The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic, model VN900B, is a mid-sized cruiser that Kawasaki introduced in 2006. It follows the formula of a smaller but capable engine in a frame one size larger, a combination also used by Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha in their cruiser lines.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 at a glance
| Maker | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 2006 |
| Model code | VN900B |
| Class | mid-sized cruiser |
| Engine | 903 cc liquid-cooled V-twin, SOHC, 8 valves |
| Bore × stroke | 88 × 74.2 mm |
| Power | 37 kW (50 hp) at 5,700 rpm |
| Torque | 78 N·m at 3,700 rpm |
| Transmission | five-speed, belt final drive |
| Fuel system | electronic fuel injection, two 34 mm throttle bodies |
| Fuel tank | 20 litres (5.3 US gallons), the largest in its class |
| Seat height | 680 mm (26.8 in) |
| Length | 2.46 m |
| Wheelbase | 1.65 m |
| Brakes | 300 mm front disc, 270 mm rear disc |
| Touring version | VN900D with screen, saddlebags and backrest |
| Custom version | VN900C with a 21-inch front wheel and forward controls |
The English article covers the model and its versions; the German article supplies the technical data.
History of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900
The Vulcan 900 Classic was introduced in 2006 as a boulevard-style cruiser resembling the Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe or Fat Boy. It is powered by a liquid-cooled 903 cc V-twin with a five-speed transmission and belt final drive, measures 2.46 m long with a 1.65 m wheelbase, and has a seat height of 680 mm. Standard equipment includes a 20 litre tank — the largest in its class — floorboards, front and rear disc brakes and electronic fuel injection. Until September 2008 its engine was the largest in the mid-sized cruiser class, until Yamaha’s air-cooled 942 cc V-Star 950 arrived.
How it was received
On its unveiling the press generally regarded the VN900B favourably, praising its physical presence, its looks and equipment normally reserved for larger machines. Ride quality was rated positively, as was its ability to suit shorter riders thanks to the low seat. The criticisms were limited cornering clearance because of the floorboards, a relatively weak rear disc brake and, in some articles, an uncomfortable standard seat. In an online comparison the Suzuki C50 was named as its closest equal, stronger in some areas and weaker in others.
Versions
The VN900D is the touring edition, with a factory windshield, saddlebags, a backrest and a studded seat in place of the standard one. The VN900C Custom is the more aggressively styled sister, with cast alloy wheels (solid at the rear, spoked at the front), a much larger 21-inch 80/90 front wheel, redesigned fenders, forward controls with pegs instead of floorboards, a smaller headlight, drag-style bars and a slimmer one-piece seat that can still carry a passenger, though less comfortably than the VN900B.
Technical detail
The German Wikipedia gives the 2006 specification as a liquid-cooled four-stroke V-twin of 903 cc with SOHC and eight valves, 50 hp at 5,700 rpm and 78 N·m at 3,700 rpm, fed by two 34 mm throttle bodies with dual throttle valves and driving through a five-speed gearbox. The chassis is a double-cradle frame of high-strength steel with a 32-degree rake and 164 mm of trail, a 41 mm telescopic fork with 150 mm of travel and a Uni-Trak rear suspension with 100 mm. Tyres are 130/90-16 at the front and 180/70-15 at the rear, and the bike meets Euro 4.
Design and features
- 903 cc V-twin: a middleweight engine in a frame one size larger, with belt final drive.
- Large tank: 20 litres, the biggest in the class when the bike was launched.
- Low seat: 680 mm, which made the Vulcan 900 accessible to shorter riders.
- Full-size equipment: floorboards, electronic fuel injection and disc brakes at both ends.
- Three flavours: the standard Classic, the touring VN900D and the Custom VN900C.
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 versions
- VN900B Classic (2006 onwards): the standard boulevard cruiser.
- VN900D: touring edition with screen, saddlebags, backrest and studded seat.
- VN900C Custom: 21-inch front wheel, forward controls, drag bars and a slimmer seat.
The Vulcan 900 replaced the Vulcan 800 in Kawasaki’s cruiser range. More models are in the Kawasaki collection.
Video: Kawasaki Vn 900 Sound
Video by Eyup OMC on YouTube.
Sources
- Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic, English Wikipedia: equipment, reviews, versions
- Kawasaki VN, German Wikipedia: engine and chassis data for the 2006 VN 900
