Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom vs Harley Davidson Softail Breakout

• Table of Contents
• 1. KAWASAKI VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS HARLEY SOFTAIL BREAKOUT
• 2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT
• 3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT
• 4. DESIGN: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT
• 4.1 Design: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
• 4.2 Design: Harley Davidson Softail Breakout
• 5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT
• 5.1 Engine & Performance: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
• 5.2 Engine & Performance: Harley Davidson Softail Breakout
• 6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT
• 6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
• 6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Softail Breakout
• 7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT
• 8. PROS & CONS: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT
• 8.1 Pros & Cons: Vulcan 900 Custom
• 8.2 Pros & Cons: Harley Davidson Softail Breakout
• 9. FAQ
• 9.1 Are there any problems with the Kawasaki Vulcan 900?
• 9.2 Is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom a good beginner motorcycle?
• 9.3 What type of riders are the Harley Softail Breakout and the Kawasaki 900 Custom better suited for?
• 9.4 Why is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom cheaper than the Softail Breakout?
• 10. TAKEAWAY

1. KAWASAKI VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS HARLEY 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.

ALSO READ: KAWASAKI VULCAN 900 VS HARLEY DAVIDSON IRON 883

2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT

	Kawasaki	Harley Davidson
BASIC INFORMATION
Year	2022	2022
Model	Vulcan 900 Custom	Softail Breakout
Motorcycle Type	Cruiser	Cruiser
Base Price	$8,999	$20,499
Colors	Pearl Matte Sage Green/Flat Ebony	Vivid Black, Midnight Blue, Barracuda Silver, River Rock Gray Denim, Performance Orange, Stiletto Red, and Zephyr Blue/Black Sunglo
ENGINE & SYSTEMS
Displacement	55.1 cu in (903 cc)	114 cu in (1,868 cc)
Engine Type	Four-Stroke, V-Twin	Four-Stroke, V-Twin
Cooling System	Liquid-Cooled	Air-Cooled
Compression Ratio	9.5:1	10.5:1
Stroke	74.2 mm (2.921 in)	114 mm (4.5 in)
Bore	88 mm (3.464 in)	102 mm (4.0 in)
Cylinders	Two	Two
Drive Train	Belt	Belt
Transmission	Five-Speed	Six-Speed
Clutch	Wet Multi-Disc, Manual	Mechanical, 10 Plates Wet, Assist & Conventional
Starter	Electric	Electric
Exhaust	Two-into-Two, catalyst in the muffler	Two-into-Two, catalyst in the muffler
Fuel Delivery System	Two 34 mm fuel injection with dual throttles	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
PERFORMANCE & CAPACITY
Horsepower	50 hp	100 hp
Torque	58.2 ft-lb (78 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm	119 ft-lb (161 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm
Fuel Tank Capacity	5.3 gal (20.0 L)	3.5 gal (13.2 L)
Mileage	49.6 MPG (21.0 km/l)	47 MPG (19.9 km/l)
Oil Capacity	3.2 quarts (3.02 L)	5 quarts (4.7 L)
DIMENSIONS
Trail	182.8 mm (7.2 in)	144.78 mm (5.7 in)
Rake	33^o	34^o
Seat Height	685.8 mm (27.0 in)	650.2 mm (25.6 in)
Wheelbase	1,645.9 mm (64.8 in)	1,694.18 mm (66.7 in)
Weight	610.8 lbs (277.0 kg)	672 lbs (304.8 kg)
Ground Clearance	139.7 mm (5.5 in)	114.3 mm (4.5 in)
Length	2,405.3 mm (94.7 in)	2,369.8 mm (93.3 in)
Width	894.08 mm (35.2 in)	950 mm (37.4 in)

3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT

Key Similarities	Key Differences
Both have passenger and rider seats	The Softail Breakout has straight handlebars with slightly curved grips, while the Vulcan 900 Custom has wide curved handlebars
Both have the license plate beneath the taillight	The Vulcan 900 Custom has a bigger fuel tank than the Softail Breakout
Both have a single-disc brake at the front and rear	The Vulcan 900 Custom has its speedometer on the fuel tank, while the Softail Breakout has a small digital meter on the handlebars
Both operate on a belt drive train	Both have different headlights
Both have a four-stroke V-Twin engine	Both motorcycles have differently side indicators at the front
Both have standard footrests for the rider and passenger	The Softail Breakout has a bigger engine than the Vulcan 900 Custom
Both have dual shocks at the front and a hidden mono-shock at the rear	Both have different taillights
Both have a two-into-two exhaust system	The Softail Breakout has a wider rear tire than the Vulcan 900 Custom
Both have footpegs at the front	The Softail Breakout has a bigger engine than the Vulcan 900 Custom
Both have cast wheels at the front and rear	The Vulcan 900 Custom has a fuel cap on side of the fuel tank, while the Softail Breakout has a fuel cap in the middle.
Both have an adjustable rear shock

4. DESIGN: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT

4.1 Design: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

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.

4.2 Design: Harley Davidson Softail Breakout

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.

5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT

5.1 Engine & Performance: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

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.

5.2 Engine & Performance: Harley Davidson Softail Breakout

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).

6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT

6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

Photo Credit: @ultimatemotorcycling

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.

6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Softail Breakout

Photo Credit: @ultimatemotorcycling

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.

ALSO READ: HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL SLIM VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL BREAKOUT

7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT

FEATURES	VULCAN 900 CUSTOM	HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL BREAKOUT
ABS	None	Standard
Instrument Cluster	Digital	Digital
Engine Kill Switch/td>	✔	✔
Clock	✔	✔
Low Battery Indicator	None	✔
Gear Indicator	✔	✔
Slip & Assist Clutch	None	✔
Odometer	✔	✔
Fuel Gauge	✔	✔
Low Oil Indicator	✔	✔
Speedometer	✔	✔
Fuel Warning Indicator	✔	✔
Tachometer	None	✔

8. PROS & CONS: VULCAN 900 CUSTOM VS SOFTAIL BREAKOUT

8.1 Pros & Cons: Vulcan 900 Custom

HARLEY VULCAN 900 CUSTOM PROS	HARLEY VULCAN 900 CUSTOM CONS
Comfortable on long rides	No cruise control & ABS
Good riding positiony	Not recommended for smaller & newer riders
Reasonable price	No extra LUGGAGE
Comfortable handlebar position	Smaller engine size than the Softail Breakout
Suitable for all riders	No riding modes
Good sound
Good power output relative to weight
Requires less maintenance
Entry-level motorcycle

8.2 Pros & Cons: Harley Davidson Softail Breakout

HARLEY SOFTAIL BREAKOUT PROS	HARLEY SOFTAIL BREAKOUT CONS
Less vibrations at higher rpm	Not recommended for beginners
Comfortable seat	No riding modes
Great suspension	No extra luggage
Suitable for taller riders	No cruise control
Requires less maintenance	Less efficient brakes
Comfortable on long rides	Expensive
ABS is included (optional)	Not an entry-level motorcycle
Responsive throttle	LCD display is unclear in bright sunlight

9. FAQ

9.1 Are there any problems with the Kawasaki Vulcan 900?

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.

9.2 Is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom a good beginner motorcycle?

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.

ALSO READ: BEST CRUISER MOTORCYCLES FOR BEGINNER IN 2022

9.3 What type of riders are the Harley Softail Breakout and the Kawasaki 900 Custom better suited for?

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.

9.4 Why is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom cheaper than the Softail Breakout?

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.

10. TAKEAWAY

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.