2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron vs 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron

Custom / cruiser

Engine
Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
256.3 kg / 565 lbs
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
Year2011 - 12-
Colours-Black
Make ModelHarley Davidson XL 883N Iron-
Warranty-12 Months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)-5.3 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)-135 mm
Seat HeightLaden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 683 mm / 26.9 in.680 mm / 26.8 in.
Wheelbase1519 mm / 59.5 in.1,645 mm / 64.8 in.
Ground Clearance120 mm / 4.7 in-
Height1107 mm / 43.5 in1,065 mm / 41.9 in.
Length2179 mm / 85.4 in2,465 mm / 97.0 in.
Width821 mm / 32.3 in1,005 mm / 39.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Oil Capacity2.6 Litres / 0.69 US gal-
Wet Weight256.3 kg / 565 lbs282.0 kg / 621.7 lbs
Performance
Max Torque73 Nm / 7.44 kgf-m / 53.8 ft/lb @ 3750 rpm78.00 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 57.5 ft.lbs) @ 3700
Engine
Displacement (cc)-903.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-55.10 cubic inches
Engine Type-V2, four-stroke
Fuel Control-SOHC
Bore x Stroke (mm)-88.0 x 74.2 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.5 x 2.9 inches
Displacement883 cc / 50.8cu in/-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.-
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke76.2 x 96.8 mm-
Compression Ratio8.8:19.5:1
Cooling SystemAir cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Forced Lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustChrome, staggered, shorty exhaust with dual mufflers-
Fuel InductionElectronic sequential port fuel injection-
IgnitionDigital CDIDigital
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMulti-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bathWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveBeltBelt
Gear Ratios1st 10.407 / 2nd 7.436 / 3rd 5.53 / 4th 4.583 / 5th 3.93-
Gearbox-2-speed
Primary DriveChain, 34/57 ratioSelectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft
Transmission / Drive5 Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeMild steel, tubular frame, circular sections, cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions, MIG weldedDouble-cradle, steel
Suspension - Front∅39mm Fork41 mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload
Suspension - RearCoil-over, dual-adjustable preloadUni-Trak
Rake31.1°30.0°
Trail117 mm / 4.6 in169 mm / 6.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Front92 mm / 3.62 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear41 mm / 1.6 in.-
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Speedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge and coolant temp light
Lighting system-30W x 2 halogen
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-270 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipersSingle disc. Twin-piston
Brakes - RearSingle ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipersSingle disc. Twin-piston
Tyres - Front100/90B19 57H130/90-16
Tyres - Rear130/90-16180/70-15
Wheels - FrontBlack, 13-spoke cast aluminium-
Wheels - RearBlack, 13-spoke cast auminium-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron

The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron edges out the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic thanks to its lower seat height and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: Laden 653 mm vs 680 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 135 mm vs 120 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron vs 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron and 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron uses Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder., while the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron or the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic?
The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron has the lower seat at Laden 653 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 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron or the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, 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.