Classic Motorcycle Pictures, USA Motorcycles, Old New Motors: Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, 2011

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, 2011

Key Features

903cc liquid-cooled V-twin offers the optimal balance of performance and maneuverability
Optically correct windscreen is height adjustable to accommodate a wide range of riders
Top quality leather saddlebags are deep-dyed for long-lasting color and have easy-to-use
quick-release fasteners
Passenger backrest comes standard
Gorgeous two-tone paint is standard
Stylish instrumentation includes handy fuel gauge
5.3-gallon fuel tank is largest in class
Longest factory warranty in its class – 24 months
Chrome brass studded seat matches saddlebags and passenger backrest

903cc V-twin SOHC Engine

Smooth and reliable engine tuned to deliver a healthy dose of torque at low rpm
Gear-driven balancer allows use of single-pin crankshaft without excessive vibration
Rubber mounted to reduce engine vibration at all speeds

Four-valve Cylinder Head

- Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow, creating more power and low-end torque
- Single overhead cam design is simple, lightweight and practical
- Long intake tracts narrow near the combustion chamber to increase intake flow speed for more efficient filling, increased torque and better low-end response

Liquid and Air Cooling

Finned cylinders and head combined with liquid cooling result in exceptional thermal control
Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power
Automatic fan helps keep things cool
Includes temperature warning light

Dual Slash-cut Mufflers

Big slash-cut mufflers look great and contain emission-reducing honeycomb catalyzers

Positive Neutral Finder

Just lift the shift pedal from first gear at a stop to easily find neutral, every time

Electronic Fuel Injection

Superb performance and rideability thanks to dual throttle bodies with sub-throttles
The ECU controlled sub-throttles are located behind the main throttle valve, allowing the DFI system to provide more precise throttle response, similar to a constant velocity carburetor
Fine-atomizing fuel injectors produce a fine fuel mist for optimal acceleration, combustion and fuel consumption

Kevlar-Reinforced Belt Drive

Lower unsprung weight than a shaft drive to improve ride quality and suspension action
Efficiently transfers power to the rear wheel
Cleaner and lower maintenance than chain drive

Double Cradle Frame

Very rigid, large-diameter box section backbone allows for a larger fuel tank, high stability and lightweight handling at low speeds
Fork offset and frame geometry combine for light, low-effort handling at low speeds
Long wheelbase contributes to highway stability
Triangular swingarm has a hardtail appearance, but utilizes a single shock hidden beneath the seat
Long and low chassis for minimal seat height, maximum visual impact

41mm Front Fork

Excellent rigidity and 5.9-inches of travel
32-degree rake angle offers excellent straight line manners
Classic look with wide fork pitch

Disc Brakes

Both the 300mm front and 270mm rear rotors feature twin-piston calipers for great power and feel

Spoke Custom Wheels

Chromed steel rims and spokes
“Spool-style” polished aluminum front hub

Wide Rear Tire

180mm rear tire provides added stability while projecting a powerful image
Wider tire than that found on most large-displacement cruisers

Tank-mounted Speedometer with Turn Signal Indicators and Caution Lamps

Provides riders crucial information at a glance
Compact design matches the bike’s clean look

Windscreen

Robust, optically correct, acrylic plastic windscreen is shaped for smooth airflow
Strong chrome-plated steel supports enhance cruiser style
Adjustable height

Saddlebags

Carefully selected top grain cowhide with minimal flaws and deep dyed for a long-lived finish
Slant top opening lid, with two 1.5-inch wide leather straps, chrome buckles and hidden quick release fasteners
Dual panel lid construction with embossed Vulcan logo detail
Half-inch diameter chrome plated brass stud accents
Metal reinforced upper edge so bags hold their shape
Rolled and riveted lid minimizes water entry

Low Stepped Seat

Ultra-low 26.8-inch seat height allows riders to easily plant both feet on the ground at stops
Laid-back riding comfort for two
Detailed with half-inch diameter chrome plated brass studs

Passenger Backrest

Classic tombstone shape
Strong chrome plated steel supports
Pad detailed with chrome plated brass studs

Engine
Engine gets an 8 millimeter longer stroke, boosting displacement to 903cc compared to the VN800’s 805cc.
Designed to offer superior acceleration in the mid-speed range (where most riding is actually done), the powerful, liquid-cooled V-twin engine has the torque to out-accelerate smaller displacement bikes yet with a single downshift can keep up with bikes one displacement class larger.

Oversquare 88 x 74.2mm bore and stroke ensures punchy response and a broad spread of satisfying power. Free-breathing SOHC 4-valve heads deliver impressive performance throughout the rev range.
The cylinder head features the same combustion chamber and intake/exhaust porting design concept as that of the mighty VN2000.
Deeply chromed engine covers have curved upper surfaces. Their 3D design adds volume and gives a quality appearance.
Deep fins on the cylinder and cylinder head were designed to highlight the VN900’s larger engine. Fin spacing and size where chosen to make the engine look big.

The edges of the fins receive a special NC treatment that makes them gleam in sunlight.
All the non-chromed parts of the engine were finished in a black powder coat.
The electronic fuel injection system, controlled by dual throttle valves, ensures silky smooth response and easy-to-control torque characteristics.

Automotive-type fine-atomising injectors improve performance, fuel economy and emissions.
An auto-fast idle system is equipped with an rpm feedback relay ensuring a fixed (ideal) engine speed in all starting conditions. (The feedback is used to control the sub-throttles to obtain the desired rpm.)

Curved intake tracts provide an extremely efficient path for intake flow. Ports narrow as they reach the combustion chamber, increasing intake flow speed for more efficient filling. The result of the highly intake efficiency is improved torque.

Long intake tracts extend well into the air cleaner box. The longer path improves low-end response.
Returnless-type pump inside the fuel tank prevents fuel starvation during hard braking or acceleration. No return fuel line increases reliability.

Redesigned crankshaft and gear-driven balancer are matched to the new longer stroke for smooth performance.
Like all Kawasaki V-twins, the VN900 engine uses a single crankpin for best strength and strong power feeling.
Lightweight, nut-less connecting rods like those on the VN2000 contribute to low vibration levels.
Five-speed transmission with smooth shift action is geared for a comfortably low rpm at highway cruising speeds.
The transmission is equipped with Kawasaki’s exclusive Positive Neutral Finder. Just lift the pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily , every time.

Like the VN2000, the 900 Classic has a quiet and efficient belt final drive.
In addition to reduced maintenance (compared to chain final drives), belt drives offer a smoother ride quality less weight and better efficiency than shaft drives.
Dual slash-cut mufflers give the VN900 a wild air. The mufflers are angled so that they look good when the bike is on its side stand.
Catalysers built into each of the mufflers reduce exhaust emissions.
FrameOverall the VN900 Classic is longer and lower than its predecessor, the VN800.
Seat height has been lowered, giving the new Classic more of a “low rider” bias than the VN800.
The longer wheelbase (lengthened by approximately 50mm) provides even more stability when cruising and contributes to the Classic image.
The fork offset and rake geometry were set such that the bike does not self-steer. The result is light, low-effort handling when manoeuvring at ultra-low speeds
Triangular-shaped swingarm appears to be a hardtail design, but acts on a single shock hidden beneath the seat.
Shock is preload-adjustable

Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Chrome rims are supported by 48 spokes and polished alloy hubs.
Single 300mm drilled front disc delivers impressive stopping power without hiding the front wheel’s good looks.
Rear 300mm disc ensures maximum braking control.
Second only to that of the VN2000, the massive 180 mm rear tire gives the rear of the bike a powerful image. (At 180 mm, this tire is wider than most large-displacement cruiser rear tires, including all of Kawasaki’s 1600cc models!)

Bodywork, Styling, Ergonomic Features
The VN900 shares many of the long-and-low styling cues from the stunning VN2000. Easy to ride and very rider-friendly, the VN900 offers the look, feel and craftsmanship found in bigger cruisers. Whether rolling down the street or parked in front of a café, this is one sharp-looking machine.

The fuel tank and fenders follow the same design theme: twin valleys running the length of the bike.
The wide fuel tank tapers at the rear, contributing to the VN900’s curvaceous theme. The fuel tank’s curves have constantly varying radii, giving the bike a dynamism that is both powerful and smooth. Its hand-sculpted contours are pleasing to both the eye and to the touch.

At the seat, the fender is as wide as that of the VN2000, but it like the fuel tank it tapers elegantly at the rear.
Sissy-bar backrest features “Tombstone”-style riveting.
The comfortable front seat and pillion pad are the same as those on the 900 Classic, with the addition of steel rivets.
Where the 900 Classic instrument dial features a cream-coloured backing, the 900 Classic LT speedometer’s backing is black.

Comfort and Convenience
Footboards add comfort and contribute to the big bike styling.
A heal-toe shifter adds to the Cruising experience.
Kawasaki’s exclusive Positive Neutral Finder allows the rider to lift the pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily , every time.
Large-capacity 18 litre fuel tank ensures an ample cruising range.
The tank-mounted instrument console is slim and lightweight, contributing to the bike’s elegant lines.
Large-faced easy-to-read speedometer features a multi-function LCD display, warning lamps – and even a fuel gauge
Large round multi-reflector headlamp complements the new classic bodywork and throws a broad beam for confident nighttime cruising.
Front turn signals feature an integrated lamp/stay design for easy mounting.
Push-to-Cancel Turn Signals: No fumbling, just a simple push on the switch cancels the turn signals
The combination of wide handlebars and an ideal relationship between seat, bars and footboards results in wonderfully comfortable riding position.
Ergonomically designed front bucket seat is very comfortable.
Cushy pillion pad makes it easy to share the Cruising experience with a friend.
The seat is easily removed by key, giving access to the helmet lock and tool kit.

Touring Features

Large windscreen offers excellent protection from the wind and weather.
Screen is height adjustable for rider preference.
Premium crafted leather saddlebags with steel riveting provide storage space when you want to get away for a while.
Hard inserts maintain bag shape while hidden speed latches are easy to operate.
Optional EquipmentThe Optional parts include engine guards, a rear carrier to complement the sissy-bar backrest, and a light bar.

USA Specifications
MSRP: $9,399 USD