Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan - This is a cruiser with a standard layout. It arose during the evolution of the Vulcan series. Its close predecessors were such well-known models as the 750th and 800th VNs. The model has many technical changes compared to older motorcycles.
In terms of its dimensions, this bike has long been considered the largest of its class. Until 2008, it had practically no serious competitors in this regard. The appearance is captivating - powerful cast pipes and a noble frame will give inspiration to connoisseurs of the series, and not only them!
Specifications
In terms of its parameters, the motorcycle is ahead of both of its predecessors in the series. And no wonder, because Kawasaki learns from its mistakes. This device is more balanced and precise, and this even applies to the design: the craftsmen have combined grace and strength in a catchy, but not intrusive frame.
Engine
At 3700 rpm, the engine produces 78 Newton meters of torque. Until 2013, there were all 82 newton meters, but after that environmental restrictions came into force. However, torque remained impressive. In the same year, peak power was reduced by two horsepower, and now amounts to 48 horsepower at 5700 rpm.
The engine type is typical of modern classic bikes: it is a four-stroke two-cylinder V-type engine. Its displacement is 903 cubic centimeters, which is quite enough for a cruiser.
Dimensions and weight
The length of the bike reaches 2465 millimeters, which makes it one of the largest motorcycles in its class. The height of the car is 1064 millimeters, while the seat height is 685 millimeters. The width of the bike is very large - 1006 millimeters! Its wheelbase is 1646 millimeters.
The curb weight of the VN 900 is significant - 281 kilograms! However, the capacity of the gas tank corresponds to such impressive dimensions: twenty liters allow you to travel more than 400 kilometers without refueling, because the motorcycle consumes only 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers. I would also like to note that, with its considerable weight and size, the motorcycle is capable of accelerating to 100 kilometers per hour in just 5.9 seconds, and its top speed is 169 kilometers per hour. For such a giant, these are very serious indicators.
Colors
Blue (Candy Plasma Blue)
Black (Ebony)
Red (Candy Fire Red)
Specifications are based on the production model under standard operating conditions. They are intended to provide a general idea of the motorcycle and its capabilities only, however specifications of individual motorcycles sold may differ from those shown above. Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice. The equipment and specifications of the motorcycle presented in this manual may vary depending on the requirements of different regions of sale. Possible color options for the motorcycle may vary depending on the sales region.
Chassis and brakes
The bike has excellent handlebars. Its large size does not complicate control at all; on the contrary, it only helps to control the VN 900. A large motorcycle needs a large handlebar. In addition, it looks stylish against the background of other elements, complementing the strong and strong-willed image of the model.
The motorcycle frame is a tubular steel body. The good taste of the designers is expressed in every element of it: the motorcycle does not “scream” about its exclusivity and does not hide its advantages, but calmly and confidently demonstrates them to others.
The pendulum rear suspension is equipped with a monoshock absorber, and its travel is 104 millimeters. At the front, the suspension is provided by a 41 mm telescopic fork with a travel of 150 mm. The suspensions do their job well, and it would be hard to find something better for such a bike.
The rear brakes are represented by a single disc with a diameter of 270 millimeters. The disc is equipped with a two-piston caliper. The front brakes are a 300mm disc with a two-piston caliper. These brakes are suitable for a motorcycle of this size, making it much more controllable.
The model's wheels are spoked, but can also be cast. Both options look elegant and are in complete harmony with other design features. The result is a beautiful image of a tough and stylish steel wanderer who is ready to go anywhere with his rider.
Cruiser Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom 2021
During my first trip, I had a photographer with me who couldn’t believe that this beauty could really be bought new and for that kind of money. So the next day the dealership manager had the easiest sale of his life. In general, get ready for increased attention.
The good news, however, is that this bike is not only good for its gorgeous Metallic Matte Graphite Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black paint (yes, Kawasaki for some reason does not mention the orange stripe on the tank and wheels in the name of the color scheme). Beneath it all is a motorcycle that has remained relevant and enjoyable to ride for 13 years.
Over these 13 years, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has not really received attention from designers and designers, and has remained just as unpretentious. Yes, it's fuel-injected and water-powered, but forget about things like ABS (even optional), don't ask about ride modes, traction control, adjustable suspension or LED lighting.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom 2020
In a way, it makes everything easier. There is only you and the motorcycle taking you around the city. Yes, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a city bike. Its front wheel is a skinny 21 and the rear is a 15-inch with a modest 180 tire. When was the last time you saw a 6-inch difference between wheels? This discrepancy is the result of the dominance of form over content.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom - not just for riding
Actually, the Vulcan 900 Custom is exactly what you see in it. Around town it feels light - despite its 277kg curb weight - as the narrow front wheel makes steering quite sharp. The seat height of 68.5 cm contributes to a comfortable fit and, in part, to precise steering.
The seating position serves not only a practical purpose, but also an aesthetic one: behind the wheel of such a vehicle you are not only there to drive, but also to admire it and feel yourself in a certain way. The forward-mounted footpegs are at a comfortable distance, and the handlebars are on high spacers that extend the handles back, providing a natural fit. The wide seat is good for riding for hours on end, making the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom a great cruiser for around-the-city trips. And I didn’t manage to empty the stylish but voluminous tank in one sitting - I still wanted to warm up first. The Custom tank holds 20 liters, which is the same as the Vulcan 900 Classic LT.
Chassis and handling
The relatively long-travel suspension absorbs most of the unevenness of city roads. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom fork has almost 15cm of travel and smoothes out typical city bumps when paired with a larger wheel. The rear suspension has more than 10 cm of travel (it just looks like it's dry) and is equipped with a linkage, operating smoothly but not sluggishly. Many riders don't care much about cruiser suspension, but Kawasaki has addressed this issue on the 2021 Vulcan 900 Custom.
The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom handles surprisingly well, given its 33-degree fork angle. The 21st wheel is shod with a tire only 80 mm wide and behaves very nimblely, while the Dunlop D404F maintains its trajectory without any unnecessary difficulties. The 180 rear wheel offers no resistance when steering, and shuffling your footpegs (or boots) into corners is no problem. At the same time, if you don’t push it too hard, the Vulcan 900 Custom 2021 has a good amount of lean angle, which it holds quite well on normal asphalt roads.
Braking is decent. The narrow front wheel gives even more feedback than you'd expect given the 300mm disc on it. But I used the rear one more, resorting to the front one only when necessary. It seems to me that it would be nice to move the brake pedal a little to the side, but even so it feels good.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom 2020
Engine
The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom's thrust is linear, and more luscious in the low end than you'd expect from a short-stroke four-valve engine. Reaching 78 Nm at 3500, it provides an accessible acceleration reserve at any time, even on city highways. It also shows excellent stability on highways, and the narrow Dunlop doesn't fidget on the asphalt, which is impressive. At the same time, the landing does not turn the rider into a sail, which is also not bad.
The basic tidy is nothing special: it is placed on the tank, not particularly noticeable. There is no tachometer, but you only reach the cutoff if you are too lazy to switch. The 903cc V-twin pulls superbly in any of the five available gears and has a decent rev range. The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is equipped with a convenient Positive Neutral Finder system - during a stop, neutral is located in exactly the same movement as the second one is engaged while moving. And it works reliably, so once you get used to it, it’s hard to get out of the habit.
