Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom: Specs, Features, Background & More

The demand for efficient and enjoyable cruisers is ever-increasing. More and more Americans want to join the two-wheeler bandwagon and experience the thrill of riding a motorcycle. But the real question is how to find the best cruiser that puts a smile on your face? Multiple motorcycle brands perform extensive market research to produce reliable cruisers every year. One such motorcycle brand is Kawasaki. The Japanese motorcycle company is known for its affordable cruisers that perform brilliantly on the roads. Just like all other motorcycle companies, Kawasaki sometimes makes mistakes. However, their Vulcan 900 Custom lineup is not one of them.

For your convenience, VikingBags has covered the technical specifications, performance figures, and design changes of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom. Read this article dedicated to Vulcan 900 Custom and have all of your questions answered.

Kawasaki  introduced its Vulcan 900 VN lineup in 2006. At the time, the bikes had two distinct variants. The standard version was called the Vulcan 900 Classic. On the other hand, the tourer version, which was loaded with essential travel-friendly accessories, including  saddlebags  and windshield, was called the Vulcan 900 Classic LT.

In 2007, Kawasaki added the Vulcan 900 Custom cruiser to the Vulcan 900 family. These bikes were similar to the Vulcan 900 Classic motorcycles but featured a distinct custom styling.

Over the years, the Vulcan 900 Custom evolved aesthetically, but kept the same engine configuration and technology that was first introduced in the 2006 Vulcan 900 Classic cruiser.

In 2011, the Vulcan 90 Custom bikes received a new Kawasaki livery, a perfect combination of retro and modern styles.

In 2014, the blacked-out look of the bike became more profound as the frame, engine parts, and dual slash-cut mufflers received a coat of lustrous black paint.

A quick overview of all the color and price changes that took place over the years is presented in the chart below.

Kawasaki has launched its latest Vulcan 900 Custom model in a sophisticated two-tone paint. Here are the details:

Note : The price may vary depending on the dealership location.

At first glance, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom features a distinctly retro design inspired by the 70s’ chopper-style motorcycles. Wide drag-style handlebars and forward-mounted footpegs provide a laid-back stance. The blacked-out treatment on the frame, mufflers, and engine parts augment the old-school cruiser look. The cast aluminum spoke wheels are also painted black to intensify the retro character of the motorcycle.

The teardrop-shaped fuel tank features smooth cruiser lines and is decorated with sublime paint, a distinct logo, and tank-mounted instruments. It creates a striking contrast with the mysterious all-black look of the bike.

The tank-mounted accessories include a speedometer, turn signal indicators, and caution lights. A quick glance is all you need to read the speedometer and adjust the speed of your cruiser.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom owes its success to the 903 cc engine. The SOHC engine is a liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin that never fails to land this bike on the customers’ list of favorite motorcycles.

The Vulcan 900 Custom motor produces low-end to mid-range torque, greater acceleration, and a top speed of 105 mph.

The single-pin crankshaft is used to control vibrations and reduce deafening noise.

The V-twin design confirms the use of two cylinders. Each cylinder has four valves for optimum airflow.

The fuel injection system enhances combustion efficiency and the fuel economy of the bike. It also has a precise throttle response.

The finned cylinders maintain engine temperature to protect it from damage due to overheating.

The dual slash-cut mufflers have a black color scheme to match the theme of the bike. The mufflers reduce harmful emissions and add to the retro appeal. The engine is narrow and complements the long low stance of the bike.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a light, easy-to-steer double-cradle steel frame. The 41 mm rigid front fork offers 5.9 inches of wheel travel. The rear suspension is a mono-shock system with seven-position spring preload adjustability. The rear shock is hidden from view to give this bike the popular “hardtail look.” The 33-degree rake angle and 7.2-inch long trail greatly contribute to the stability of the bike.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a five-speed transmission with close gear ratios and a clean belt drive that allows the engine to maintain its ideal rpm range.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom stands on cast aluminum spoke wheels. The 21-inch front tire is a distinct feature of the Vulcan 900 Custom. The 180 mm rear tire is thick, durable, and can easily support the weight of two riders.

At the front brake is a single 30 mm disc with a twin-piston caliper. While the rear brake is a 270 mm single disc with a twin-piston caliper. The brakes are reliable, are responsive, and can bring the bike to an immediate stop. The brakes allow the rider to control the speed of the bike and accelerate without fear.

The motorcycle seat is 27 inches above the ground. This ensures the low profile of the bike needed for straight-line stability which makes it ideal for cruising. The seat height allows flat-footing, better control, and comfort. The saddle position provides ideal ergonomics for touring. The seat, handlebar, and footpegs triangle ensures an exceptionally comfortable riding experience.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a middleweight motorcycle with a 903 cc engine. The Vulcan 900 is 95.7 inches long, 35.2 inches wide, and 44.1 inches high. The bike has a 27.0-inch high seat and a low center of gravity for better control and stability.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is reasonably fast with a top speed of 105 mph.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom cruisers are reliable and low-maintenance. If driven with proper care, the Vulcan 900 Custom is capable of an annual mileage of 5000 miles and can last for more than 15 years.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom weighs 610.8 lbs on a full tank.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a comfortable cruiser with a soft seat, ergonomic handlebars, and footpegs. Its 903 ccs large displacement engine produces low-end to mid-range torque for the best cruising experience. Moreover, the bike is add-on friendly and offers expansive luggage storage so you can easily carry all of your belongings. The bike has reliable brakes and powerful suspensions, 47.9-gallon mpg, and long tire life. All of these qualities make the Vulcan 900 Custom a great touring bike.

The liquid-cooled V-twin engine of Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom produces maximum torque of 78 Nm at 3700 rpm and a maximum horsepower of 48 hp at 570 rpm.

As already established, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a great custom cruiser that can be converted into an equally awesome tourer with only a few modifications. The bike offers an ideal riding position, thrilling looks, and a muscular engine to support exciting long hauls.

However, many riders tend to customize this bike with new Kawasaki aftermarket parts,

not only for touring purposes but to give this bike a modern touch. This is because it has bold retro styling due to its thick rear and slim front tire, raked-out forks, cast alloy blacked-out rims, and heavily valanced fenders. While some find these features appealing, others can find them boring after some time.

Whether you are looking to customize your bike with a fresh look or you want to prepare it for a tour, there are multiple options available for you to make your bike more personalized and stylish.

You only need to attach fairings, sissy bars, custom seats, rider and passenger backrests, and crash bars to enhance the look.

However, to enhance the touring comfort, add luggage racks and saddlebags for convenient luggage packing and storage. There is a wide selection of premium-quality saddlebags on the market designed specifically for Kawasaki motorcycles. Hence, nothing can stop you from owning a cruiser that reflects your personality and style.