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VN 900 Classic LT
MSRP: $9,249 |
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Introduction
This Stylish Traveler Won't Break
The Bank
What is touring, really, but rolling down a really long boulevard?
Kawasaki already has a winner in its class-leading Vulcan®
900 Classic cruiser. With its great looks and modern hardware,
the 900 Classic starts out as an excellent midsize cruising platform,
with power and style to spare. To prepare it for life on the
highway, we did what American motorcyclists have been doing ever
since the invention of pavement: The addition of top-grain leather
saddlebags, a long-distance touring seat, a passenger backrest
and an adjustable windshield provide everything you need to hit
the road for days on end.
This mid-size Kawasaki offers the same excellent riding characteristics
as the Vulcan 900 Classic - from the fuel-injected 903cc engine,
which delivers exceptional roll-on acceleration, to the nimble
chassis sporting classy, flowing cruiser beauty. Its eye-catching
touring features only add to this winning mixture of agility
and large-displacement power and torque - pleasing anyone who
thinks touring represents the ultimate get-away.
At the core of the Classic LT's touring package are striking,
top-grain, reinforced cowhide saddlebags. The leather is carefully
selected to minimize flaws and deep-dyed to prevent scraping
off the finish. The ideally-sized bags feature a slant-top opening
held shut by two 1.5-inch wide leather straps fitted with chrome
buckles and stealth quick-release fasteners. The rolled and riveted
top lids, along with metal reinforced upper edges on the bags,
help maintain shape and keep unwanted moisture out of the bags.
An embossed Vulcan logo on the reinforced dual-panel lids and
chrome-plated brass studs finish off the look of these bags.
A comfortable seat for both rider and passenger are a must on
a tourer; the Classic LT has both, along with a backrest to keep
the passenger relaxed and smiling as the miles tick by. Both
the seat and the backrest are detailed with chrome-plated brass
studs to match the bags. A thick, optically correct, acrylic
plastic windscreen delivers smooth airflow around the rider and
passenger, reducing wind fatigue and bug strikes over the course
of the long rides the 900 Classic LT encourages you to take.
Once past the 900 Classic LT's handsome looks, owners will discover
themselves enjoying a ride that was previously found only on
larger cruisers. Applying lessons learned on the Kawasaki's Vulcan
2000, the Vulcan 900 models deliver exceptional roll-on acceleration,
easy maneuverability, and performance equal to larger displacement
competitors.
Breakdowns are a negative on any trip. The Vulcan 900 Classic
LT utilizes a low-maintenance belt drive not only to help avoid
undesired stops, but also to keep the pounds off and to keep
the rear end rolling in high style. Speaking of rear-end styling,
the 900 Classic LT sports a large, 180mm-wide rear tire - the
largest in its category. The beefy tire's appearance accentuates
the classic V-twin rumble courtesy of a single-pin crankshaft.
It's this look and sound that suggest a much larger motorcycle.
However, the Vulcan 900 LT's big footprint shouldn't alarm potential
riders. Its low seat and narrow chassis rails blend comfortably
into the fuel tank, which translates into plenty of accessibility
for shorter riders and comfort for those of all sizes. Wide handlebars
ideally situated with the seat and floorboards, coupled to roomy
passenger accommodations, make the Vulcan 900 Classic LT a real
joy - whether it's just a run to the store or a multi-day haul
across the country.
The Vulcan 900 Classic LT is available in the following two-tone
color combinations: Candy Diamond Red/Ebony, Candy Imperial Blue/Metallic
Moondust Gray, Metallic Dark Green/Metallic Titanium. Whatever
color you choose, the Vulcan 900 Classic LT gets noticed by everyone
it passes along the highway.
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Features
903cc V-twin SOHC Engine
- Smooth and reliable engine tuned to deliver a healthy dose
of torque at low rpm
- Gear-driven balancer allows use of single pin crankshaft without
excessive vibration
- Rubber-mounted to reduce engine vibration at all speeds
Four-valve Cylinder Head
- Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow, creating more
power and low-end torque
- Single overhead cam design is simple, lightweight and practical
- Long intake tracts narrow near the combustion chamber increase
intake flow speed for more efficient filling, increased torque
and better low-end response
Liquid and Air Cooling
- Finned cylinders and head and liquid cooling combination make
for exceptional thermal control
- Maintains consistent engine temperatures for long engine life
and sustained power
- Automatic fan helps keep things cool
- Includes temperature warning light
Automatic Cam Chain Tensioner
- Maintains precise valve timing with almost no maintenance
- Assures greater reliability
- Hidden from view to preserve the engine's clean, basic look
Dual Slash-Cut Mufflers
- Big slash-cut mufflers look great and contain emission reducing
honeycomb catalyzers
Positive Neutral Finder
- Just lift the shift pedal from first gear at a stop to easily
find neutral, every time
Electronic Fuel Injection
- Superb performance and rideability thanks to dual throttle
bodies with sub throttles
- The ECU controlled sub throttles are located behind the main
throttle valve, allowing the DFI® system to provide more
precise throttle response, similar to a constant velocity carburetor
- Fine-atomizing fuel injectors produce a fine fuel mist for
optimal acceleration, combustion and fuel consumption
Belt Drive
- Lower unsprung weight than a shaft drive to improve ride quality
and suspension action
- Efficiently transfers power to the rear wheel
- Low maintenance and low noise
Double Cradle Frame
- Very rigid, large-diameter box section backbone allows a larger
fuel tank, high stability and lightweight handling at low speeds
- Fork offset and frame geometry combine for light, low-effort
handling at low speeds
- Long wheelbase contributes to highway stability
- Triangular swingarm has a hardtail appearance, but utilizes
a single shock hidden beneath the seat
- Long and low chassis for minimal seat height, maximum visual
impact
41mm Front Fork
- Excellent rigidity and 5.9 inches of travel
- 32 degree rake angle offers excellent straight line manners
- Classic look with wide fork pitch
Disc Brakes
- Both the 272mm front and 242mm rear rotors feature twin-piston
calipers for great power and feel
Spoke Custom 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
Tank-Mounted Speedometer with Turn Signal Indicators and Caution
Lamps
- Provides riders the crucial information at a glance
- Compact design matches the bike's clean look
Push-to-Cancel Turn Signals
- No fumbling, just a simple push on the switch cancels the turn
signals
Windscreen
- Robust, optically correct, acrylic plastic windscreen is shaped
for smooth airflow
- Strong chrome plated steel supports enhance cruiser style
- Adjustable height
Saddlebags
- Carefully selected top grain cowhide with minimal flaws and
deep dyed for a long-lived finish
- Slant top opening lid, with two 1.5-inch wide leather straps,
chrome buckles and quick release fasteners
- Dual panel lid construction with embossed Vulcan logo detail
- Half-inch diameter chrome plated brass stud accents
- Metal reinforced upper edge so bags hold their shape
- Rolled and riveted lid minimizes water entry
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
- Detailed with half-inch diameter chrome plated brass studs
Passenger Backrest
- Classic tombstone shape
- Strong chrome plated steel supports
- Pad detailed with chrome plated brass studs
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Technical Specifications
Engine: 4-Stroke, liquid-cooled,
SOHC, 4-valve 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: EFI 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.
Wheelbase: 64.8 in.
Front suspension / wheel travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork
/ 5.9 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-TRAK® swingarm / 4.1
in.
Front tire: 130/90x16
Rear tire: 180/70x15
Front brake / rear brake: Single 272mm hydraulic disc with two-piston
caliper / 242mm hydraulic disc
Overall length: 97.0 in.
Overall width: 39.6 in.
Overall height: 58.3 in.
Seat height: 26.8 in.
Curb weight: 657.1 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Color choices: Candy Diamond Red/Ebony, Candy Imperial Blue/Metallic
Moondust Gray, Metallic Dark Green/Metallic Titanium
MSRP: $9,249
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