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You are here: Home --- 2012 Models --- Kawasaki --- 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT Review
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2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT 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.
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT 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
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT - USA Specifications/Technical Details
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
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT - Canadian Specifications/Technical
Details
Canada MSRP Price: See Canadian Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.
ENGINE
Type 4-stroke, V-Twin
Displacement 903cc
Bore and Stroke 88.0 x 74.2 mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Valve System SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System Digital fuel injection with dual 34 mm throttle bodies
Ignition TCBI with digital advance
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump)
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 5-speed, constant mesh, return shift
Final Drive Kevlar belt
Primary Reduction Ratio 2.184 (83/38)
Gear Ratio: 1st 2.786 (39/14)
Gear Ratio: 2nd 1.889 (34/18)
Gear Ratio: 3rd 1.360 (34/25)
Gear Ratio: 4th 1.107 (31/28)
Gear Ratio: 5th 0.963 (26/27)
Final Reduction Ratio 2.063 (66/32)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
FRAME
Type Double-cradle, high-tensile steel
Wheel Travel: Front 150 mm (5.9 in.)
Tire: Front 130/90-16
Wheel Travel: Rear 103 mm (4.1 in.)
Tire: Rear 180/70-15
Caster (Rake) 32°
Trail 160 mm (6.3 in.)
Steering Angle (Left/Right) 38° / 38°
SUSPENSION
Suspension, Front 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension, Rear Uni-Trak with 7-way adjustable preload
BRAKES
Front: Type Single 300 mm disc
Front: Caliper 2-piston calipers
Rear: Type Single 270 mm hydraulic disc
Rear: Caliper 2-piston calipers
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 2,465 mm (97.1 in.)
Overall Width 1,005 mm (39.6 in.)
Overall Height 1,480 mm (58.3 in.)
Wheelbase 1,645 mm (64.8 in.)
Ground Clearance 135 mm (5.3 in.)
Seat Height 680 mm (26.8 in.)
Curb Mass** 298 kg (657 lbs.)
Fuel Capacity 20 litres (4.4 gal.)
Fuel Consumption 5.2 L/100 km (54 MPG)
** Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full
tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied)
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power ‡ 37 kW {50.0 PS} @ 5,700 rpm
Maximum Torque‡ 78 N·m {8.0 kgƒ·m} @ 3,700 rpm
‡ Power / Torque figures measured at the crankshaft.
DETAILS
MSRP* TBA
Colours Metallic Moondust Gray / Ebony, Pearl Burnish Beige / Metallic Majestic
Red
Warranty 24 months warranty
ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS
Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins
after the standard limited warranty expires)
The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production
models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair
description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications
may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries,
Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment
illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available
colours may vary by market.
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT - UK/European Specifications/Technical
Details
UK/EU MSRP Price: See UK/EU Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.
NA
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT - Australian Specifications/Technical
Details
Australia MSRP Price: See Australian Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.
NA
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