Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic 2022 — Specifications

When the race for large displacement engines was in full swing in the custom world, Japanese manufacturers engaged in a bidding war of engine sizes that bordered on the absurd. The Honda VTX 1800, Yamaha Road Star Warrior, and other Kawasaki VN 2000 competed for the title of most imposing V-twin, as if the value of a custom was measured solely by the number of cubic centimeters engraved on the valve cover. Kawasaki chose to break away from this logic by offering the Vulcan 900 Classic, a mid-size custom that clearly asserts its positioning without seeking to intimidate.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic draws its roots from the VN 1600 and 1700, and it shows in the machine’s overall proportions. The 903 cc V-twin engine produces 48 horsepower at 5700 rpm, which may seem modest on paper compared to the behemoths of the category. But the engine’s true argument lies at 3700 rpm, where it delivers 77.5 Nm of torque. It is this availability in the low RPM range that gives character to rides, not the peak power figures. The five-speed gearbox coupled with a belt drive guarantees everyday comfort that chains cannot always offer, with reduced maintenance as a bonus.

What is the weight of a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic? The question often arises, and the answer deserves to be stated clearly: 282 kg fully fueled, 253 kg dry. This is the reality of the old-school custom, with its steel double cradle frame, generous chrome accents, and a silhouette that doesn't skimp on the shapes. The 41 mm telescopic fork and the single rear shock absorber do the job without revolutionizing the genre, with 150 mm and 103 mm of travel respectively. The 680 mm seat height makes the machine accessible to a wide range of builds, which partly explains why so many Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic motorcycles are found for sale after a few years of loyal service in various hands.

What is the power of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic? With its 48 horsepower, it does not claim to rival a Harley-Davidson Softail or an Indian Scout on the field of brute performance. The top speed of 180 km/h is more than sufficient to eat up national roads without stress, aided by the 20-liter fuel tank. The braking, provided by a 300 mm front disc and a 270 mm rear disc with two-piston calipers, remains within the average of the segment without particularly shining. The 180/70-15 rear tire gives visual presence to the whole and reinforces this American-style custom aesthetic that the machine cultivates without complex.

At €8399 in the catalog, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic test reveals an honest machine, designed for those who want to enter the world of custom without spending the price of a large displacement engine or being crushed under a 320 kg machine. It is the motorcycle of the Sunday touring rider, the driver who wants style without sacrificing practicality, the potential new A2 license holder, even if the power slightly exceeds the restriction limits. Subsequent versions, whether the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic 2020, 2021, or 2024, have hardly shaken up the recipe, a sign that Kawasaki found its balance from the start. The LT variant with its fairing and integrated saddlebags pushes the concept towards light touring, for those who want to extend the stages. The Vulcan 900 Classic is not a motorcycle that seeks to impress. It seeks to please, and that is already a lot.