Navigating car lineups with expert guidance
Guide

Clash of the titans: kawasaki vulcan s vs harley iron 883 face-off

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a single front disc brake and a single rear disc brake, while the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 has a single front disc brake and a drum rear brake.
  • The Vulcan S is a more affordable, fuel-efficient, and agile bike, while the Iron 883 is a more traditional Harley-Davidson with a more aggressive riding position.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S and Harley-Davidson Iron 883 are two of the most popular bobber-style motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer a classic look with modern features, but they have some key differences that set them apart. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Kawasaki Vulcan S vs Harley-Davidson Iron 883 and help you decide which bike is right for you.

Engine

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is powered by a 649cc parallel-twin engine, while the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is powered by an 883cc V-twin engine. The Vulcan S’s engine is more powerful, producing 61 horsepower and 46 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Iron 883’s 52 horsepower and 47 lb-ft of torque. The Vulcan S’s engine is also more fuel-efficient, getting an estimated 50 mpg compared to the Iron 883’s 45 mpg.

Suspension

The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a telescopic front fork and a monoshock rear suspension, while the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 has a telescopic front fork and a dual-shock rear suspension. The Vulcan S’s suspension is more adjustable, allowing you to customize the ride to your liking. The Iron 883’s suspension is less adjustable, but it provides a more traditional Harley-Davidson ride.

Brakes

The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a single front disc brake and a single rear disc brake, while the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 has a single front disc brake and a drum rear brake. The Vulcan S’s brakes are more powerful and provide better stopping performance than the Iron 883’s brakes.

Handling

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a more agile and nimble bike than the Harley-Davidson Iron 883. The Vulcan S has a shorter wheelbase and a lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The Iron 883 is a more stable bike at highway speeds, but it is not as nimble as the Vulcan S.

Comfort

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is a more comfortable bike than the Harley-Davidson Iron 883. The Vulcan S has a wider seat and a more upright riding position, which makes it more comfortable for long rides. The Iron 883 has a narrower seat and a more aggressive riding position, which can be uncomfortable for some riders.

Price

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is priced at $7,499, while the Harley-Davidson Iron 883 is priced at $8,999. The Vulcan S is a more affordable bike than the Iron 883, but it offers a similar level of performance and features.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The Kawasaki Vulcan S and Harley-Davidson Iron 883 are both great bobber-style motorcycles. The Vulcan S is a more affordable, fuel-efficient, and agile bike, while the Iron 883 is a more traditional Harley-Davidson with a more aggressive riding position. Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Summary: The Verdict

The Kawasaki Vulcan S and Harley-Davidson Iron 883 are both excellent bobber-style motorcycles. The Vulcan S is a more affordable, fuel-efficient, and agile bike, while the Iron 883 is a more traditional Harley-Davidson with a more aggressive riding position. Ultimately, the best bike for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Which bike is more powerful?

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is more powerful than the Harley-Davidson Iron 883. The Vulcan S produces 61 horsepower and 46 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Iron 883’s 52 horsepower and 47 lb-ft of torque.

2. Which bike is more fuel-efficient?

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is more fuel-efficient than the Harley-Davidson Iron 883. The Vulcan S gets an estimated 50 mpg compared to the Iron 883’s 45 mpg.

3. Which bike is more comfortable?

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is more comfortable than the Harley-Davidson Iron 883. The Vulcan S has a wider seat and a more upright riding position, which makes it more comfortable for long rides.

Was this page helpful?

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
Back to top button