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2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Review

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

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.

Classic Soul with a Dependable V-Twin Heart

It’s called classic for a reason: it draws its styling cues from days when everyone who was anyone had a muscle car, 8-tracks pumped the tunes out and a low-slung motorcycle turned heads. With its distinctive two-tone Special Edition pearl flat stardust white and flat ebony paint scheme and whitewall tires, the Vulcan® 900 Classic is definitely one bike to get noticed on, with its spoked wheels, low-slung seat and dual slash-cut mufflers.

Powered by a 903cc V-twin, an engine offering excellent performance, traditional styling and modern dependability, the Vulcan 900 Classic satisfies its rider by delivering far more substance than anyone would expect from a midsized cruiser. Rider floorboards and a heel/toe shifter enhance rider comfort and strengthen this motorcycle’s ties to tradition. 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. A balancer works in counterpoint with the single-pin crankshaft to produce that distinctive guttural V-twin sound and feel, with less of the annoying vibrations that plague lesser engines.

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 widest rear tire in its class contributing to the Vulcan 900’s big bike feel.

The Vulcan 900 Classic Special Edition’s low seat height and tapered seat do not discriminate against shorter riders. Comfortable enough for any distance, the new front bucket seat features additional lumbar support for the rider and a longer seating area for the passenger. The 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.

 

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Key Features

• 903cc V-twin offers an optimal balance of performance, style and manageability
• Digital fuel injection for precise throttle response and improved fuel economy
• Special Edition flat, two-tone paint scheme and whitewall tires provide a uniquely stylish presence on the street
• 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 widest in class
• Efficient and stylish belt drive runs cleaner and requires less maintenance than a chain

 

 

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Features and Benefits

903cc V-twin
• 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 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 a comfortable highway ride

New Reshaped Seat
• New seat shape offers increased lumbar support for improved rider comfort, and a longer seating area for the passenger
• 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 tracking
• Wide fork pitch for classic look

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 Spoke Wheels
• Chromed steel rims and spokes
• “Spool-style” polished aluminum front hub

Wide Rear Tire
• 180mm rear tire provides added traction while projecting a powerful image
• Wider tire than that found on most large-displacement cruisers
• Widest rear tire in its class

 

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2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $8,699 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 Pearl Flat Stardust White

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

Warranty 12 Months

 

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2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic – Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $9,699 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

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.)
** 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

Warranty 12 months

ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS

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

MSRP*

Candy Mystic Blue VN900BDF TBA

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2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic – 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: ø 34 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
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 Caliper: Twin-piston
”
Brakes, rear
Single 270 mm disc Caliper: Twin-piston
Dimensions
”
Dimensions (L x W x H)
2,465 x 1,005 x 1,065 mm
”
Wheelbase
1,650 mm
”
Ground Clearance
135 mm
”
Seat height
680 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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2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic – Australia Specifications/Technical Details
Australia MSRP Price: See dealer

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
Available Colours

Candy Mystic Blue