DRAG RACING STYLE.

2018 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom Review on Total Motorcycle:

The Vulcan® 900 Custom shares all of the attributes of the Vulcan 900 Classic but features custom styling with 21-inch front tire, drag-style handlebar and blacked-out parts that help present a more aggressive appearance.

The Vulcan 900 Custom is a factory built custom bike that really stands out from the crowd – it is the result of Kawasaki’s pursuit of the essence of a true custom motorcycle. A study in contrasts, its low-set rear, massive rear tire and solid disc wheel are juxtaposed against a clean and lightweight front end.

RIGHT OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR, THE KAWASAKI VULCAN® 900 CUSTOM V-TWIN HAS ALL THE STYLE AND ATTITUDE OF A ONE-OF-A-KIND CRUISER. WITH ITS TALL FRONT WHEEL, DRAG-STYLE CHROME HANDLEBARS AND LOW-SLUNG SEAT, THE APPEARANCE OF THIS KAWASAKI V-TWIN STANDS IN STARK CONTRAST TO ITS SMOOTH RIDE AND STEADFAST RELIABILITY. ENJOY THE DYNAMIC FUSION OF HAND-BUILT DESIGN AND PRODUCTION QUALITY WITH THE VULCAN 900 CUSTOM.

•Fuel-injected 903cc V-twin engine delivers ample roll-on power and excellent fuel economy
•Low seat height adds to rider confidence by enabling both feet to be placed on the ground at stops
•Wide drag bars enable plenty of leverage from the comfortable and roomy one-piece seat, and forward-mounted footpegs complete the relaxed riding stance
•Low center of gravity for easy handling
•Custom styling with teardrop tank, parallel slash cut pipes, pinstripe wheels and engine fins

THE CRUISERS THAT DEFINE DEPENDABILITY, COMFORT AND STYLE
Kawasaki continues to lead the industry in comfort and produce high performing, incredibly versatile and dependable motorcycles with its stylish 2018 Vulcan® model lineup. With two engine displacements available there is a Vulcan for anyone looking for a touring motorcycle.

Powered by a V-twin 903cc engine offering excellent performance, traditional styling and modern dependability, the Vulcan® 900 cruiser delivers far more substance than anticipated and sets the bar high in the mid-weight cruiser category.

For riders looking for the ultimate long-distance machine, Kawasaki offers the Vulcan® 1700 family of motorcycles. The Vulcan® 1700 Vaquero® ABS and Vulcan® 1700 Voyager® ABS present riders with a classic V-twin experience equipped with Kawasaki dependability. All Vulcan 1700 models are backed by a three-year limited warranty, with additional protection available for up to 36 months through the optional Kawasaki Protection Plus™ plan.

The Vulcan® 900 Classic motorcycle is a mid-sized cruiser that offers a comfortable ride in combination with timeless good looks and a liquid-cooled V-twin engine. The motorcycle features dual slash-cut mufflers and a sound that stirs the soul as it cruises the road. A rugged and reliable belt final drive on the Vulcan 900 Classic cruiser keeps the overall weight down and improves rear-end styling. In 2018 this model is available in Metallic Matte Carbon Gray/Metallic Matte Graphite Gray.

The Vulcan® 900 Classic LT, a V-twin-powered cruiser, is equipped with a distinctive fat 180/70×15 rear tire and has the necessary touring goods to get you to your destination in comfort and style. Both rider and passenger will appreciate the large, adjustable windshield, the deep-dyed saddlebags, and passenger backrest. In 2018, the Vulcan 900 Classic LT is available in Candy Cardinal Red/Metallic Graystone.

The Vulcan® 900 Custom styling exudes attitude, from its tall front tire to blacked-out mufflers. In addition, the low-slung gunfighter-type seat, massive rear tire, stylish front-end accentuated by a thin 21” cast wheel and meticulously sculpted bodywork are standout features. The Vulcan 900 Custom motorcycle is available in Candy Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black.

The features of the Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS motorcycle add up to a truly top-of-the-line bagger, encompassing a perfect combination of functionality across a wide range of environments, from inner-city running to cruising down the open road. The Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS motorcycle is available in Metallic Spark Black.

The Vulcan® 1700 Voyager ABS motorcycle is intended for riders who seek modern comfort and plenty of technology as well as the legendary Kawasaki dependability. With its ample storage capacity and large fuel tank, the 2018 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Voyager ABS is equipped to reach destinations with ease, and its range of features will help the rider to arrive in comfort. In 2018, the Vulcan Voyager ABS motorcycle is available in Candy Cardinal Red/Metallic Graystone.

2018 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

• STYLISH CAST WHEELS
• LARGEST REAR TIRE IN CLASS
• AGGRESSIVE FLAT HANDLEBAR AND FORWARD FOOTPEGS
• BELT DRIVE
• LOW SEAT HEIGHT WITH SPORTY GUNFIGHTER STYLING
• BLACK PIPES, ENGINE CASES, AIR FILTER COVER AND WHEELS

2018 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

903cc V-Twin, SOHC Engine
•Tuned to deliver lots of torque from low rpm.
•Smooth and reliable.
•Gear-driven balancer allows use of single pin crankshaft for that classic V-twin rumble without the heavy vibration.

Liquid and Air Cooling
•Finned cylinders and heads combine with liquid cooling to provide exceptional thermal control.
•Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life and sustained power.
•Automatic fan keeps things cool even in traffic.
•Includes temperature warning light.

Rubber-Mounted Engine
•Eliminates engine vibration at all speeds. Positive Neutral Finder(KP)
•Just lift the shift pedal from first gear at a stop to select neutral easily, every time.

Digital Fuel Injection (KP)
•Dual throttle valves(KP) 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 fuel 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
•Large-diameter box section backbone is very rigid, allows use of a larger fuel tank, and helps contribute to high stability and lightweight handling at low speeds.
•Triangular swingarm appears to be a hardtail design, but acts on a single shock hidden beneath the seat.
•Long and low for minimal seat height, maximum visual impact.
•Fork offset and frame geometry combine for light, low-effort handling at ultra-low speeds.
•Long wheelbase adds to highway stability.

FRAME

Low Stepped Seat
•Ultra-low 27-inch seat height allows riders to easily plant both-feet on the ground at stops.
•Laid-back riding comfort for two.

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.

21-inch Front Wheel
•Designed by hand, the cast wheel’s 18 “spokes” are tapered and flanged in two directions for an exquisite custom appearance.
•Narrow profile for that custom American chopper look.

Wide Rear Tire
•180mm rear tire mounted on a solid 15-inch cast wheel provides added stability while projecting a powerful image.
•Wider tire than that found on most large-displacement cruisers.

2018 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $8,499 USD

Power

Engine

4-stroke, 55° V-twin, 4 valves per cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled

Displacement

903cc/55.10 cu in

Bore x Stroke

88.0 x 74.2mm

Compression ratio

9.5:1

Maximum Torque

58.2 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel System

DFI® 34mm throttle bodies (2), with sub-throttle valves

Ignition

TCBI with digital advance

Transmission

5-speed with positive neutral finder

Final Drive

Kevlar-reinforced belt

Performance

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

80/90×21

Rear Tire

180/70×15

Front Brakes

Single 300mm hydraulic disc

Rear Brakes

Single 270mm hydraulic disc

Details

Frame Type

Double cradle, high-tensile steel

Rake/Trail

33°/7.2 in

Overall Length

94.7 in

Overall Width

35.2 in

Overall Height

44.1 in

Ground Clearance

5.5 in

Seat Height

27.0 in

Curb Weight

610.8 lb**

Fuel Capacity

5.3 gal

Wheelbase

64.8 in

Color Choices

Candy Lime Green/Metallic Spark Black

Warranty

12 Month Limited Warranty

Kawasaki Protection Plus™ (optional)

12, 24, 36, or 48 months

2018 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $9,999 CDN

Engine

Displacement  903cc  Type  4-stroke, V-Twin  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)
Brakes

Front: type  Single 300 mm disc  Front: calipers  2-piston calipers  Rear: type  Single 270 mm hydraulic disc  Rear: calipers  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.)
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°
Performance

Maximum Power‡ 37 kW {50.0 PS} @ 5,700 rpm  Maximum Torque‡ 78 N·m {8.0 kgƒ·m} @ 3,500 rpm
Suspension

Suspension, front  41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork  Suspension, rear  Uni-Trak with 7-way adjustable preload
Details

Warranty  12 months warranty

2018 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).