Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
Encyclopedia
The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic motorcycle
(Model VN900B) is a mid-sized motorcycle cruiser made by Kawasaki
, first introduced in 2006 and is still in production today. The cycle follows the formula of a smaller yet capable engine fitted into a one-size up frame, a popular combination also in use by Honda
, Suzuki
, and Yamaha
in their respective cruiser lines.
Softail Deluxe or the Fat Boy. It is powered by a liquid cooled 903 cc in V-Twin engine, rated at 60.8 ft.lbf of torque @ 3,700 rpm, with a five speed transmission. Overall, it measures 97 inches (2.5 m) in length, has a wheelbase of 64.8 inches (1.6 m), and possesses a seat height off the ground of 26.8 inches (680.7 mm). Dry weight is 557 lb (252.7 kg).
Other installed standard equipment are a 5.3 US gal (20.1 l; 4.4 imp gal) tank (also the largest in its class), floorboards, front and rear disk brakes, electronic fuel injection, and a belt for the final drive.
Other than the VStar 950, the next closest physical competition to the VN900B is the 805cc Suzuki’s C50 Boulevard. Honda rounds out the game with their own offering in the form of the Shadow Aero (745cc displacement). Both use shaft drive and rear drum brakes, which - while can be considered more user friendly - are negatives in the minds of some due to their bulky appearance. Also, the Aero does not employ EFI, instead employing traditional carburetors.
Displacement: 903 cc
Bore and Stroke: 88 x 74.2 mm
Maximum Torque: 60.8 ft·lbf @ 3,700 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Fuel Injection: EFI with 34 mm Keihin Throttle Bodies (X2)
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: 5-Speed
Final Drive: Belt
Rake/Trail: 32°/6.5 in.
Front Wheel Travel: 5.9 in.
Rear Wheel Travel: 3.9 in.
Front Tire Size: 130/90-16
Rear Tire Size: 180/70-15
Wheelbase: 65 in.
Front Suspension: 41mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension: Single Shock
Front Brake Type: Single 300 mm Disc with 2-Piston Caliper
Rear Brake Type: Single 270 mm Disc
Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.3 gal.
Seat Height: 26.8 in
Dry Weight: 557 lb
Colors (2008): Metallic Diablo Black, Metallic Imperial Red, Luminous Polaris Blue
Also available is the VN900C, which is regarded as the more aggressively styled sister of the VN900B. Major changes are cast alloy wheels (solid on the rear, and spoked for the front), a much larger diameter 21 in 80/90 front wheel, redesigned fenders, forward controls with pegs (as opposed to floorboards), a smaller headlight, and drag-style bars. Also different is the slimmer one-piece seat, which is still capable of carrying a passenger, but not quite as comfortably as the VN900B.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
(Model VN900B) is a mid-sized motorcycle cruiser made by Kawasaki
Kawasaki Heavy Industries
is an international corporation based in Japan. It has headquarters in both Chūō-ku, Kobe and Minato, Tokyo.The company is named after its founder Shōzō Kawasaki and has no connection with the city of Kawasaki, Kanagawa....
, first introduced in 2006 and is still in production today. The cycle follows the formula of a smaller yet capable engine fitted into a one-size up frame, a popular combination also in use by Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
, Suzuki
Suzuki
is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan that specializes in manufacturing compact automobiles and 4x4 vehicles, a full range of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles , outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a variety of other small internal combustion engines...
, and Yamaha
Yamaha
Yamaha may refer to:* Yamaha Corporation, a Japanese company with a wide range of products and services** Yamaha Motor Company, a Japanese motorized vehicle-producing company...
in their respective cruiser lines.
Overview
The VN900B is a boulevard-style cruiser, similar in appearance to the Harley-DavidsonHarley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
Softail Deluxe or the Fat Boy. It is powered by a liquid cooled 903 cc in V-Twin engine, rated at 60.8 ft.lbf of torque @ 3,700 rpm, with a five speed transmission. Overall, it measures 97 inches (2.5 m) in length, has a wheelbase of 64.8 inches (1.6 m), and possesses a seat height off the ground of 26.8 inches (680.7 mm). Dry weight is 557 lb (252.7 kg).
Other installed standard equipment are a 5.3 US gal (20.1 l; 4.4 imp gal) tank (also the largest in its class), floorboards, front and rear disk brakes, electronic fuel injection, and a belt for the final drive.
Competition
Up until September 2008, the engine displacement of the Vulcan 900 lineup was the largest in the midsized cruiser game. This changed with Yamaha's introduction of the V-Star 950 (both standard and touring models), which uses an air-cooled 942 cc powerplant. While the media has yet to officially draw conclusions, many VN900 owners have already formed the opinion that this particular Yamaha is now the chief competitor to the Vulcan 900 line.Other than the VStar 950, the next closest physical competition to the VN900B is the 805cc Suzuki’s C50 Boulevard. Honda rounds out the game with their own offering in the form of the Shadow Aero (745cc displacement). Both use shaft drive and rear drum brakes, which - while can be considered more user friendly - are negatives in the minds of some due to their bulky appearance. Also, the Aero does not employ EFI, instead employing traditional carburetors.
Press and owner reviews
Upon its unveiling, the press generally regarded the VN900B favorably. Numerous references were made to its physical presence, aesthetics, and it possessing equipment normally reserved for larger bore machines. Ride quality was also rated positively, as was its ability to accommodate shorter riders due to the low seat height. Countering these were mentions of limited cornering clearance (due to the floorboards), a relatively weak rear disc brake, and in some articles, an uncomfortable stock seat. In an overall online comparison review, the Suzuki C50 was identified as the potential equal to the VN900B, with the Vulcan being stronger in some areas, and weaker in others.Specifications
Engine Type: 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, SOHC, 4-Valve Cylinder Head, V-TwinDisplacement: 903 cc
Bore and Stroke: 88 x 74.2 mm
Maximum Torque: 60.8 ft·lbf @ 3,700 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Fuel Injection: EFI with 34 mm Keihin Throttle Bodies (X2)
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: 5-Speed
Final Drive: Belt
Rake/Trail: 32°/6.5 in.
Front Wheel Travel: 5.9 in.
Rear Wheel Travel: 3.9 in.
Front Tire Size: 130/90-16
Rear Tire Size: 180/70-15
Wheelbase: 65 in.
Front Suspension: 41mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension: Single Shock
Front Brake Type: Single 300 mm Disc with 2-Piston Caliper
Rear Brake Type: Single 270 mm Disc
Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.3 gal.
Seat Height: 26.8 in
Dry Weight: 557 lb
Colors (2008): Metallic Diablo Black, Metallic Imperial Red, Luminous Polaris Blue
Variations
The VN900D is the touring edition of the basic VN900B. The major additions made to accommodate this new role include factory installed windshield, saddlebags, and a backrest. Additionally, a studded seat replaces the standard unit.Also available is the VN900C, which is regarded as the more aggressively styled sister of the VN900B. Major changes are cast alloy wheels (solid on the rear, and spoked for the front), a much larger diameter 21 in 80/90 front wheel, redesigned fenders, forward controls with pegs (as opposed to floorboards), a smaller headlight, and drag-style bars. Also different is the slimmer one-piece seat, which is still capable of carrying a passenger, but not quite as comfortably as the VN900B.