Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, 2012

 

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, 2012

Review
Ready for the Road in Classic Cruiser Style
The road-ready Vulcan® 900 Classic LT is the perfect ride for those looking for a big tourer without the big sticker price. This V-twin powered cruiser comes complete with all the touring accessories you’d expect: stylish saddlebags, an adjustable windshield, and a passenger backrest. Add in the styling details that make this a Vulcan cruiser, including a chromed brass studded seat that matches the passenger backrest, and it’s a smart choice to take on the road.

The LT comes equipped with the same excellent fuel-injected 903cc engine as the Vulcan 900 Classic. This powerplant delivers exceptional roll-on acceleration, and the nimble chassis adds to the LT’s flowing cruiser beauty. Its eye-catching touring features only add to this winning mixture of mid-displacement agility and large-displacement power and torque, sure to please any rider itching for a long road trip.
At the core of the Classic LT’s touring package are striking, top-grain, reinforced cowhide saddlebags. The leather is carefully selected to minimize flaws and deep-dyed to prevent scraping off the finish. The ideally sized bags feature a slant-top opening held shut by two 1.5-inch wide leather straps fitted with chrome buckles and stealth quick-release fasteners. The rolled and riveted top lids, along with metal reinforced upper edges on the bags, help maintain shape and keep unwanted moisture out of the bags. An embossed Vulcan logo on the reinforced dual-panel lids and chrome-plated brass studs finish off the look of these bags.

A comfortable seat for both rider and passenger are a must on a tourer, and the Classic LT has both, along with a backrest to keep the passenger relaxed as the miles tick by. Both the seat and the backrest are detailed with chrome-plated brass studs to match the bags. A thick, optically correct, acrylic plastic windscreen delivers smooth airflow around the rider and passenger, reducing wind fatigue and bug strikes over the course of long rides the 900 Classic LT encourages you to take.

Once past the 900 Classic LT’s handsome looks, owners will discover themselves enjoying a ride that was previously found only on larger cruisers. Applying lessons learned on Kawasaki’s Vulcan 2000, the Vulcan 900 models deliver exceptional roll-on acceleration, easy maneuverability, and performance that rivals larger displacement competitors.

Breakdowns can ruin any trip. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT utilizes a low-maintenance belt drive not only to help avoid undesired stops, but also to save weight and keep the rear end rolling in high style. Speaking of rear-end styling, the 900 Classic LT sports a large, 180mm-wide rear tire – the largest in its category. The beefy tire’s appearance augments the classic V-twin rumble courtesy of a single-pin crankshaft. It’s this look and sound that suggest a much larger motorcycle.

However, the Vulcan 900 LT’s big footprint shouldn’t alarm potential riders. Its low seat and narrow chassis rails blend comfortably into the fuel tank, which translates into plenty of accessibility for shorter riders and comfort for those of all sizes. Wide handlebars ideally situated with the seat and floorboards, coupled with roomy passenger accommodations, make the Vulcan 900 Classic LT a real joy – whether it’s just a run to the store or a multi-day haul across the country.

The Vulcan 900 Classic LT is available in the following two-tone color combinations: Metallic Moondust Grey / Ebony and Pearl Burnish Beige / Metallic Majestic Red. Whatever color you choose, the Vulcan 900 Classic LT gets noticed by everyone it passes.

Features and Benefits
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

USA Specifications

US MSRP Price: $9,499 USD

• Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valves per cylinder V-twin
• Displacement 903cc / 55.1 cu.in.
• Bore x Stroke 88 x 74.2 mm
• Compression Ratio 9.5:1
• Maximum Torque 58.2 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
• Cooling System Liquid
• Fuel System DFI with dual 34mm Keihin throttle bodies
• Ignition TCBI with Electronic Advance
• Transmission 5-Speed

Final Drive Belt

• Rake/Trail 32°/6.3 in.
• Front Suspension / Wheel Travel 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
• Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Uni-Trak swingarm / 4.1 in.
• Front Tire Size 130/90-16
• Rear Tire Size 180/70-15
• Wheelbase 64.8 in.
• Front Brakes / Rear Brakes Single 300mm hydraulic disc with two-piston caliper / 270mm hydraulic disc
• Fuel Capacity 5.3 gal.
• Seat Height 26.8 in.
• Overall Length 97.0 in.
• Overall Width 39.6 in.
• Overall Height 58.3 in.
• Curb Weight 657.1 lbs.
• Color Choices Metallic Moondust Gray / Ebony Pearl Burnish Beige / Metallic Majestic Red
• Good Times Protection Plan 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
• Warranty 24 Months