cruiser motorcycles

Vulcan 900 Classic (VN900): Specs, Features, Background, Performance & More

Vulcan 900 Classic (VN900) Specs, Features, Background, Performance & More

Kawasaki has redefined the art of motorcycling with its high-performance cruisers. Every year, a more stunning Kawasaki model sizzles the showroom floors before ruling the urban streets, highways, and camping sites.


With its affordable and beginner-friendly cruisers, Kawasaki has allowed many young bikers to fulfill their dreams of riding a well-designed classic cruiser.


The motorcycle company entered the cruiser game with its Vulcan 750 VN lineup. After a 22-year-long production run, the Vulcan 750 series was discontinued in 2006. But, the same year, Kawasaki launched its Vulcan 900 Classic lineup, which was far more stylish and powerful.


Read on to find out all the necessary information about the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic cruiser, including its evolution, specifications, features, and price.

1. A Brief History of Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 series was launched in 2006. Initially, the bike had only two variations: the Vulcan 900 Classic and the Vulcan 900 LT.


In 2007, the Vulcan 900 Custom cruiser was added to the 900 series. The three variations share the same engine configurations, technical specifications, drive train, and performance figures.


The noteworthy differences between the three variants are listed in the table below.


Main Differences Vulcan 900 Classic Vulcan 900 LT Vulcan 900 Custom
Length 97.0 in 97.0 in 95.7 in
Width 39.6 in 39.6 in 35.2 in
Height 41.9 in 58.3 in 44.1 in
Seat Height 26.8 in 26.8 in 27.0 in
Ground Clearance 5.3 in 5.3 in 5.5 in
Curb Weight 619.6 lbs 657.1 lbs 610.8 lbs
Front tire 130/90-16 M/C 130/90-16 M/C 80/90-21 M/C
Trail 6.3 in 6.3 in 7.2 in
Windshield Absent Present Absent
Saddlebags Absent Present Absent
Backrest Absent Present Absent
Foot Position Floorboards with heel/toe shifter Floorboards with heel/toe shifter Footpegs
Other styling details  Chromed parts Chromed parts Blacked out parts

Though the three variations of the Kawasaki 900 series had some distinct features, the Kawasaki 900 Classic lineup didn’t undergo many changes.


The 2006 to 2012 Vulcan 900 Classic models produced a peak torque of 50.0 hp at 5700 rpm and a peak torque of 82 Nm at 3700 rpm. The Vulcan 900 Classic series remained the middleweight cruisers with the largest displacement till 2008. With the introduction of Yamaha’s V-Star 950 cruiser, the Vulcan 900 Classic no longer has that laurel to its name.


In 2013, the peak torque and horsepower were reduced to 78 Nnm at 3700 rpm and 48 hp at 5700 rpm respectively. The main reason behind the reduction in torque and horsepower is not known. Moreover, there were slight changes in the paint schemes over the years.


Here is a quick overview of the most recent Vulcan 900 Classic models.


Model Year Base Price Colors
2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $7,299 Ebony
Metallic Ocean Blue
Galaxy Silver
Candy Fire Red
2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $7,349 Candy Caribbean Blue
Metallic Titanium
Ebony
Candy Cardinal Red
2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $7,349 Candy Caribbean Blue
Metallic Titanium
Ebony
Candy Cardinal Red
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $7,499 Metallic Diablo Black
Candy Diamond Red
Candy Plasma Blue
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $8,149 Candy Imperial Blue
Candy Fire Red
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $8,199 Ebony
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $8,299 Candy Arabian Red Pearl Meteor Gray/Polar White
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $8,699 Pearl Flat Stardust White/Flat Ebony
2014 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $7,999 Ebony/Metallic Graphite Gray
2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $7,999 Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Pearl Flat Crystal White
2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $7,999 Metallic Imperial Red/Metallic Graphite Gray
2017 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $7,999 Metallic Graphite Gray/Metallic Spark Black
2018 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $7,999 Metallic Matte Graphite Gray/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray
2019 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $7,999 Metallic Matte Graphite Gray/Metallic Matte Carbon Gray
2020 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $7,999 Phantom Blue/Pearl Blizzard White
2021 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic  $8,199 Pearl Storm Gray/ Pearl Blizzard White

1.1 2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic is a popular heavyweight cruiser. Even after a 16-year-long production run, this Kawasaki model is still being manufactured. The 2022 Kawasaki 900 Classic model has graced showroom floors and enthralled cruiser enthusiasts like never before.


Distinct Features 2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
Price $8,499
Color Metallic Dark Green/Pearl Robotic White

2. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic at First Glance

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Styling

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic is a fun ride. With a 903-cc displacement, the cruiser is lightweight, easy to handle, and features basic technical specifications. The well-finished paint, artful retro design, low seat height, and powerful fuel-injected V-twin engine make it a one-of-a-kind cruiser.


The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic boasts wide hand grips, roomy floorboards for a relaxed foot position, a thick 180 mm rear tire for maximum traction, and easy-to-read tank-mounted instruments and turn signal indicators. All these features are true to the classic retro-style cruiser look.

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Engine

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic engine is a four-stroke liquid-cooled V-twin engine that displaces 903 cc. The SOHC configuration offers a more powerful and faster engine. As a result, the bike can attain a top speed of 105 mph. The large torque generated by the engine keeps the riding experience lively and interesting.


The engine is fuel injected and uses two 34mm throttle bodies. The advanced DFI fuel injection system ensures a crisp throttle response and a smooth cruising experience.

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Handling

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 classic features a multi-plate wet clutch for high torque transmission. The clutch is smooth and light, ensuring a linear supply of engine power to the five-speed transmission. It connects and disconnects the engine with the chain drive and allows smooth gear shifts. The Kevlar-reinforced belt final drive of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic runs smoothly, does not require lubrication, and provides an efficient and quiet riding experience.


The 41 mm telescopic front fork has a basic structure and offers 5.9 in of wheel travel. The rear suspension is a swingarm Uni-Trak mono-shock with a seven-position spring preload adjustment. The Vulcan 900 Classic suspensions are reliable and absorb all the bumps, allowing the bike to glide smoothly over the rough and uneven roads.

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Wheels

The Vulcan 900 Classic features a 130 mm wide front tire and a thick 180 mm rear tire. The front tire allows smooth steering. The rear tire supports the weight of the bike and riders. The greater surface area of the rear tire means greater contact with the road. This results in more traction and greater stability. The wide rear tire enhances the aesthetic and powerful appearance of the bike.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Brakes

The Vulcan 900 front brake is a 300 mm single disc. At the rear, a 270 mm single disc brake is present. Both front and rear brakes feature twin-piston calipers. The motorcycle has reliable brakes for optimal stopping power. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic lineup lacks an ABS system, but it still provides reliable brakes.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Seat & Riding Comfort

The 26.8-inch low-slung seat gives the bike its low profile. The rider’s seat is quite comfortable and you can easily ride on the motorcycle for two to three hours without feeling stressed or tired. Moreover, the Vulcan 900 Classic has a natural seating position with its wide handlebars, hand grips, and comfortable floorboards.

3. Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic: A Buyer’s Guide

3.1 How Much Horsepower Does the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Have?

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic is powered by a 903-cc motor and produces a peak horsepower of 48 hp at 5700 rpm.

3.2 How Fast Is the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic?

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic possesses a fuel-injected engine and can run at a top speed of 105 mph.

3.3 What Is the Fuel Capacity of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic?

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 has a large fuel tank capable of holding 5.3 gallons of fuel. Due to its large fuel capacity, the Vulcan 900 Classic is a great bike for motorcycle touring and camping trips.

3.4 How Many Miles Per Gallon Does the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Get?

The Kawasaki Vulcan is a fuel-efficient motorcycle and has an average fuel economy of 47.9 miles per gallon (mpg).

4. Detailed Specifications (Kawasaki Vulcan 750; VN 750 Twin)

4.1 Dimensions

Length 97.0 in
Width 39.6 in
Height 41.9 in
Wheelbase 64.8 in
Ground Clearance 5.3 in
Seat Height 26.8 in
Curb Weight 619.6 lbs
Rake 32°
Trail 6.3 in
Fuel Capacity 5.3 gal
Fuel Economy 47.9 mpg

4.2 Chassis

Type Semi double cradle, high-tensile steel
Front Suspension, travel Telescopic fork, 41 mm, 5.9 inches of wheel travel
Rear Suspension, travel Swingarm Uni-Trak with mono-shock.
Seven-position spring preload adjustment, 4.1 inches of wheel travel
Front Tire Size 130/90-16 M/C 67H
Rear Tire Size 180/70-15 M/C 76H
Front Brake Single disc, 300 mm, twin-piston caliper
Rear Brake Single disc, 270 mm, twin-piston caliper

4.3 Engine

Type Four-stroke, liquid-cooled
Bore & Stroke 88.0 x 74.2 mm
Displacement 903 cc
Cylinder arrangement Two-cylinders, 55° V-twin
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Lubrication Wet sump
Valve Train Chain-driven SOHC, four valves per cylinder
Fuel System/ Induction Fuel injected. DFI 2x 34 mm throttle bodies with sub-throttle valves

4.4 Performance

Maximum Power 50 hp at 5700 rpm (2006-2012)
48 hp at 5700 rm (2013 onward)
Maximum Torque 82 Nm at 3700 rpm (2006-2012)
78 Nm at 3700 rpm (2013 onward)
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0-60 mph) 5.92 sec
Top Speed 105 mph

4.5 Drive Train

Clutch Wet, multi-plate, cable-operated
Transmission Five-speed with positive neutral finder
Final Drive Kevlar reinforced belt
Primary Reduction 2.184
Final Reduction 2.063
Gear Ratio 1st 2.786
Gear Ratio 2nd 1.889
Gear Ratio 3rd 1.360
Gear Ratio 4th 1.107
Gear Ratio 5th 0.962

4.6 Electrical

Ignition TCBI with electronic advance
Battery Capacity 12V-10Ah
Alternator Three-phase AC, 32A at 5000 rpm
Starter Electric

4.7 Others

Colors Metallic Dark Green/Pearl Robotic White
Base Price $8,499
Destination Charge $430
Freight & Material Surcharge $300
Warranty 12-month limited warranty
Kawasaki Protection Plus (optional extended warranty) 12,24,36,48 months

5. Aftermarket Parts & Modification Options for Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic is a joy to ride with its top speed of 105 mph and lots of torque. The fuel-efficient qualities of this bike make it a perfect tourer. Well under $10,000, this versatile bike is quite affordable and offers great comfort, maneuverability, and power.


With comfortably tall handlebars, wide floorboards, and a well-cushioned rider seat, you only need a few touring amenities from a reliable brand such as VikingBags to make this bike travel-friendly.


Start with choosing the right Kawasaki-specific saddlebags. They will upgrade your bike’s look, help you carry your luggage around the city, and will prove to be your most reliable backpacking partner for when you go on adventures.


The next on the list is a windshield or a fairing. Most touring motorcycles come with some kind of wind protection. This is because, even if you wear a helmet on the highways, the harsh wind and flying debris can still make riding difficult. Therefore, install motorcycle fairings for clearer vision, protection from rain and wind, and reduced air drag. Once you install the fairing or windshield, you will be able to appreciate the stylish, new look as well.


Adding rider and passenger backrests and sissy bars are great ways to enhance riding comfort and a contemporary custom look.


Once you are through with the installation of these aftermarket Kawasaki parts, you can go almost anywhere.

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