MotoSpecs

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

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Year2006 - 072002 - 03
Make ModelKawasaki VN 900 Vulcan ClassicBMW R 1200C
Dimensions
Seat Height680 mm / 26.8 in740 mm / 29.1 in
Wheelbase1645 mm / 64.8 in1650 mm / 64.9 in
Ground Clearance-172 mm / 6.77 in
Height1065 mm / 41.9 in1130 mm / 44.4 in
Length2465 mm / 97.1 in2340 mm / 92.1 in
Width1005 mm / 39.6 in1050 mm / 44.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-236 kg / 482 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.3 US gal.17.5 Litres / 4.5 gal
Wet Weight281 kg / 620 lbs255 kg / 565 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-178.1 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 Power37 kW / 50 hp @ 5700 rpm44.5 kW / 61 hp @ 5000 rpm
Max Torque78 Nm / 8.0 kg-fm @ 3700 rpm98 Nm / 10.0 kgf-m / 72.27 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.14 hp/kg / 6.92 kg/hp
Standing Start ¼ Mile-13.8 sec / 151.5 km/h / 94.1 mph
Engine
Stroke-4
Engine Type-Two cylinder boxer
Displacement903 cc / 49 cu-in1170 cc / 71.4 cu in.
Engine DetailFour stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valveFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke88.0 x 74.2 mm101 x 73mm
Compression Ratio9.5:110.0:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir/Oil cooled
Fuel Consumption-5.9 L/100 km / 17.0 km/l / 40 US mpg
Fuel InductionFuel injection: Ø 34 mm x 2 with dual throttlesBosch Motronic MA 2.4 Fuel injection
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionDigital Digital CDI Bosch Electronic
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-BMW Mareg, 19.5 Amp/h low maintenance
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc, manualDry, single plate, hydraulic operated
Final DriveBeltShaft
Gear Ratiosst 2.786 (39/14) 2nd 1.889 (34/18) 3rd 1.360 (34/25) 4th 1.107 (31/28) 5th 0.963 (26/27)1st 2.045 / 2nd 1.600 / 3rd 1.267 / 4th 1.038 / 5th 0.800:1
Primary Drive Ratios 2.184 (83/38)-
Transmission / Drive5 Speed5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble-cradle, steelThree section composite frame consisting of front & rear section, load bearing engine
Suspension - Front41mm telescopic fork with 7-way preloadMotorrad Telelever, stanchion ∅35mm, central strut
Suspension - RearUni-Trak with 7-way adjustable preloadDie 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.
Rake32°-
Steering AngleLeft 38° / Right 38°-
Trail160 mm / 6.3 in86 mm / 3.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in145 mm / 5.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear103 mm / 4.1 in110 mm / 4.3 in
Electrical Systems
Charging System-14 V 50 Amp Alternator (700 W)
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 300mm disc 2 piston caliper2 x ∅305mm discs, 4 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 270mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle ∅285mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front130/90 -16100/90-18
Tyres - Rear180/70 -15170/80-15
Wheels - Front-2.50 x 18 cross spoke
Wheels - Rear-4.00 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

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 - 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 vs 2003 BMW R 1200C - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic and 2003 BMW R 1200C?
The 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic uses Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve, while the 2003 BMW R 1200C is powered by Two cylinder boxer.
Which is lighter, the 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic or the 2003 BMW R 1200C?
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 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic or the 2003 BMW R 1200C?
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 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic or the 2003 BMW R 1200C?
Both are strong choices. The 2007 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2003 BMW R 1200C stands out for higher torque and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

Related Comparisons

All Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic years All BMW R 1200C years
Build your own comparison →