MotoSpecs

2003 BMW R 1200C vs 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2003 BMW R 1200C 2003 BMW R 1200C

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
44.5 kW / 61 hp @ 5000 rpm
Top Speed
178.1 km/h / 110.7 mph
Weight
255 kg / 565 lbs
2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve
Power
37 kW / 50 hp @ 5700 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
281 kg / 620 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2002 - 032006 - 07
Make ModelBMW R 1200CKawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic
Dimensions
Seat Height740 mm / 29.1 in680 mm / 26.8 in
Wheelbase1650 mm / 64.9 in1645 mm / 64.8 in
Ground Clearance172 mm / 6.77 in-
Height1130 mm / 44.4 in1065 mm / 41.9 in
Length2340 mm / 92.1 in2465 mm / 97.1 in
Width1050 mm / 44.3 in1005 mm / 39.6 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight236 kg / 482 lbs-
Fuel Capacity17.5 Litres / 4.5 gal20 Litres / 5.3 US gal.
Wet Weight255 kg / 565 lbs281 kg / 620 lbs
Performance
Top Speed178.1 km/h / 110.7 mph-
Braking (100 km/h - 0)40.1 m / 131.6 ft-
Braking (60 km/h - 0)13.2 m / 43.3 ft-
Max Power44.5 kW / 61 hp @ 5000 rpm37 kW / 50 hp @ 5700 rpm
Max Torque98 Nm / 10.0 kgf-m / 72.27 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm78 Nm / 8.0 kg-fm @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.14 hp/kg / 6.92 kg/hp-
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.8 sec / 151.5 km/h / 94.1 mph-
Engine
Stroke4-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cu in.903 cc / 49 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve
Bore x Stroke101 x 73mm88.0 x 74.2 mm
Compression Ratio10.0:19.5:1
Cooling SystemAir/Oil cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption5.9 L/100 km / 17.0 km/l / 40 US mpg-
Fuel InductionBosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel injectionFuel injection: Ø 34 mm x 2 with dual throttles
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons-
IgnitionDigital CDI Bosch Electronic Digital
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery CapacityBMW Mareg, 19.5 Amp/h low maintenance-
Drivetrain
ClutchDry, single plate, hydraulic operatedWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveShaftBelt
Gear Ratios1st 2.045 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.267 / 4th 1.038 / 5th 0.800:1st 2.786 (39/14) 2nd 1.889 (34/18) 3rd 1.360 (34/25) 4th 1.107 (31/28) 5th 0.963 (26/27)
Primary Drive Ratios- 2.184 (83/38)
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeThree section composite frame consisting of front & rear section, load bearing engineDouble-cradle, steel
Suspension - FrontMotorrad Telelever, stanchion ∅35mm, central strut 41mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload
Suspension - RearDie cast aluminium single sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Monolever, WAD strut (travel related damping), spring preload adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of hydraulic handwheel.Uni-Trak with 7-way adjustable preload
Rake-32°
Steering Angle-Left 38° / Right 38°
Trail86 mm / 3.4 in160 mm / 6.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front145 mm / 5.7 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear110 mm / 4.3 in103 mm / 4.1 in
Electrical Systems
Charging System14 V 50 Amp Alternator (700 W) -
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston calipersSingle 300mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 270mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front100/90-18130/90 -16
Tyres - Rear170/80-15180/70 -15
Wheels - Front2.50 x 18 cross spoke -
Wheels - Rear4.00 x 15 cross spoke-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2003 BMW R 1200C

The 2003 BMW R 1200C edges out the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic thanks to its higher torque, lighter kerb weight, dual front discs, higher rear wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2003 BMW R 1200C - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 98 Nm vs 78 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 255 kg vs 281 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • Larger displacement: 1170 cc vs 903 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 110 mm vs 103 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 680 mm vs 740 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2003 BMW R 1200C vs 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2003 BMW R 1200C and 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
The 2003 BMW R 1200C uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic is powered by Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve.
Which is lighter, the 2003 BMW R 1200C or the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
The 2003 BMW R 1200C is lighter at 255 kg compared to 281 kg for the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic - a difference of 26 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2003 BMW R 1200C or the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
The 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic has the lower seat at 680 mm, making it more accessible. The 2003 BMW R 1200C sits higher at 740 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2003 BMW R 1200C or the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2003 BMW R 1200C has the edge in higher torque and lighter kerb weight, while the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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