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2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

– 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Review

The Heart of Cruiser Soul

It’s called classic for a reason: it draws on styling cues from days when everybody who was anybody had a muscle car, 8-tracks pumped out the tunes and a low-slung motorcycle turned heads. The Vulcan® 900 Classic is definitely the bike to get noticed on, with its spoke wheels, low-slung seat and chrome dual slash-cut mufflers.

And for those looking for an even more distinctive look, the Vulcan 900 Classic Special Edition exudes badass with a new for 2012 blackout treatment on the forks, fender struts, air cover, engine covers and cases and cylinders and valve covers. A beautiful Pearl Meteor Gray / Polar White paint job is enhanced by a checkered flag pinstripe. Completing the Special Edition look are chrome pipes and whitewall tires, for the ultimate in retro flair.

It’s powered by a 903cc engine, just like its 900 Vulcan brethren. This powerplant offers excellent performance and smooth roll-on acceleration. Rider floorboards complete with a heel and toe shifter enhance rider comfort. The tank-mounted instrumentation includes a handy fuel gauge and an easy-to-read analog speedometer. And its 5.3-gallon fuel tank is the largest in its class.

The visual treats continue with curved cooling fins on the big, classic-looking V-twin, which bristles with modern touches inside including four-valve-per-cylinder performance and liquid-cooled reliability. An engine counterbalancer works with the single-pin crankshaft to produce that distinctive guttural V-twin sound and feel, but without the annoying V-twin vibration.

Rugged and reliable belt final drive on the Vulcan 900 keeps the overall weight down, improves rear-end styling and provides the rider with additional customizing opportunities. Not to mention the largest rear tire in its class also contributes to the Vulcan 900’s big bike feel.

The Vulcan 900’s low seat height and tapered seat do not discriminate against shorter riders. Comfortable enough for any distance, the front bucket seat flows nicely into the largest capacity fuel tank in its class, and the lower chassis rails provide a narrow shape for an abbreviated reach to the pavement – ideal for shorter riders. Meanwhile, the rear pillion pad makes it painless to share the two-wheeled experience. Wide handlebars, seat and floorboard layout offers an ideal ergonomic relationship, making for a relaxing mount.

Some of the other features that make the Vulcan 900 appealing to such a wide audience are a fork offset and rake designed for light, effortless maneuvering at low, in-town speeds. The 900 Classic is equipped with an auto-fast idle system that uses an rpm feedback relay to help ensure a fixed engine speed in all starting conditions. Its easy-to-control fuel injection makes ultra-low-speed riding surprisingly easy, and the abundant low-rpm torque provides thrilling roll-on acceleration. At home, around town or on the open road, this motorcycle is built for hour upon hour of riding pleasure.

 

Big-Bike Appeal

The Vulcan 900 Classic takes its styling cues from its big brother, the Vulcan 2000 Classic. With long, low lines, seductively shaped bodywork, a low seat height and super-fat rear tyre, the Vulcan 900 has the presence of a much larger capacity cruiser combined with the rider-friendly handling traits you’d expect from a middleweight motorcycle.

Just one glance and you’ll appreciate the high build quality and craftsmanship for which Kawasaki cruisers are famous. This truly is middleweight cruising at its finest.

 

2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Features and Benefits

Key Features

• 903cc liquid-cooled V-twin offers an optimal balance of performance and maneuverability
• Digital fuel injection for precise throttle response and improved fuel economy
• Rider floorboards with heel and toe shifter enhance rider comfort
• 5.3-gallon fuel tank is largest in class
• Stylish tank-mounted instrumentation includes fuel gauge
• Fat 180-series rear tire is largest in class
• Efficient and stylish belt drive runs cleaner and requires less maintenance than a chain

903cc V-twin SOHC Engine

• Tuned to deliver a healthy dose of torque at low rpm
• Smooth and reliable
• Gear-driven balancer allows use of single pin crankshaft without excessive vibration

Four-valve Cylinder Head

• Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow, resulting in more power and more low-end torque
• Single overhead cam design is simple, lightweight and practical
• Extremely efficient intake tracts feature ports that narrow near the combustion chamber to increase intake flow speed for more efficient filling and increased torque
• Long intake tracts for great low-end response

Liquid and Air Cooling

• Exceptional thermal control with finned cylinders and cylinder head, combined with liquid cooling
• Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power
• Automatic fan keeps things cool even in traffic
• Includes temperature warning light

Dual Slash-cut Mufflers

• Big slash-cut mufflers look great and contain honeycomb catalyzers to reduce emissions

Positive Neutral Finder

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

Electronic Fuel Injection

• Dual throttle bodies with sub-throttles provide optimum performance and rideability
• The sub-throttles, located behind the main throttle valve, are controlled by the ECU so that the DFI® system retains more precise throttle response, similar to a constant velocity carburetor
• Fine-atomizing injectors produce a fine fuel mist for better acceleration, combustion and fuel consumption

Kevlar-Reinforced Belt Drive

• Lower unsprung weight than shaft drive to improve ride quality and suspension action
• More efficient so more power reaches the rear wheel compared to shaft drive
• Cleaner and lower maintenance than chain drive

Double Cradle Frame

• Very rigid large-diameter box section backbone allows a larger fuel tank, and helps contribute to high stability and lightweight handling at low speeds
• Triangular swingarm looks like a hardtail design, but acts on a single shock hidden beneath the seat
• Long and low for minimal seat height and maximum visual impact
• Fork offset and frame geometry combine for light, low-effort handling at ultra-low speeds
• Long wheelbase contributes to highway stability

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

Tank-mounted Speedometer with Turn Signal Indicators and Caution Lamps

• Gives you the information you need at a glance
• Compact design complements the bike’s clean look
• 5.3-gallon fuel tank is largest in its class

41mm Front Fork

• Excellent rigidity and 5.9-inches of travel – the most in its class
• 32-degree rake angle for excellent straight line stability
• Wide fork pitch for classic look

Front and Rear Disc Brakes

• A 300mm front and 270mm rear disc have twin-piston calipers for some of the best stopping power in the class

Custom Spoke 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
• Widest rear tire in its class

Special Edition

• New for 2012 Special Edition has blackout treatment on forks, rear fender struts, engine covers and cases, and cylinders and valve covers.
• New for 2012, a checkered flag pinstripe detail adds to the factory custom look

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2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $8,299 – 8,499 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

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

Ignition TCBI with Electronic Advance

Transmission 5-Speed

Final Drive Belt

Frame Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel

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 300mm hydraulic disc / 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 41.9 in.

Curb Weight 619.6 lbs.

Color Choices Candy Arabian Red Pearl Meteor Gray / Polar White

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

Warranty 12 Months

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2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic – 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 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

FRAME

Type Double-cradle, high-tensile steel
Wheel Travel: Front 150 mm (5.90 in.)
Tire: Front 130/90-16
Wheel Travel: Rear 103 mm (4.06 in.)
Tire: Rear 180/70-15
Caster (Rake) 32º
Trail 160 mm (6.3 in.)
Steering Angle (Left/Right) 38º / 38º

SUSPENSION

Suspension, Front 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension, Rear Triangle swingarm with Uni-Trak single shock (7-position spring preload adjustment

BRAKES

Front: Type Single 300 mm disc with
Front: Caliper Twin-piston caliper
Rear: Type Single 270 mm disc
Rear: Caliper Twin-piston caliper

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length 2,465 mm (97.1 in.)
Overall Width 1,005 mm (39.6 in.)
Overall Height 1,065 mm (41.9 in.)
Wheelbase 1,645 mm (64.8 in.)
Ground Clearance 135 mm (5.3 in.)
Seat Height 680 mm (26.8 in.)
Curb Mass** 281 kg (620 lbs.)
Fuel Capacity 20 liters (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 Candy Arabian Red
Warranty 12 months

ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS

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

* The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price does not include freight, pre-delivery inspection or applicable taxes. The final price is at the discretion of the dealer. Prices and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

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.

 

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2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic – UK/European Specifications/Technical Details
UK/EU MSRP Price: See UK/EU Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.

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: ø 34 mm x 2 with dual throttles

Ignition
Digital

Starting
Electric
Transmission

Transmission
5-speed, return
Frame

Frame type
Double-cradle, steel

Rake/Trail
32° / 160 mm

Wheel travel, front
150 mm

Wheel travel, rear
100 mm

Tyre, front
130/90-16M/C 67H

Tyre, rear
180/70-15M/C 76H

Steering angle, left / right
38° / 38°
Suspension

Suspension, front
41 mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload

Suspension, rear
Uni-Trak
Brakes

Brakes, front
Single 300 mm disc, twin-piston

Brakes, rear
Single 270 mm disc, twin-piston
Dimensions

Wheelbase
1,650 mm

Fuel capacity
20 litres

Curb Mass
282 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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2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic – Australian Specifications/Technical Details
Australia MSRP Price: See Australian Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.

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 130/90-16M/C 67H
rear 180/70-15M/C 76H
Caster (rake) 32°
Trail 160 mm
Steering angle (left/right) 38° / 38°


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 2,465 mm
Overall width 1,005 mm
Overall height 1,065 mm
Wheelbase 1,645 mm
Ground clearance 135 mm
Seat height 680 mm
Curb mass 281 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