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2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom SE

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom SE

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom SE

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom SE Review

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom SE

Cruising is all about doing things in style and comfort, enjoying life’s little luxuries and taking the time to smell the roses. So settle in, head out on the highway and cruise … Kawasaki-style.

Cruising Perfection with an Extra Dose of Style

“Well, looks aren’t everything…” It’s easy to imagine the Vulcan 900 Custom’s competition comforting themselves with words to that effect, but one ride is all it takes to discover this cruiser has far more than just great looks on its side. This is one machine that manages to be both easy to ride and also powerful enough to more than hold its own against much larger cruisers. Of course, its stunning good looks, expert engineering and long-term dependability certainly don’t hurt!

The Vulcan 900 Custom’s appeal is more than just paint-deep. It has a fuel-injected 903cc V-twin that produces good roll-on acceleration that rivals the get-up-and-go of much larger motorcycles – with a smooth delivery that’s easy to manage. It’s wrapped in a nimble chassis that lets the 900 Custom turn and handle far better than any heavyweight cruiser.

The Vulcan 900 Custom’s unique, edgy design shows it can stand out from the cruising crowd. Kawasaki engineers and designers concentrated on delivering a motorcycle with a customized appearance typically found only on expensive two-wheel offerings. A massive rear tire, light-looking front end accentuated by a thin 21-inch cast wheel, and sculpted bodywork top the stand-out features of the Vulcan 900 Custom.

Perhaps one of the most striking examples of this Vulcan cruiser’s distinctive look is its large-diameter 21-inch front cast wheel – itself somewhat rare in the custom-building world. The wheel features spokes arranged in pairs for a special visual appeal. Balancing the lightweight look of the front end is a low, wide rear wheel featuring a 180mm tire on a 15-inch cast wheel that gives the rider the feeling of sitting on a one-of-a-kind, made-to-order motorcycle.

Bridging the visual contrast between the front and rear wheels is a sleek and subtle fuel tank. Its flowing lines easily lead the eye along the careful and delicate curves that blend together the highly customized form of this gem of mid-sized cruisers. The frame provides understated support for the Kawasaki artistry that is the appealing and gutsy, fuel-injected V-Twin Vulcan 900 Custom. Its stylish aesthetics grace a platform that’s perfect for customization with Kawasaki accessories.

Ready for anything from local streets to highway speeds, the Vulcan 900 Custom’s good power, easy maneuverability, and startling good looks make this Kawasaki the one to own.

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom SE Key Features

• 903cc V-twin offers an optimal balance of performance, style and manageability
• Stylish cast wheels – solid-look rear and “twin-spoke” front
• Forward-mounted foot controls for laid-back riding position
• Fat 180-series rear tire is largest in class
• Stylish instrumentation includes convenient fuel gauge
• 5.3-gallon fuel tank is largest in class
• Efficient and stylish belt drive for long life
• Digital fuel injection for precise throttle response and improved fuel economy

 

 

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom SE 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 the use of a 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 heads combine with liquid cooling for exceptional thermal control
• Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power
• Automatic fan helps keep things cool

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

Double Cradle Frame
• Very rigid, large-diameter box section backbone allows space for a larger fuel tank, and lightweight handling at low speeds
• Fork offset and frame geometry combine for light, low-effort handling at ultra-low speeds
• Long wheelbase contributes to a comfortable highway ride
• 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

Belt Drive
• Lower unsprung weight than shaft drive to improve ride quality and suspension action
• Low maintenance and low noise

41mm Front Fork
• Offers excellent rigidity and 5.9 inches of travel
• 33 degrees of rake and 7.2 inches of trail for excellent straight line tracking

Front and Rear Disc Brakes
• The 300mm front and 270mm rear brake rotors are gripped by twin-piston calipers for some of the best stopping power in the class

Custom Cast 21-inch Front Wheel
• The wheel’s 18 “spokes” are arranged in pairs
• Tapered and flanged in two directions, every line and surface of each 3D spoke is exquisitely curved

Wide Rear Tire
• 180mm rear tire provides added traction while projecting a powerful image
• Wider tire than that found on most large-displacement cruisers
• Custom cast 15-inch rear wheel contrasts the “light,” tall front wheel

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

Sculpted Bodywork
• Fuel tank features a twin valley design, with a dynamic tension and presence all its own
• Designed to be pleasing to both the eye and to the touch, the tank is composed exclusively of curves with constantly varying radii; the twin valley design theme continues to the rear fender and its hand-sculpted contours
• Bottom of the rear fender features a relatively straight cut, to balance the lines of the motorcycle

Custom Features
• Chromed headlamp, headlamp mount, lower triple clamp and turn signals as well as footpegs, shift lever and rear brake lever
• Clean headlight design is compact and isolated without a central fork cover or headlamp bar
• Small, minimalist fender and lack of front fork covers also contribute to the slender appearance of the front end
• Sporty, straight-style handlebar adds to the bike’s custom styling. Instead of handlebar clamps, twin tubes elegantly curve back from the upper triple clamp. Both the handlebar and twin tubes are completely chromed
• Forward-mounted footpegs instead of floorboards add to the custom image and improve rider control
• One-piece “gunfighter” style seat is designed for comfortable rider and passenger accommodation and a custom-style look
• Standard toe-operated shift lever instead of a heel-toe shifter complements the forward footpegs for a more open rider position

 

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2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom SE – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9,199 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

Maximum Torque 58.2 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm

Compression Ratio 9.5:1

Cooling System Liquid

Fuel System DFI® with dual 34mm Keihin throttle bodies (2)

Ignition TCBI with digital advance

Transmission 5-Speed

Final Drive Belt

Frame Double cradle, high-tensile steel

Rake/Trail 33°/7.2 in.

Front Suspension / Wheel Travel 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.

Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel Uni-Trak® swingarm, 7-way adjustable spring preload / 4.1 in.

Front Tire Size 80/90×21

Rear Tire Size 180/70×15

Wheelbase 64.8 in.

Front Brakes / Rear Brakes 300mm hydraulic disc / 270mm hydraulic disc

Fuel Capacity 5.3 gal.

Seat Height 27.0 in.

Overall Length 94.7 in.

Overall Width 35.2 in.

Overall Height 44.1 in.

Curb Weight 610.8 lbs.

Color Choices Pearl Flat Stardust White / Flat Ebony; Metallic Flat Platinum Gray

Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24, 36 or 48 months

Warranty 12 Months

 

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2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom SE – Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $10,299 CDN

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 Injection 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 80/90-21
Wheel Travel: Rear 103 mm (4.1 in.)
Tire: Rear 180/70-15
Caster (Rake) 33°
Trail 182 mm (7.1 in.)
Steering Angle (Left/Right) 36° / 36°

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 2,405 mm (94.7 in.)
Overall Width 895 mm (35.2 in.)
Overall Height 1,120 mm (44.1 in.)
Wheelbase 1,645 mm (64.8 in.)
Ground Clearance 140 mm (5.5 in.)
Seat Height 685 mm (27.0 in.)
Curb Mass** 277 kg (611 lbs.)
Fuel Capacity 20 liters (4.4 gal.)
** 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} @ 3,500 rpm
‡ Power / Torque figures measured at the crankshaft.

DETAILS

Warranty 12 months warranty

ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS

Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins after the standard limited warranty expires)

MSRP*

Metallic Flat Platinum Gray / Flat Ebony VN900CDFA TBA
Pearl Flat Stardust White / Flat Ebony VN900CDFA TBA

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2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom SE – United Kingdom Specifications/Technical Details
UK MSRP Price: £7299 (Prices are recommended and inclusive of VAT @ 20% and delivery)

Engine
”
Engine type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke V-Twin
”
Displacement
903 cm³
”
Bore x stroke
88.0 x 74.2 mm
”
Compression ratio
9.5:1
”
Valve/Induction system
SOHC, 8 valves
”
Fuel system
Fuel injection: ø34 mm x 2 with dual throttles
”
Ignition
Digital
”
Starting
Electric
”
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Transmission
”
Transmission
5-speed, return
”
Final Drive
Belt
”
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame
”
Frame type
Double-cradle, steel
”
Rake/Trail
33º/182 mm
”
Wheel travel, front
150 mm
”
Wheel travel, rear
103 mm
”
Tyre, front
80/90-21M/C 48H
”
Tyre, rear
180/70-15M/C 76H
”
Steering angle, left / right
36º / 36º
Suspension
”
Suspension, front
41 mm telescopic fork
”
Suspension, rear
Uni-Trak
Brakes
”
Brakes, front
Single 300 mm disc
”
Brakes, rear
Single 270 mm disc
Dimensions
”
Dimensions (L x W x H)
2,405 x 895 x 1,120 mm
”
Wheelbase
1,645 mm
”
Ground Clearance
140 mm
”
Seat height
685 mm
” Fuel capacity
20 litres
”
Curb Mass
278 kg
Performance
”
Maximum power
37 kW {50 PS} / 5,700 rpm
”
Maximum torque
78 N·m {8.0 kgf·m} / 3,700 rpm

 

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2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom SE – Australia Specifications/Technical Details
Australia MSRP Price: See dealer AU

Engine
Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke V-Twin
Displacement 903 cm³
Bore and Stroke 88.0 x 74.2 mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Valve system SOHC, 8 valves
Fuel system Fuel injection: Ø 34 mm x 2 with dual throttles
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump
Drivetrain
Transmission 5-speed, return
Final drive Belt
Primary reduction ratio 2.184 (83/38)
Gear ratios: 1st 2.786 (39/14)
2nd 1.889 (34/18)
3rd 1.360 (34/25)
4th 1.107 (31/28)
5th 0.963 (26/27)
Final reduction ratio 2.063 (66/32)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame
Type Double-cradle, steel
Wheel travel: front 150 mm
rear 103 mm
Tyre: front 80/90-21M/C 48H
rear 180/70-15M/C 76H
Caster (rake) 33°
Trail 182 mm
Steering angle (left/right) 36° / 36°
Suspension
Front: Type 41 mm telescopic fork
Rear: Type Uni-Trak
Spring preload 7-way
Brakes
Front: Type Single 300 mm discs
Caliper Twin-piston
Rear: Type Single 270 mm disc
Caliper Twin-piston
Dimensions
Overall length 2,405 mm
Overall width 895 mm
Overall height 1,120 mm
Wheelbase 1,645 mm
Ground clearance 140 mm
Seat height 685 mm
Curb mass 277 kg Includes full fuel tank
Fuel capacity 20 litres
Performance
Maximum power 37 kW {50 PS} / 5,700 rpm

Maximum torque 78 N·m {8.0 kgf·m} / 3,700 rpm