Today’s article is about the comparison review of 2022 Vulcan 900 Custom vs 2022 Softail Breakout. In 1984, the Kawasaki Vulcan series was launched. Since then, other Vulcan versions have been made available with different engine and body configurations. Since its first release in 2006, the Vulcan 900 Custom has been in production. It has ergonomics, a V-Twin engine, and a classic cruiser look.
In 1983, Harley-Davidson introduced the Softail line. Over the years, the Softail series has introduced multiple versions. In 2020, the first Softail breakout was published. Its front tire is wider and smoother than other cruisers. The latest Softail breakout models have a 117 cubic inch (1,868cc) engine compared to the original model’s 103 cubic inch (1,690cc) engine. Let’s have a detailed comparison review of the 2022 Vulcan 900 Custom vs 2022 Softail Breakout.
2022 Vulcan 900 Custom vs 2022 Softail Breakout – Features Comparison
Design
Cruiser Vulcan 900 Custom has a classic design. The only colored components of the bike are the petrol tank and the fenders. The rest is matte black. It has wide, curved handlebars in a helicopter style. The front fenders of the Vulcan 900 Custom are narrow, while the rear fenders are larger than other cruisers. On the fuel tank is an analog speedometer with a small LCD monitor.
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The Vulcan 900 Custom features a single 300 mm disc brake up front, dual shocks up front, a 41 mm telescopic fork with 150 mm (5.9 in) wheel travel, and 80/90-21 tires. It features a single 270 mm disc brake, a seven-way preload adjustable mono-shock, a 180/70-15 tire, and 103 mm (4.1 in) of wheel travel at the rear. Sassy bars and saddlebags are not included with the Vulcan 900 Custom model.
The traditional-looking Harley Softail Fatboy and Harley Davidson Softail Breakout are comparable. The only colored components of the bike are the fenders and the petrol tank. Otherwise, it’s completely covered in a chrome finish. Unlike conventional softtail bikes, it lacks a speedometer on the fuel tank.
Instead, it has a small LCD screen located between the handlebars. It features a single 300mm disc brake up front, an inverted cartridge fork, and 130/60B21 63H BW tires. It has a single 292mm disc brake at the rear, a tire size of 240/40R18 79 V BW, and an adjustable mono-shock at the rear.
Engine & Performance
A liquid-cooled, four-stroke V-Twin engine with a displacement of 55 cubic inches (903cc) powers the Vulcan 900 Custom. Its bore and stroke measurements are 74.2 mm (2.921 in) and 88 mm (3.646 in), respectively. This engine can produce 50 hp and 58.2 ft-lb (78 Nm) of peak torque at 3,500 rpm. With a dual-throttle fuel injection system and a 5.3 gal (20.0 L) fuel tank, the Vulcan 900 Custom achieves a fuel economy of 49.6 MPG. It uses a low-maintenance belt drivetrain, as do many cruisers.
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An impressive 1,868cc Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine powers the Softail Breakout. It can produce 100 horsepower and 119 ft-lb (161 Nm) of torque at 3,000 rpm thanks to its 4.5-inch (114 mm) stroke and 4.0-inch (102 mm) bore, respectively. With a 3.5 gal (13.2 L) fuel tank and dual-throttle fuel injection technology, the Softail Breakout achieves a fuel economy of 47 MPG (19.9 km/l).
Comfort & Ergonomics
The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom measures 2,405.3 mm (94.7 in) overall, 1,645.9 mm (64.8 in) for wheelbase and 685.8 mm (27.0 in) for seat height. Tall and short riders alike will find this bike comfortable due to its excellent ergonomics. A relaxed riding position within reach of the handlebar is ensured by its 182.8 mm (7.2 in) trail and 33° rake angle.
A heavyweight cruiser, the Softail Slim has a gross weight of 304.8 kg (672 lbs). The Softail Slim offers a comfortable riding position with a seat height of 25.6 inches (650.2 mm), a length of 93.3 inches (2,369.8 mm), and a wheelbase of 66.7 inches (1,694.18 mm). The Softail Slim offers a comfortable riding position for taller and heavier riders. Its 34° rake angle and 144.78 mm (5.7 in) trail size ensure low wind resistance.
2022 Vulcan 900 Custom vs 2022 Softail Breakout – Specification Comparison
| Specs \ Bikes | 2022 Vulcan 900 Custom | 2022 Softail Breakout |
|---|
Basic Information
| Year | 2022 | 2022 |
| Model | Vulcan 900 Custom | Softail Breakout |
| Motorcycle Type | Cruiser | Cruiser |
| Base Price | $8,999 | $20,499 |
| Colors | Pearl Matte Sage Green/Flat Ebony | Vivid Black, Midnight Blue, Barracuda Silver, River Rock Gray Denim, Performance Orange, Stiletto Red, and Zephyr Blue/Black Sunglo |
Engine & Systems
| Displacement | 55.1 cu in (903 cc) | 114 cu in (1,868 cc) |
| Engine Type | Four-Stroke, V-Twin | Four-Stroke, V-Twin |
| Cooling System | Liquid-Cooled | Air-Cooled |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Stroke | 74.2 mm (2.921 in) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Bore | 88 mm (3.464 in) | 102 mm (4.0 in) |
| Cylinders | Two | Two |
| Drive Train | Belt | Belt |
| Transmission | Five-Speed | Six-Speed |
| Clutch | Wet Multi-Disc, Manual | Mechanical, 10 Plates Wet, Assist & Conventional |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Exhaust | Two-into-Two, catalyst in the muffler | Two-into-Two, catalyst in the muffler |
| Fuel Delivery System | Two 34 mm fuel injection with dual throttles | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
Performance & Capacity
| Horsepower | 50 hp | 100 hp |
| Torque | 58.2 ft-lb (78 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm | 119 ft-lb (161 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5.3 gal (20.0 L) | 3.5 gal (13.2 L) |
| Mileage | 49.6 MPG (21.0 km/l) | 47 MPG (19.9 km/l) |
| Oil Capacity | 3.2 quarts (3.02 L) | 5 quarts (4.7 L) |
Dimensions
| Trail | 182.8 mm (7.2 in) | 144.78 mm (5.7 in) |
| Rake | 33^o | 34^o |
| Seat Height | 685.8 mm (27.0 in) | 650.2 mm (25.6 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,645.9 mm (64.8 in) | 1,694.18 mm (66.7 in) |
| Weight | 610.8 lbs (277.0 kg) | 672 lbs (304.8 kg) |
| Ground Clearance | 139.7 mm (5.5 in) | 114.3 mm (4.5 in) |
| Length | 2,405.3 mm (94.7 in) | 2,369.8 mm (93.3 in) |
| Width | 894.08 mm (35.2 in) | 950 mm (37.4 in) |
FAQ
1 Are there any problems with the Kawasaki Vulcan 900?
Overall, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 does not have many issues. However, some riders have reported experiencing the following problems after extensive use of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900.
Owners of the motorcycle have observed that even when all the pieces are fastened tightly, it still jerks uncontrollably and makes a noise at speeds of 15 to 20 mph.
Another problem was that the older Vulcan 900 vehicles had clutch slips that would wear out quickly and gear-shifting problems.
Earlier, Vulcan 900 cars had trouble starting due to a broken electric starter.
2 Is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom a good beginner motorcycle?
Wide handlebars are a feature of the middleweight cruiser Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom. However, it has a low center of gravity and a powerful enough engine to handle new riders. Although the handlebars are wide, beginners can easily reach them. However, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is not recommended for taller or heavier riders weighing over 200 lbs. For beginner riders, lightweight cruiser bikes like the Harley-Davidson Street Series and the Honda Rebel Series are great choices.
Conclusion
In our article on the 2022 Vulcan 900 Custom vs 2022 Softail Breakout, both bikes share some external similarities, but they differ in engine, performance, and price. Although the Vulcan 900 Custom Softail is more expensive than the Breakout, it has a larger engine that can produce more power and torque. Additionally, the Vulcan 900 Custom has a large petrol tank and can travel far. The Softail Breakout is not an entry-level motorbike based on its features and measurements, which make it more suitable for taller and heavier riders. While the Harley Davidson Softail Breakout and Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom are both reliable cruisers, neither is equipped with saddlebags or SISSY bars.
