What is touring, really, but rolling down a really long boulevard? Kawasaki already has a winner in its class-leading Vulcan® 900 Classic cruiser. With its great looks and modern hardware, the 900 Classic starts out as an excellent midsize cruising platform, with power and style to spare. To prepare it for life on the highway, we did what American motorcyclists have been doing ever since the invention of pavement: The addition of top-grain leather saddlebags, a long-distance touring seat, a passenger backrest and an adjustable windshield provide everything you need to hit the road for days on end.
This mid-size Kawasaki offers the same excellent riding characteristics as the Vulcan 900 Classic — from the fuel-injected 903cc engine, which delivers exceptional roll-on acceleration, to the nimble chassis sporting classy, flowing cruiser beauty. Its eye-catching touring features only add to this winning mixture of agility and large-displacement power and torque — pleasing anyone who thinks touring represents the ultimate get-away.
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; the Classic LT has both, along with a backrest to keep the passenger relaxed and smiling 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 the 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 the Kawasaki’s Vulcan 2000, the Vulcan 900 models deliver exceptional roll-on acceleration, easy maneuverability, and performance equal to larger displacement competitors.
Breakdowns are a negative on any trip. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT utilizes a low-maintenance belt drive not only to help avoid undesired stops, but also to keep the pounds off and to 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 accentuates 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 to 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: Candy Diamond Red/Ebony, Candy Imperial Blue/Metallic Moondust Gray, Metallic Dark Green/Metallic Titanium. Whatever color you choose, the Vulcan 900 Classic LT gets noticed by everyone it passes along the highway.
Engine Type 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, 4-Valve Cylinder Head, V-Twin
Displacement 903cc / 55.1 cu.in.
Bore and Stroke 88 x 74.2 mm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Cooling Liquid
Fuel Injection EFI with dual 34mm Keihin Throttle Bodies
Ignition TCBI with Electronic Advance
Transmission 5-Speed
Final Drive Belt
Rake/Trail 32°/6.3 in.
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Uni-Track® swingarm / 4.1 in.
Front Tire Size 130/90-16
Rear Tire Size 180/70-15
Wheelbase 64.8 in.
Front Brake / Rear Brake Single 272mm hydraulic disc with two-piston caliper / 242mm hydraulic disc
Fuel Tank Capacity 5.3 gal.
Seat Height 26.8 in.
Overall Length 97.0 in.
Overall Width 39.6 in.
Overall Height 58.3 in.
Curb Weight 657.1 lbs.
Color Candy Diamond Red/Ebony, Candy Imperial Blue/Metallic Moondust Gray, Metallic Dark Green/Metallic Titanium
Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
Warranty 24 Months
