Riders who want a big tourer without the big bike weight (or price) need look no further than the Vulcan® 900 Classic LT. Add the touring touches that you’d expect – stylish saddlebags, an adjustable windscreen, and passenger backrest that will keep your favorite person happy – and you’ve got one impressive machine. Throw in all the styling details that you’d expect from a Vulcan cruiser, including the chromed brass studded seat that matches the passenger backrest, and you’ve got a real contender for the middleweight title.
This cruising Kawasaki shares the same excellent road manners as the Vulcan 900 Classic – from the fuel-injected 903cc engine, which delivers exceptional roll-on acceleration, to the nimble chassis sporting elegant, flowing cruiser beauty. Its eye-catching touring features only add to this winning mixture of mid-displacement agility and large-displacement power and torque – pleasing anyone who thinks touring represents the ultimate getaway.
At the core of the Classic LT’s touring package are striking, top-grain, reinforced cowhide saddlebags. The leather is carefully selected to minimize flaws and deep-dyed to prevent scraping off the finish. The ideally sized bags feature a slant-top opening held shut by two 1.5-inch wide leather straps fitted with chrome buckles and stealth quick-release fasteners. The rolled and riveted top lids, along with metal reinforced upper edges on the bags, help maintain shape and keep unwanted moisture out of the bags. An embossed Vulcan logo on the reinforced dual-panel lids and chrome-plated brass studs finish off the look of these bags.A comfortable seat for both rider and passenger are a must on a tourer, and the Classic LT has both, along with a backrest to keep the passenger relaxed as the miles tick by. Both the seat and the backrest are detailed with chrome-plated brass studs to match the bags. A thick, optically correct, acrylic plastic windscreen delivers smooth airflow around the rider and passenger, reducing wind fatigue and bug strikes over the course of long rides the 900 Classic LT encourages you to take.
Once past the 900 Classic LT’s handsome looks, owners will discover themselves enjoying a ride that was previously found only on larger cruisers. Applying lessons learned on Kawasaki’s Vulcan 2000, the Vulcan 900 models deliver exceptional roll-on acceleration, easy maneuverability, and performance that rivals larger displacement competitors.
Breakdowns can ruin any trip. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT utilizes a low-maintenance belt drive not only to help avoid undesired stops, but also to save weight and keep the rear end rolling in high style. Speaking of rear-end styling, the 900 Classic LT sports a large, 180mm-wide rear tire – the largest in its category. The beefy tire’s appearance augments the classic V-twin rumble courtesy of a single-pin crankshaft. It’s this look and sound that suggest a much larger motorcycle.
However, the Vulcan 900 LT’s big footprint shouldn’t alarm potential riders. Its low seat and narrow chassis rails blend comfortably into the fuel tank, which translates into plenty of accessibility for shorter riders and comfort for those of all sizes. Wide handlebars ideally situated with the seat and floorboards, coupled with roomy passenger accommodations, make the Vulcan 900 Classic LT a real joy – whether it’s just a run to the store or a multi-day haul across the country.
The Vulcan 900 Classic LT is available in the following two-tone color combinations: Metallic Nocturne Blue / Candy Imperial Blue and Ebony / Metallic Titanium. Whatever color you choose, the Vulcan 900 Classic LT gets noticed by everyone it passes.
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.
Deeply chromed engine covers have curved upper surfaces. Their 3D design adds volume and gives a quality appearance.
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.
In addition to reduced maintenance (compared to chain final drives), belt drives offer a smoother ride quality less weight and better efficiency than shaft drives.
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
Triangular-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/Styling/Ergonomic Features
The 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.
Sissy-bar backrest features “Tombstone”-style riveting.
The comfortable front seat and pillion pad are the same as those on the 900 Classic, with the addition of steel rivets.
Where the 900 Classic instrument dial features a cream-coloured backing, the 900 Classic LT speedometer’s backing is black.
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
Large-faced easy-to-read speedometer features a multi-function LCD display, warning lamps – and even a fuel gauge
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: Double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 32 degrees / 6.3 in.
Wheelbase: 64.8 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: Single 300mm hydraulic disc with two-piston caliper
Rear brake: 270mm hydraulic disc
Overall length: 97.0 in.
Overall width: 39.6 in.
Overall height: 58.3 in.
Seat height: 26.8 in.
Curb weight: 657.1 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Color choices: Metallic Nocturne Blue / Candy Imperial Blue,
Ebony / Metallic Titanium
Warranty: 24 months
