Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom vs Harley Davidson Softail Breakout

The Kawasaki Vulcan series was introduced in 1984. Since then, different Vulcan models have been released with varying engine sizes and body types. The VULCAN 900 CUSTOM was first released in 2006 and has since remained in production. It has a V-Twin engine, a traditional cruiser look, and ergonomics.

The Harley Davidson released the Softail series in 1983. The Softail series has launched different models over the years. The first SOFTAIL BREAKOUT was released in 2020. Unlike other cruisers, it has a bigger and sleeker front tire. The first Softail Breakout had a 103 cubic inch (1,690 cc) engine, while the current models were fitted with a 117 cubic inch (1,868 cc) engine.

The VULCAN 900 CUSTOM is a traditional-style cruiser. The fuel tank and fenders are the only colored parts, while the rest of the motorcycle is covered in a matte black finish. It has wide curved chopper-style handlebars. The Vulcan 900 Custom has small fenders, but the rear fender is wider than typical cruisers. It has an analog speedometer on the fuel tank with a small LCD display. The Vulcan 900 Custom has dual shocks with a 41 mm telescopic fork with a wheel travel of 150 mm (5.9 in), a tire size of 80/90-21, and a single 300 mm disc brake at the front. At the rear, it has a seven-way preload adjustable mono-shock with a wheel travel of 103 mm (4.1 in), a single 270 mm disc brake, and a tire size of 180/70-15. The custom variant of the Vulcan 900 does not come with SADDLEBAGS or sissy bars.

The classic-looking HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL BREAKOUT shares similarities with the HARLEY SOFTAIL FAT BOY. The fender and fuel tank are the only colored part, while the rest of the motorcycle is covered in a chrome finish. Unlike traditional Softail models, It does not have a speedometer on the fuel tank. Rather, it has a small LCD display between the HANDLEBAR. At the front, It has an inverted cartridge fork with a single 300 mm disc brake and a tire size of 130/60B21 63H BW. At the rear, It has an adjustable mono-shock hidden at the rear with a tire size of 240/40R18 79 V BW and a single 292 mm disc brake.

The Vulcan 900 Custom has a four-stroke V-Twin, liquid-cooled engine with a displacement size of 55 cubic inches (903 cc). It has a stroke and bore size of 74.2 mm (2.921 in) and 88 mm (3.646 in) respectively, allowing it to generate a horsepower of 50 hp and a peak torque of 58.2 ft-lb (78 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm. The Vulcan 900 Custom has a fuel tank capacity of 5.3 gal (20.0 L) and a dual throttle fuel injection system that gives it a fuel economy of 49.6 MPG. Like many cruisers, it also operates on a low-maintenance belt drive train.

The Softail Breakout has a powerful 1,868 cc Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. It has a stroke and bore size of 4.5 in (114 mm) and 4.0 in (102 mm) respectively, making it possible to produce a horsepower of 100 hp and a torque of 119 ft-lb (161 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm. The Softail Breakout has a fuel tank capacity of 3.5 gal (13.2 L) and a dual-throttle fuel injection system with a fuel economy of 47 MPG (19.9 km/l).

The Vulcan 900 Custom has an overall length of 2,405.3 mm (94.7 in), a wheelbase of 1,645.9 mm (64.8 in), and a seat height of 685.8 mm (27.0 in). This motorcycle has good ergonomics and is comfortable to ride for taller and shorter riders. It has a trail of 182.8 mm (7.2 in) with a rake angle of 33^o which ensures a comfortable riding position within reach of the handlebars.

The Softail Slim is a heavyweight cruiser with an overall weight of 304.8 kg (672 lbs). With a seat height of 25.6 in (650.2 mm), a length of 93.3 in (2,369.8 mm), and a wheelbase of 66.7 in (1,694.18 mm), the Softail Slim provides a relaxed riding position. The Softail Slim provides an ideal seating position for heavyweight and taller riders. It has a rake angle of 34^o and a trail size of 144.78 mm (5.7 in), ensuring less air resistance.

Overall, there are not many issues with the Kawasaki Vulcan 900. However, some riders have encountered similar problems with the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 after long-time use, such problems are discussed below:

• Owners have noticed that the motorcycle makes a buzzing sound between 15 and 20 MPH and also vibrates uncontrollably even when all the parts are properly tightened
• Another problem was that older Vulcan 900 models have clutch slips that wore out quickly and caused problems when shifting gears
• Older Vulcan 900 models had issues starting due to a faulty electric starter.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a middleweight cruiser with wide handlebars. But it has a lower center of gravity and an adequately powerful engine that novice riders can handle. Despite the wide handlebars, it is easy for beginners to reach the handlebars. However, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is not suited for taller or heavyweight riders weighing over 200 lbs. Lightweight cruiser motorcycles like HONDA REBEL SERIES, HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET SERIES, etc are also very good options for beginner riders.

The Harley Davidson Breakout has a heavy, large engine capable of producing more horsepower and torque than the Kawasaki 900 Custom. On the other hand, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a middleweight cruiser motorcycle with half the engine size that produces less torque and horsepower. Hence, the Vulcan 900 Custom is best for beginners and experienced riders, while the Harley Breakout is best for taller and heavyweight riders.

The Vulcan 900 Custom has a smaller engine, low horsepower, and less torque than the Softail Breakout. Moreover, the Softail Breakout has a better resale value than the Vulcan 900 Custom.

The Kawaski Vulcan 900 Custom and the Harley Davidson Softail Breakout share some external features, but differ in their engines, performance, and price. The Softail Breakout has a bigger engine that can produce more power and torque, but the Vulcan 900 Custom has a more affordable price than the Softail Breakout. The Vulcan 900 Custom also has a bigger fuel tank and can travel longer distances. Based on the Softail Breakout’s specifications and dimensions, it is evidently not an entry-level motorcycle, making it better suited for taller and heavyweight riders. Although the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom and the Harley Davidson Softail Breakout are reliable cruisers, none of them come with pre-installed SISSY BARS or saddlebags.