Segment:
Mid-size cruiser motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a stylish, accessible, and reliable cruiser for everyday riding and touring.
Key Competitors:
Honda Shadow series, Yamaha V-Star series, Suzuki Boulevard series.
Styling:
Classic cruiser lines with modern touches, distinctive front fork rake, low seat height.
Powertrain:
Liquid-cooled, SOHC, V-twin engine with electronic fuel injection.
Drivetrain:
Smooth and reliable belt drive for low maintenance.
Primary Coverage:
Complete service, maintenance, and repair procedures for the Kawasaki VN900CA Vulcan Custom.
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, torque specifications, electrical diagrams.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 400-500 pages (typical for this model and scope)
Type:
Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete overhaul, top-end and bottom-end components, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled), fuel injection system.
Transmission:
Clutch operation, gearbox inspection and repair, final drive (belt drive system).
Chassis:
Frame inspection, suspension (front fork and rear shock absorber), steering system.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system servicing, hydraulic components, pad and rotor replacement.
Electrical:
Ignition system, starting system, charging system, lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, diagnostic codes.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel injectors, throttle body, ECU control, fuel tank and lines.
Bodywork:
Fender removal/installation, seat assembly, fuel tank removal/installation, minor body panel adjustments.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, brake fluid flush, drive belt inspection and adjustment.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common issues, identifying fault codes, systematic diagnostic approaches for engine and electrical systems.
Repair:
Engine component rebuilding (pistons, rings, valves), transmission overhaul, suspension fork rebuild, brake caliper servicing.
Calibration:
Throttle position sensor (TPS) adjustment, idle speed control.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
V-twin, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
892 cc (54.5 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 84.0 mm
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower:
Approximately 50-55 HP (estimated at crankshaft)
Torque:
Approximately 54-58 lb-ft (estimated at crankshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) with dual 32mm throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87-octane or higher
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG, JASO MA
Oil Capacity:
3.2 L (3.4 US qt) with filter change
Type:
5-speed constant mesh
Final Drive:
Belt drive, 2.75:1 (primary) / 2.73:1 (final)
Gear Ratios:
1st: 2.750, 2nd: 1.944, 3rd: 1.409, 4th: 1.125, 5th: 0.958 (Refer to manual for exact ratios)
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to engine oil specifications (shared lubrication)
Crash Safety:
Not typically rated by formal bodies like NHTSA for motorcycles.
Braking System:
Dual-piston caliper front disc brake, single-piston caliper rear disc brake.
ABS:
Optional (ABS variant available)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, standard turn signals.
Features:
Basic instrumentation: speedometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, clock, indicator lights. No advanced infotainment systems.
Features:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Features:
N/A (No integrated smartphone connectivity or Bluetooth).
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 km (4,500 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 7,500 km (4,500 miles) or 6 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 12 months.
Drive Belt Inspection:
Every 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 12 months.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 10W-40 API SG, JASO MA
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki Genuine Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with anti-corrosion additives)
Common Wear Items:
Drive belt wear, brake pad wear, fork seals (typical for age/mileage).
Potential Electrical:
Occasional issues with stator or voltage regulator, check wiring harness integrity (refer to manual for diagnostics).
Heritage:
Kawasaki has a long history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to the early 20th century, with a strong presence in performance and cruiser segments.
Lineage:
The VN900 Vulcan platform was introduced in 2006, evolving from earlier Vulcan models. The 'Custom' variant typically features different styling elements like spoke wheels and a different handlebar setup.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primary manufacturing base for Kawasaki Heavy Industries)