Kawasaki builds larger and more expensive cruisers, but they don’t build them any better, more fun to ride, or with more character than the Vulcan 900 Classic: 903cc of fuel-injected V-twin Kawasaki know-how provides more than enough thrust in a bike that weighs just 620 pounds — accompanied by all the rumble the law allows. Classic looks enforce a long, low frame that carries the rider just 26.8 inches from the pavement. From there, Kawasaki adds plenty of expensive-looking chrome, quality paint and stylish spoked wheels, then sweetens the deal with an easy-to-swallow price tag.
This Vulcan’s winning combo will please entry-level riders and anyone seeking class leading power and torque, but wanting more agility than a large-displacement machine. Blessed with plenty of charisma and class-leading ergonomics, the Vulcan 900 matches its powerplant and chassis prowess with great looks too: Graceful fenders and fuel tank accentuated by a polished chrome-accented air cleaner and chrome headlight give it the classic cruiser curves. A subtle matte-black frame balances the stylish modern flair in its bodywork, low-slung seat, and stylish tail light.
The visual treats continue with curved cooling fins on the big, classic-looking V-twin, which fairly 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, classic 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 — and the largest rear tire in its class also contribute 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 narrowed shape for a shorter reach to the pavement — ideal for shorter riders. The rear pillion pad makes it painless to share the two-wheeled experience. The 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: 4-Stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve 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: EFI 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: 272mm hydraulic disc / 242mm 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: Candy Imperial Blue, Candy Fire Red
