2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron vs 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

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

2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom

Custom / cruiser

Engine

V2, four-stroke

Power

N/A

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

612.9 pounds

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Year	2011 - 12	-
Colours	-	Black
Make Model	Harley Davidson XL 883N Iron	-
Dimensions
Seat Height	Laden 653 mm / 25.7 in Unladen 683 mm / 26.9 in.	686 mm / 27.0 in.
Wheelbase	1519 mm / 59.5 in.	1,646 mm / 64.8 in.
Ground Clearance	120 mm / 4.7 in	-
Height	1107 mm / 43.5 in	1,120 mm / 44.1 in.
Length	2179 mm / 85.4 in	2,405 mm / 94.7 in.
Width	821 mm / 32.3 in	894 mm / 35.2 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight	-	278 kg / 612.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity	12.5 Litres / 3.3 US gal	20.06 litres / 5.30 gallons
Oil Capacity	2.6 Litres / 0.69 US gal	-
Wet Weight	256.3 kg / 565 lbs	-
Performance
Max Torque	73 Nm / 7.44 kgf-m / 53.8 ft/lb @ 3750 rpm	78.00 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 57.5 ft.lbs) @ 3700
Engine
Fuel Control	-	SOHC
Engine Type	-	V2, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)	-	55.10 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)	-	903.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (in,)	-	3.5 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)	-	88.0 x 74.2 mm
Displacement	883 cc / 50.8cu in/	-
Engine Detail	Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder.	-
Fuel System	-	Injection
Bore x Stroke	76.2 x 96.8 mm	-
Compression Ratio	8.8:1	9.5:1
Cooling System	Air cooled	-
Exhaust	Chrome, staggered, shorty exhaust with dual mufflers	-
Fuel Induction	Electronic sequential port fuel injection	-
Ignition	Digital CDI	TCBI with Electronic Advance
Starter	Electric	Electric
Valve System	-	4
Drivetrain
Clutch	Multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath	-
Final Drive	Belt	Belt
Gear Ratios	1st 10.407 / 2nd 7.436 / 3rd 5.53 / 4th 4.583 / 5th 3.93	-
Gearbox	-	5-speed
Primary Drive	Chain, 34/57 ratio	-
Transmission / Drive	5 Speed	-
Chassis
Frame Type	Mild steel, tubular frame, circular sections, cast junctions Swingarm Mild steel, rectangular tube sections, stamped junctions, MIG welded	-
Suspension - Front	∅39mm Fork	41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Suspension - Rear	Coil-over, dual-adjustable preload	Uni-Track swingarm, seven-way adjustable spring preload / 4.1 in.
Rake	31.1°	-
Trail	117 mm / 4.6 in	-
Wheel Travel - Front	92 mm / 3.62 in.	-
Wheel Travel - Rear	41 mm / 1.6 in.	-
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 - Front	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single disc
Brakes - Rear	Single ∅260mm disc, 2 x ∅38mm piston calipers	Single disc
Tyres - Front	100/90B19 57H	80/90-21
Tyres - Rear	130/90-16	180/70-15
Wheels - Front	Black, 13-spoke cast aluminium	-
Wheels - Rear	Black, 13-spoke cast auminium	-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron

The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron edges out the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom 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 686 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom - Advantages

Competitive all-round: The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron vs 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron and 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom?

The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron uses Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder., while the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom is powered by V2, four-stroke.

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron or the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom?

The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron has the lower seat at Laden 653 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom sits higher at 686 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 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom?

Both are strong choices. The 2012 Harley-Davidson XL 883N Iron has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom offers a compelling alternative. 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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