Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT

This Stylish Traveler Won’t Break The Bank

What is touring, really, but rolling down a really long boulevard? Kawasaki already has a winner in its class-leading Vulcan® 900 Classic cruiser. With its great looks and modern hardware, the 900 Classic starts out as an excellent midsize cruising platform, with power and style to spare. To prepare it for life on the highway, we did what American motorcyclists have been doing ever since the invention of pavement: The addition of top-grain leather saddlebags, a long-distance touring seat, a passenger backrest and an adjustable windshield provide everything you need to hit the road for days on end.

This mid-size Kawasaki offers the same excellent riding characteristics as the Vulcan 900 Classic — from the fuel-injected 903cc engine, which delivers exceptional roll-on acceleration, to the nimble chassis sporting classy, flowing cruiser beauty. Its eye-catching touring features only add to this winning mixture of agility and large-displacement power and torque — pleasing anyone who thinks touring represents the ultimate get-away.

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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; the Classic LT has both, along with a backrest to keep the passenger relaxed and smiling 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 the 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 the Kawasaki’s Vulcan 2000, the Vulcan 900 models deliver exceptional roll-on acceleration, easy maneuverability, and performance equal to larger displacement competitors.

Breakdowns are a negative on any trip. The Vulcan 900 Classic LT utilizes a low-maintenance belt drive not only to help avoid undesired stops, but also to keep the pounds off and to 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 accentuates 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 to 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: Candy Diamond Red/Ebony, Candy Imperial Blue/Metallic Moondust Gray, Metallic Dark Green/Metallic Titanium. Whatever color you choose, the Vulcan 900 Classic LT gets noticed by everyone it passes along the highway.

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.

Features and Benefits:

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 increase intake flow speed for more efficient filling, increased torque and better low-end response

Liquid and Air Cooling
- Finned cylinders and head and liquid cooling combination make for exceptional thermal control
- Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power
- Automatic fan helps keep things cool
- Includes temperature warning light

Automatic Cam Chain Tensioner
- Maintains precise valve timing with almost no maintenance
- Assures greater reliability
- Hidden from view to preserve the engine's clean, basic look

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

Belt Drive
- Lower unsprung weight than a shaft drive to improve ride quality and suspension action
- Efficiently transfers power to the rear wheel
- Low maintenance and low noise

Double Cradle Frame
- Very rigid, large-diameter box section backbone allows 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 272mm front and 242mm 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 the crucial information at a glance
- Compact design matches the bike's clean look

Push-to-Cancel Turn Signals
- No fumbling, just a simple push on the switch cancels the turn signals

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 flaw s and deep dyed for a long-lived finish
- Slant top opening lid, with two 1.5-inch wide leather straps, chrome buckles and 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