground Clearance	139.7 mm / 5.5 in
825.5 mm / 32.5 in	Width	894 mm / 35.2 in
1089.7 mm / 42.9 in	Height	1120.14 mm / 44.1 in
2395.22 mm / 94.3 in	Length	2405.38 mm / 94.7 in
655.32 mm / 25.8 in	Seat Height	685.8 mm / 27 in
1640.8 mm / 64.6 in	Wheelbase	1645.92 mm / 64.8 in
549 lbs / 249 kg	Wet Weight	610.8 lbs / 277 kg

3. Design: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

3.1 Design: Honda Shadow Phantom 750

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is a simple classic small bobber-style cruiser with a low-slung seat. It has a raked-out front fork, an extended wheelbase, and a low ground clearance. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750’s frame is covered with a blacked-out matte finish, except for the chrome short dual exhaust pipes. It has a bobber-style front fender and a chopped rear fender with an integrated tail light and bullet-shaped turn signals. A small round headlight is enclosed inside a matte black nacelle. The rectangular-shaped chrome side mirrors are mounted to flat, semi-sweptback handlebars with standard risers. The gauges are mounted to a small-sized peanut-shaped fuel tank with a capacity of 3.7 gal. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 has a blacked-out engine with a teardrop-shaped air filter cover and a radiator in front of the engine due to being liquid-cooled. To improve its classic bobber look, it comes with fat Dunlop tires wrapped around wire-spoked wheels. The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is also capable of two-up riding due to being fitted with a single-piece gunfighter-style saddle.

3.2 Design: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom shares a close resemblance with the Honda Shadow Phantom 750. However, it is a more stylish, powerful, and bulkier motorbike. It also comes with a small round headlamp, a gunfighter-style single-piece saddle, a bobber-style front fender, and a chopped rear fender with a classic tail light. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is only available in pearl matte sage green and a flat ebony dual-tone color scheme with a blacked-out matte finish. To give it a unique look, it comes with matte-black separate dual slash-cut mufflers, wide drag handlebars with standard risers, and spatula-shaped chrome side mirrors.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a chopper-look with its slightly raked-out front end, narrow front tire wrapped around a split nine-spoke large front wheel with pinstripes, and a fat rear tire for better linear performance. The gauges are mounted to a teardrop-shaped fuel tank with a capacity of 5.3 gal for a better cruising experience.

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

4. Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

4.1 Engine and Performance: Honda Shadow Phantom 750

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is a low-powered, beginner-friendly motorcycle fitted with a 745 cc liquid-cooled, 52° V-Twin, four-stroke engine capable of a torque of 64.94 Nm @ 3,500 rpm and a horsepower of 44.6 hp @ 5,500 rpm. Though an entry-level bike, it is popular due to its low seat height, low center of gravity, programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI), and reliability. The 745 cc 52° V-Twin engine produces a smooth power output across a broad rpm range. The engine’s crankshaft also comes with a long-stroke design for better low-end torque. The programmed fuel injection system ensures a good throttle response and low fuel consumption of 56 mpg.

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is fitted with a responsive 41 mm front fork, billet-aluminum triple clamp, and matte black shrouds for neutral handling. The spring preload-adjustable dual rear shock absorbers ensure a smooth riding experience. The front fork has a wheel travel of 4.6 inches, while the dual rear shocks have a wheel travel of 3.5 inches.

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 weighs 249 kg and has a 296 mm single front disc and a 180 mm rear drum brake.

4.2 Engine and Performance: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is an entry-level bike powered by a 903 cc liquid- and air-cooled, 55° V-twin, four-stroke engine capable of a torque of 78.9 Nm @ 3,500 rpm and a horsepower of 50 hp @ 5,700 rpm. The engine provides good low-end torque, and smooth power delivery across all gear levels and the parallel slash-cut mufflers produce a growling sound. Though a midsize cruiser, it is easy to control with smooth handling and steering capabilities. The large front wheel with a narrow front tire, low center of gravity, and lightweight front end make handling easier.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is an agile midsize cruiser with adequate torque delivery that makes it ideal for daily commutes, highway cruising, and city travel. The 300 mm single front hydraulic disc and 270 mm single rear hydraulic disc brake are less powerful, especially without an ABS. However, due to being a lightweight cruiser with a wet weight of 277 kg, the hydraulic disc brakes ensure reliable braking.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is fitted with a 41 mm Showa front fork and a seven-way spring preload-adjustable, Uni-Trak® swingarm. The Showa front fork has a wheel travel of 5.8 inches, while the Uni-Trak® swingarm has a wheel travel of 4.1 inches.

Also Read: HONDA SHADOW AERO 750 VS. KAWASAKI VULCAN 900 CLASSIC

5. Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

5.1 Comfort and Ergonomics: Honda Shadow Phantom 750

Photo Credit: @Ride Apart

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is a lightweight, beginner-friendly cruiser fitted with flat, less swept-back handlebars. The forward-mounted foot controls provide adequate legroom for taller riders allowing them to adjust their legs. Despite being fitted with less swept-back handlebars, the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 ensures an upright and comfortable riding position. The lightweight design and easy handling make it an ideal daily commuter.

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is a versatile motorbike suited for riding through traffic and cruising on open roads due to its low seat height, less weight, low center of gravity, and neutral handling. With the addition of a few aftermarket parts including a windscreen, saddlebags, and backrests, this motorbike can transform into an ideal commuter for long-distance rides.  

5.2 Comfort and Ergonomics: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

Photo Credit: @Kawasaki

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a reliable, affordable, and stylish midsize cruiser with a low seat height, low center of gravity, and light handling. This motorbike handles smoothly when cruising on highways and riding through traffic. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom also comes with forward-mounted foot controls and mid-mounted drag handlebars with standard risers to ensure adequate legroom and an upright back for comfortable long-distance rides. The single-piece saddle also provides a little lumbar support to the rider for laidback ergonomics. Despite being a midsize vehicle, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is still a lightweight and agile cruiser for daily commutes and freeway cruising. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is also available in a touring version, known as the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT. This version comes with a large windshield, leather saddlebags, and a passenger backrest. However, you can also transform the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom into a tourer by installing a windshield, saddlebags, and backrests.

6. Technology and Features: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

Honda Shadow Phantom 750		Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
Technology and Features
No	ABS	No
No	Dual Throttle Valves	Yes
Yes	Speedometer	Yes
Yes	Odometer	Yes
No	Tachometer	No
No	Fuel Gauge	Yes
No	Clock	Yes
Yes	Trip meter	Yes
Yes	Fuel Level Warning	Yes
Yes	Engine Temperature Warning	Yes
Yes	Oil Pressure Warning Light	Yes
Yes	Engine Management Warning	No
Yes	Pillion Seat	Yes

7. Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

7.1 Pros and Cons: Honda Shadow Phantom 750

Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Pros	Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Cons
Lightweight	Smaller fuel tank size
Beginner-friendly	Low-powered engine
Low seat height	Single-disc front brake
Low center of gravity	No ABS
Neutral handling	No modern features
Comfortable ergonomics	Starter problems
Easily customizable	Lacks sixth gear
Chopped-style front end
Bobber-inspired look
Comfortable for both average and taller riders
Comfortable riding position
Programmed fuel injection
Reliable
Affordable
Fuel-efficient

7.2 Pros and Cons: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom Pros	Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom Cons
Stylish	No ABS
Aesthetically appealing	Lacks sixth gear
Attractive dual-tone color scheme	Slightly low-power output
Matte black finish	Braking can be improved
Comfortable ergonomics	A faulty drive pulley
Large front wheel	Electrical problems
Fat rear tire	Battery issue
Light front end	Oil pump failure
Bobber-style look
Hidden Uni-Trak mono-shock
Long wheel travel suspensions
Good fuel tank size
Good handling
Good entry- and intermediate-level bike
Affordable
Reliable
Good fuel economy
Aftermarket parts are easily available

8. Colors and Cost: Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Vs. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

9.1 What is the Top Speed of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom?

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a stripped-down cruiser powered by a 903 cc engine. The engine produces adequate power that allows this motorbike to reach a top speed of 115 mph.

9.2 How Fast Can the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 Go?

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 is a lightweight and agile cruiser with a low-powered engine ideal for novice riders. Due to its minimal design, smaller size, and low weight, it can attain a top speed of 100 mph.

9.3 What are the Key Differences between the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom?

Key Differences between the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
Honda Shadow Phantom 750	Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
745 cc	903 cc
Liquid-cooled	Air-and liquid-cooled
Three valves per cylinder	Four valves per cylinder
Beginner-friendly	Good for beginners and intermediate riders
Programmed fuel injection	Digital fuel injection with dual throttle valves
Shaft drive	Belt drive
Chrome, separate short dual mufflers	Matte black, separate dual slash-cut mufflers
Steel-spoked wheels with black rims	Split, nine-spoke steel wheels with pinstripes
180 mm rear drum brake	270 mm single hydraulic disc brake
Longer wheel travel suspensions	Normal wheel travel suspensions
Smaller fuel tank size	Good fuel tank size
Small-sized motorcycle	Midsize motorcycle
Single-tone color scheme	Dual-tone color scheme

10. Which is Better: the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 or the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom?

The Honda Shadow Phantom 750 and the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom are low-powered cruisers with bobber-inspired looks and minimal designs suited for light handling. Both motorcycles are suited for novice riders due to being lightweight, easy to handle, and low-powered. However, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a slightly bigger engine, good throttle response, and longer wheel travel suspensions. It has a larger front wheel and a raked-out, lightweight front end for better handling. Though being a beginner-friendly bike, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is powerful enough to ensure a fun and quick ride for intermediate-level riders. It is also aesthetically more appealing than the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 with its matte black finish, dual-tone color scheme, hidden Uni-Trak rear mono-shock, split nine-spoke wheels, and fat rear tire. Meanwhile, the small size, low-power engine, and slow acceleration make the Honda Shadow Phantom 750 an ideal bike for beginners.

If you want to use your cruiser for long-distance rides and cruising on open roads, Viking Bags offer several high-quality aftermarket parts, including saddlebags, sissy bar bags, backrests, and comfortable handlebars. Other useful add-ons include sissy bars, crash bars, and fairings.

Photo Credit: @PowerSports Honda  ,  @Kawasaki