2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph
Weight
573.0 pounds
2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic

Custom / cruiser

Engine
V2, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
621.7 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsLithium Iron Phosphate 48V/20Ah battery, 16.8 kg. Range 60 km. Recharging time: 4 hours. Made in Taiwan.-
ColoursVivid Black, Blackened Cayenne Sunglo, Morocco Gold Pearl, Hard Candy Volcanic Orange Flake, Hard Candy Chrome FlakeBlack
Warranty-12 Months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)99 mm135 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)3.9 inches5.3 inches
Seat Height660 mm / 26.0 in.680 mm / 26.8 in.
Wheelbase1,519 mm / 59.8 in.1,645 mm / 64.8 in.
Height1,005 mm / 39.6 in.1,065 mm / 41.9 in.
Length2,250 mm / 88.6 in.2,465 mm / 97.0 in.
Width625 mm / 24.6 in.1,005 mm / 39.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)2.60 litres-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.17 quarts-
Dry Weight250.8 kg / 553.0 lbs-
Fuel Capacity7.95 litres / 2.10 gallons20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Wet Weight259.9 kg / 573.0 lbs282.0 kg / 621.7 lbs
Performance
Top Speed45.0 km/h / 28.0 mph-
Max Torque107.12 Nm (10.9 kgf-m or 79.0 ft.lbs) @ 400078.00 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 57.5 ft.lbs) @ 3700
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.0383 HP/kg-
Engine
Fuel Control-SOHC
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.5 x 3.8 inches3.5 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)88.9 x 96.8 mm88.0 x 74.2 mm
CO2113.7 CO-
Displacement (cc)1201.25 cc903.00 cc
Displacement (ci)73.30 cubic inches55.10 cubic inches
Engine TypeV2, four-strokeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailAir-cooled, Evolution®-
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)Injection
Compression Ratio9.7:19.5:1
EmissionsZero emission-
Engine LubricationDry sumpForced Lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustE Type 9-
Fuel Consumption4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)-
Ignition-Digital
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveBeltBelt
Gearbox6-speed2-speed
Primary Drive57/38 ratioSelectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel tubeDouble-cradle, steel
Suspension - FrontDual Hydraulic Shock Absorber41 mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload
Suspension - RearSingle Hydraulic Shock AbsorberUni-Trak
Rake-30.0°
Trail107 mm / 4.2 in.169 mm / 6.7 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation4-inch Speedometer mounted low and integrated into handlebar clamp electronic speedometer with odometer, time-of-day clock on odometer, dual tripmeter, LED indicator lightsSpeedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge and coolant temp light
Lighting systemHigh beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, low fuel warning, low battery, security system (optional)30W x 2 halogen
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-270 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.6 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Dual-pistonSingle disc. Twin-piston
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Single-pistonSingle disc. Twin-piston
RimsBlack, Laced Steel-
Tyres - Front150/80-16130/90-16
Tyres - Rear150/80-B16180/70-15

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight and the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 660 mm vs 680 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 135 mm vs 99 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight vs 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic?
The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has the lower seat at 660 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic sits higher at 680 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight or the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic stands out for greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.