2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition

Back to 2011 Kawasaki Motorcycle Index Page

Click photos to enlarge.
They make great desktop images.

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition

– 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition

Whitewall Tires Combine with Bold Graphics for Pure Cruiser Soul

What screams retro better than whitewall tires? Nothing. That’s why Kawasaki included them as part of a Special Edition package for the 2011 Vulcan® 900 Classic cruiser. But the good looks don’t stop there: a bold brushed metal graphic enhances the long, loping lines of the 900 Classic, flowing from the front fender to the tank and ending on the rear fender. A fat 180-series rear tire – the largest in its class – complements the overall look. Couple that with the visceral V-twin rumble that comes courtesy of a single-pin crankshaft, and you have one amazing package that is as affordable as it is beautiful.

The Vulcan 900 Classic’s 903cc engine provides excellent performance, while 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.

 

 

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition motorcycle model Features

Authentic Kawasaki Accessories are available through Kawasaki dealers.

Key Features
– New for 2011, retro-inspired whitewall tires emphasize the traditional look
– New for 2011, bold “brushed metal” graphic flows from front fender to tank to rear fender
– 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

 

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition motorcycle model Technology

Engine

Engine gets an 8 millimeter longer stroke, boosting displacement to 903cc compared to the VN800’s 805cc.

Designed to offer superior acceleration in the mid-speed range (where most riding is actually done), the powerful, liquid-cooled V-twin engine has the torque to out-accelerate smaller displacement bikes yet with a single downshift can keep up with bikes one displacement class larger.

Oversquare 88 x 74.2mm bore and stroke ensures punchy response and a broad spread of satisfying power. Free-breathing SOHC 4-valve heads deliver impressive performance throughout the rev range.

The cylinder head features the same combustion chamber and intake/exhaust porting design concept as that of the mighty VN2000.

Deep fins on the cylinder and cylinder head were designed to highlight the VN900’s larger engine. Fin spacing and size where chosen to make the engine look big.

Deep fins on the cylinder and cylinder head were designed to highlight the VN900’s larger engine. Fin spacing and size where chosen to make the engine look big.

The edges of the fins receive a special NC treatment that makes them gleam in sunlight.

All the non-chromed parts of the engine were finished in a black powder coat.

The electronic fuel injection system, controlled by dual throttle valves, ensures silky smooth response and easy-to-control torque characteristics.

Automotive-type fine-atomising injectors improve performance, fuel economy and emissions.

An auto-fast idle system is equipped with an rpm feedback relay ensuring a fixed (ideal) engine speed in all starting conditions. (The feedback is used to control the sub-throttles to obtain the desired rpm.)

Curved intake tracts provide an extremely efficient path for intake flow. Ports narrow as they reach the combustion chamber, increasing intake flow speed for more efficient filling. The result of the highly intake efficiency is improved torque.

Long intake tracts extend well into the air cleaner box. The longer path improves low-end response.

Returnless-type pump inside the fuel tank prevents fuel starvation during hard braking or acceleration. No return fuel line increases reliability.

Redesigned crankshaft and gear-driven balancer are matched to the new longer stroke for smooth performance.

Like all Kawasaki V-twins, the VN900 engine uses a single crankpin for best strength and strong power feeling.

Lightweight, nut-less connecting rods like those on the VN2000 contribute to low vibration levels.

Five-speed transmission with smooth shift action is geared for a comfortably low rpm at highway cruising speeds.

The transmission is equipped with Kawasaki’s exclusive Positive Neutral Finder. Just lift the pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily , every time.

Like the VN2000, the 900 Classic has a quiet and efficient belt final drive.

Like the VN2000, the 900 Classic has a quiet and efficient belt final drive.

Dual slash-cut mufflers give the VN900 a wild air. The mufflers are angled so that they look good when the bike is on its side stand.

Catalysers built into each of the mufflers reduce exhaust emissions.
FrameOverall the VN900 Classic is longer and lower than its predecessor, the VN800.

Seat height has been lowered, giving the new Classic more of a “low rider” bias than the VN800.

The longer wheelbase (lengthened by approximately 50mm) provides even more stability when cruising and contributes to the Classic image.

The fork offset and rake geometry were set such that the bike does not self-steer. The result is light, low-effort handling when manoeuvring at ultra-low speeds

SuspensionTriangular-shaped swingarm appears to be a hardtail design, but acts on a single shock hidden beneath the seat.

Shock is preload-adjustable

 

Brakes/Wheels/Tires

Chrome rims are supported by 48 spokes and polished alloy hubs.

Single 300mm drilled front disc delivers impressive stopping power without hiding the front wheel’s good looks.

Rear 300mm disc ensures maximum braking control.

Second only to that of the VN2000, the massive 180 mm rear tire gives the rear of the bike a powerful image. (At 180 mm, this tire is wider than most large-displacement cruiser rear tires, including all of Kawasaki’s 1600cc models!)

Bodywork/StylingThe VN900 shares many of the long-and-low styling cues from the stunning VN2000. Easy to ride and very rider-friendly, the VN900 offers the look, feel and craftsmanship found in bigger cruisers. Whether rolling down the street or parked in front of a café, this is one sharp-looking machine.

The fuel tank and fenders follow the same design theme: twin valleys running the length of the bike.

The wide fuel tank tapers at the rear, contributing to the VN900’s curvaceous theme. The fuel tank’s curves have constantly varying radii, giving the bike a dynamism that is both powerful and smooth. Its hand-sculpted contours are pleasing to both the eye and to the touch.

At the seat, the fender is as wide as that of the VN2000, but it like the fuel tank it tapers elegantly at the rear.

 

Comfort and Convenience

Footboards add comfort and contribute to the big bike styling.

A heal-toe shifter adds to the Cruising experience.

Kawasaki’s exclusive Positive Neutral Finder allows the rider to lift the pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily , every time.

Large-capacity 18 litre fuel tank ensures an ample cruising range.

The tank-mounted instrument console is slim and lightweight, contributing to the bike’s elegant lines.

Large-faced easy-to-read speedometer features a multi-function LCD display, warning lamps – and even a fuel gauge

Instrumentation includes LCD window displaying an odometer, tripmeter and clock. The meter also has warning lamps for fuel, oil pressure and water temperature.

Large round multi-reflector headlamp complements the new classic bodywork and throws a broad beam for confident nighttime cruising.

Front turn signals feature an integrated lamp/stay design for easy mounting.

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

The combination of wide handlebars and an ideal relationship between seat, bars and footboards results in wonderfully comfortable riding position.

Ergonomically designed front bucket seat is very comfortable.

Cushy pillion pad makes it easy to share the Cruising experience with a friend.

The seat is easily removed by key, giving access to the helmet lock and tool kit.

 

 

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition – USA Specifications
MSRP: $8,199 USD

Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valves per cylinder V-twin
Displacement: 903cc / 55.1 cu. in.
Bore x stroke: 88.0 x 74.2mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum torque: 58.2 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm
Cooling: Liquid
Fuel Injection: DFI with dual 34mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance
Transmission: Five-speed
Final drive: Belt
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake / trail: 32 degrees / 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: 130/90×16
Rear tire: 180/70×15
Front brake / rear brake: 300mm hydraulic disc / 270mm hydraulic disc
Overall length: 97.0 in.
Overall width: 39.6 in.
Overall height: 41.9 in.
Seat height: 26.8 in.
Curb weight: 619.6 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Wheelbase: 64.8 in.
Color choices: Ebony
Warranty: 12 months

 

 

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic SE Special Edition – Canada Specifications
MSRP: $TBA CDN

ENGINE
Type Liquid-cooled 4-stroke V-Twin
Displacement 903 cc
Bore and Stroke 88 x 74.2 mm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Valve System SOHC, 4 valves/cylinder
Fuel Injection Ø 34 mm x 2
Ignition Digital
Starting Electric
Lubrication Forced lubrication, wet sump

DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 5-speed, return
Primary Drive Gear
Final Drive Belt
Clutch Wet, multi-disc

FRAME
Type Double-cradle, high-tensile steel
Suspension, Front 41 mm telescopic fork
Suspension, Fear Triangle swingarm with Uni-Trac single shock (7-position spring preload adjustment
Wheel travel: Front 150 mm
Wheel travel: Rear 100 mm
Tires: Front 130/90-16M/C (67H)
Tires: Rear 180/70B15M/C (76H)
Caster (Rake) 32°
Trail 164 mm
Steering Angle (Left/Right) 38° / 38°

BRAKES
Front Single 300 mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Single 270 mm disc with twin-piston caliper

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
Fuel Capacity 20 liters
Fuel Consumption 5.2 L/100 km (54 MPG)

DETAILS
MSRP* TBA
Colours Ebony
Warranty 12 months

ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS
Good Times Protection Plan 24 or 36 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins after the 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.