Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 L SuperLow 2018 vs. Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 L SuperLow 2018

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Technical Specifications Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 L SuperLow 2018 compared to Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 L SuperLow 2018

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 L SuperLow 2018

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

Engine and Drive Train

Bore	Bore	76.2 mm	Bore	83 mm
Stroke	Stroke	96.8 mm	Stroke	60 mm
Engine power	Engine power	53 HP	Engine power	61 HP
Rpm at Max. Power	Rpm at Max. Power	5,750 rpm	Rpm at Max. Power	7,500 rpm
Torque	Torque	69 Nm	Torque	63 Nm
Rpm at Torque	Rpm at Torque	4,750 rpm	Rpm at Torque	6,600 rpm
Compression Ratio	Compression Ratio	9	Compression Ratio	10.8
Starter	Starter	Electric	Starter	Electric
Clutch Type	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath	Clutch Type	Multiplate in oil-bath
Ignition	Ignition	Transistor	Ignition	Digital
Transmission	Transmission	Belt	Transmission	Chain
Number of gears	Number of gears	5	Number of gears	6
Cooling	Cooling	Air	Cooling	liquid
Displacement	Displacement	883 ccm	Displacement	649 ccm

Chassis

Frame	Frame	Steel	Frame	Steel
Frame type	Frame type	Double cradle	Frame type	Perimeter

Brakes Front

Type	Type	Single disk	Type	Single disk
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Double piston

Brakes Rear

Type	Type	Disc	Type	Disc
Piston	Piston	Double piston	Piston	Single piston

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre width	Front tyre width	120 mm	Front tyre width	120 mm
Front tyre height	Front tyre height	70 %	Front tyre height	70 %
Front tyre diameter	Front tyre diameter	18 inch	Front tyre diameter	18 inch
Rear tyre width	Rear tyre width	150 mm	Rear tyre width	160 mm
Rear tyre height	Rear tyre height	60 %	Rear tyre height	60 %
Rear tyre diameter	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch	Rear tyre diameter	17 inch
Length	Length	2,215 mm	Length	2,310 mm
Width	Width	845 mm	Width	880 mm
Height	Height	1,115 mm	Height	1,100 mm
Wheelbase	Wheelbase	1,500 mm	Wheelbase	1,575 mm
Seat Height	Seat Height	695 mm	Seat Height	705 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	255 kg	Kerb Weight (with ABS)	228 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity	Fuel Tank Capacity	17 l	Fuel Tank Capacity	14 l
License compliancy	License compliancy	A	License compliancy	A

Pros and Cons in comparison

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 883 L SuperLow 2018

Unfortunately, our editors did not test this model.

Kawasaki Vulcan S 2015

The Vulcan S is reinvigorating the "small" mid-size cruiser scene - not only because of its unique design, but also because it is so easy to ride and is aimed at beginners. The low seat height and the narrow saddle help the rider to stand securely on the ground, while the low centre of gravity also makes for easy and safe handling. The engine also fits in well with the uncomplicated appearance, can be revved up decently from 2000 rpm and only stops at around 10,000 rpm - something that has never been seen before in a cruiser. The "Ergo-Fit" system, which varies the seat height, the rider's distance from the handlebars and the footrests, costs extra but also allows the Vulcan S owner generous customisation options.

Rev-happy engine that also behaves well in the lower rev range

decent brake with ABS

idiosyncratic look

narrow and therefore manoeuvrable 160 rear tyre

Ergo-Fit system for optimum adaptation to the rider

sufficiently comfortable chassis.

Ergo-Fit system costs extra

moderate wind protection

gear indicator only available as an option