What screams retro better than whitewall tires? Nothing. That’s why Kawasaki included them as part of a Special Edition package for the 2011 Vulcan® 900 Classic cruiser. But the good looks don’t stop there: a bold brushed metal graphic enhances the long, loping lines of the 900 Classic, flowing from the front fender to the tank and ending on the rear fender. A fat 180-series rear tire – the largest in its class – complements the overall look. Couple that with the visceral V-twin rumble that comes courtesy of a single-pin crankshaft, and you have one amazing package that is as affordable as it is beautiful.
The Vulcan 900 Classic’s 903cc engine provides excellent performance, while rider floorboards complete with a heel and toe shifter enhance rider comfort. The tank-mounted instrumentation includes a handy fuel gauge and an easy-to-read analog speedometer. And its 5.3-gallon fuel tank is the largest in its class.
The visual treats continue with curved cooling fins on the big, classic-looking V-twin, which bristles with modern touches inside including four-valve-per-cylinder performance and liquid-cooled reliability. An engine counterbalancer works with the single-pin crankshaft to produce that distinctive guttural V-twin sound and feel, but without the annoying V-twin vibration.Rugged and reliable belt final drive on the Vulcan 900 keeps the overall weight down, improves rear-end styling and provides the rider with additional customizing opportunities. Not to mention the largest rear tire in its class also contributes to the Vulcan 900’s big bike feel.
The Vulcan 900’s low seat height and tapered seat do not discriminate against shorter riders. Comfortable enough for any distance, the front bucket seat flows nicely into the largest capacity fuel tank in its class, and the lower chassis rails provide a narrow shape for an abbreviated reach to the pavement – ideal for shorter riders. Meanwhile, the rear pillion pad makes it painless to share the two-wheeled experience. Wide handlebars, seat and floorboard layout offers an ideal ergonomic relationship, making for a relaxing mount.
Some of the other features that make the Vulcan 900 appealing to such a wide audience are a fork offset and rake designed for light, effortless maneuvering at low, in-town speeds. The 900 Classic is equipped with an auto-fast idle system that uses an rpm feedback relay to help ensure a fixed engine speed in all starting conditions. Its easy-to-control fuel injection makes ultra-low-speed riding surprisingly easy, and the abundant low-rpm torque provides thrilling roll-on acceleration. At home, around town or on the open road, this motorcycle is built for hour upon hour of riding pleasure.
Engine
Engine gets an 8 millimeter longer stroke, boosting displacement to 903cc compared to the VN800’s 805cc.
Designed to offer superior acceleration in the mid-speed range (where most riding is actually done), the powerful, liquid-cooled V-twin engine has the torque to out-accelerate smaller displacement bikes yet with a single downshift can keep up with bikes one displacement class larger.
Oversquare 88 x 74.2mm bore and stroke ensures punchy response and a broad spread of satisfying power. Free-breathing SOHC 4-valve heads deliver impressive performance throughout the rev range.
The cylinder head features the same combustion chamber and intake/exhaust porting design concept as that of the mighty VN2000.
Deep fins on the cylinder and cylinder head were designed to highlight the VN900’s larger engine. Fin spacing and size where chosen to make the engine look big.
Deep fins on the cylinder and cylinder head were designed to highlight the VN900’s larger engine. Fin spacing and size where chosen to make the engine look big.
The edges of the fins receive a special NC treatment that makes them gleam in sunlight.
All the non-chromed parts of the engine were finished in a black powder coat.
The electronic fuel injection system, controlled by dual throttle valves, ensures silky smooth response and easy-to-control torque characteristics.
Automotive-type fine-atomising injectors improve performance, fuel economy and emissions.
An auto-fast idle system is equipped with an rpm feedback relay ensuring a fixed (ideal) engine speed in all starting conditions. (The feedback is used to control the sub-throttles to obtain the desired rpm.)
Curved intake tracts provide an extremely efficient path for intake flow. Ports narrow as they reach the combustion chamber, increasing intake flow speed for more efficient filling. The result of the highly intake efficiency is improved torque.
Long intake tracts extend well into the air cleaner box. The longer path improves low-end response.
Returnless-type pump inside the fuel tank prevents fuel starvation during hard braking or acceleration. No return fuel line increases reliability.
Redesigned crankshaft and gear-driven balancer are matched to the new longer stroke for smooth performance.
Like all Kawasaki V-twins, the VN900 engine uses a single crankpin for best strength and strong power feeling.
Lightweight, nut-less connecting rods like those on the VN2000 contribute to low vibration levels.
Five-speed transmission with smooth shift action is geared for a comfortably low rpm at highway cruising speeds.
The transmission is equipped with Kawasaki’s exclusive Positive Neutral Finder. Just lift the pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily , every time.
Like the VN2000, the 900 Classic has a quiet and efficient belt final drive.
Like the VN2000, the 900 Classic has a quiet and efficient belt final drive.
Dual slash-cut mufflers give the VN900 a wild air. The mufflers are angled so that they look good when the bike is on its side stand.
Catalysers built into each of the mufflers reduce exhaust emissions.
FrameOverall the VN900 Classic is longer and lower than its predecessor, the VN800.
Seat height has been lowered, giving the new Classic more of a “low rider” bias than the VN800.
The longer wheelbase (lengthened by approximately 50mm) provides even more stability when cruising and contributes to the Classic image.
The fork offset and rake geometry were set such that the bike does not self-steer. The result is light, low-effort handling when manoeuvring at ultra-low speeds
SuspensionTriangular-shaped swingarm appears to be a hardtail design, but acts on a single shock hidden beneath the seat.
Shock is preload-adjustable
Brakes/Wheels/Tires
Chrome rims are supported by 48 spokes and polished alloy hubs.
Single 300mm drilled front disc delivers impressive stopping power without hiding the front wheel’s good looks.
Rear 300mm disc ensures maximum braking control.
Second only to that of the VN2000, the massive 180 mm rear tire gives the rear of the bike a powerful image. (At 180 mm, this tire is wider than most large-displacement cruiser rear tires, including all of Kawasaki’s 1600cc models!)
Bodywork/StylingThe VN900 shares many of the long-and-low styling cues from the stunning VN2000. Easy to ride and very rider-friendly, the VN900 offers the look, feel and craftsmanship found in bigger cruisers. Whether rolling down the street or parked in front of a café, this is one sharp-looking machine.
The fuel tank and fenders follow the same design theme: twin valleys running the length of the bike.
The wide fuel tank tapers at the rear, contributing to the VN900’s curvaceous theme. The fuel tank’s curves have constantly varying radii, giving the bike a dynamism that is both powerful and smooth. Its hand-sculpted contours are pleasing to both the eye and to the touch.
At the seat, the fender is as wide as that of the VN2000, but it like the fuel tank it tapers elegantly at the rear.
Comfort and Convenience
Footboards add comfort and contribute to the big bike styling.
A heal-toe shifter adds to the Cruising experience.
Kawasaki’s exclusive Positive Neutral Finder allows the rider to lift the pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily , every time.
Large-capacity 18 litre fuel tank ensures an ample cruising range.
The tank-mounted instrument console is slim and lightweight, contributing to the bike’s elegant lines.
Large-faced easy-to-read speedometer features a multi-function LCD display, warning lamps – and even a fuel gauge
Instrumentation includes LCD window displaying an odometer, tripmeter and clock. The meter also has warning lamps for fuel, oil pressure and water temperature.
Large round multi-reflector headlamp complements the new classic bodywork and throws a broad beam for confident nighttime cruising.
Front turn signals feature an integrated lamp/stay design for easy mounting.
Push-to-Cancel Turn Signals: No fumbling, just a simple push on the switch cancels the turn signals
The combination of wide handlebars and an ideal relationship between seat, bars and footboards results in wonderfully comfortable riding position.
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valves per cylinder V-twin
Displacement: 903cc / 55.1 cu. in.
Bore x stroke: 88.0 x 74.2mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum torque: 58.2 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel Injection: DFI with dual 34mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance
Transmission: Five-speed
Final drive: Belt
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 32 degrees / 6.3 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Uni-Trak® swingarm / 4.1 in.
Front tire: 130/90x16
Rear tire: 180/70x15
Front brake / rear brake: 300mm hydraulic disc / 270mm hydraulic disc
Overall length: 97.0 in.
Overall width: 39.6 in.
Overall height: 41.9 in.
Seat height: 26.8 in.
Curb weight: 619.6 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Wheelbase: 64.8 in.
Color choices: Ebony
Warranty: 12 months
