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Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Vs Kawasaki Vulcan S: The Ultimate Cruiser Showdown

Key points

  • The Sportster 883 is a classic cruiser with a distinctive sound and vibration, while the Vulcan S is a more modern cruiser with a more powerful engine and better handling.
  • However, the Sportster 883 is a more classic cruiser with a distinctive sound and vibration, while the Vulcan S is a more modern cruiser with a more powerful engine and better handling.
  • The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 is a classic cruiser with a distinctive sound and vibration, while the Kawasaki Vulcan S is a more modern cruiser with a more powerful engine and better handling.

The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 and Kawasaki Vulcan S are two popular cruiser motorcycles that offer a unique blend of style, performance, and affordability. While both bikes share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics that make them appealing to different riders. In this blog post, we will compare the Harley Davidson Sportster 883 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S to help you decide which bike is right for you.

Engine and Performance

The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 is powered by an air-cooled, 883cc V-twin engine that produces 51 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque. The Kawasaki Vulcan S, on the other hand, is powered by a liquid-cooled, 649cc parallel-twin engine that produces 61 horsepower and 46 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of performance, the Vulcan S has a slight edge over the Sportster 883. The Vulcan S’s engine is more powerful and produces more torque, which gives it better acceleration and top speed. However, the Sportster 883 has a more distinctive sound and vibration, which some riders may prefer.

Handling and Braking

The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 has a more traditional cruiser handling style, with a low seat height and a long, stretched-out wheelbase. The Kawasaki Vulcan S, on the other hand, has a more upright riding position and a shorter wheelbase, which makes it more maneuverable.

In terms of braking, both bikes have disc brakes on both wheels. However, the Vulcan S has a slightly larger front brake rotor, which gives it better stopping power.

Styling and Features

The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 has a classic cruiser look, with a round headlight, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, and a low-slung seat. The Kawasaki Vulcan S, on the other hand, has a more modern look, with a sharp-angled headlight, a sculpted fuel tank, and a higher seat.

In terms of features, both bikes come with a variety of standard features, including a digital speedometer, a tachometer, and a fuel gauge. However, the Vulcan S also comes with a few additional features, such as a gear indicator and a clock.

Price and Availability

The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 has a starting price of $8,999, while the Kawasaki Vulcan S has a starting price of $7,499. Both bikes are widely available at dealerships across the country.

Which Bike is Right for You?

The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 and Kawasaki Vulcan S are both excellent cruiser motorcycles that offer a unique blend of style, performance, and affordability. The Sportster 883 is a classic cruiser with a distinctive sound and vibration, while the Vulcan S is a more modern cruiser with a more powerful engine and better handling.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them and see which one you prefer. However, if you are looking for a classic cruiser with a distinctive sound and vibration, the Harley Davidson Sportster 883 is a great choice. If you are looking for a more modern cruiser with a more powerful engine and better handling, the Kawasaki Vulcan S is a great choice.

Final Verdict: The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 vs Kawasaki Vulcan S

The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 and Kawasaki Vulcan S are two of the best cruiser motorcycles on the market. Both bikes offer a unique blend of style, performance, and affordability. However, the Sportster 883 is a more classic cruiser with a distinctive sound and vibration, while the Vulcan S is a more modern cruiser with a more powerful engine and better handling. Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them and see which one you prefer.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. What is the difference between the Harley Davidson Sportster 883 and the Kawasaki Vulcan S?

The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 is a classic cruiser with a distinctive sound and vibration, while the Kawasaki Vulcan S is a more modern cruiser with a more powerful engine and better handling.

2. Which bike is better for beginners?

Both the Harley Davidson Sportster 883 and Kawasaki Vulcan S are good bikes for beginners. However, the Vulcan S is slightly easier to ride, thanks to its lower seat height and more upright riding position.

3. Which bike is more powerful?

The Kawasaki Vulcan S has a more powerful engine than the Harley Davidson Sportster 883. The Vulcan S’s engine produces 61 horsepower and 46 lb-ft of torque, while the Sportster 883’s engine produces 51 horsepower and 69 lb-ft of torque.

4. Which bike is more comfortable?

The Harley Davidson Sportster 883 has a more comfortable seat than the Kawasaki Vulcan S. However, the Vulcan S’s more upright riding position may be more comfortable for some riders.

5. Which bike is more affordable?

The Kawasaki Vulcan S is more affordable than the Harley Davidson Sportster 883. The Vulcan S has a starting price of $7,499, while the Sportster 883 has a starting price of $8,999.

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About the Author
Matthew is an avid motorbike enthusiast from South London. He started riding bikes as a teenager and has owned over 10 bikes throughout his life. Matthew loves exploring the picturesque British countryside on two wheels and uses his matthewbikelog to document his riding adventures. When he's not out on his...