Segment:
Cruiser motorcycle, mid-size class
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a stylish, comfortable, and reliable cruiser with a classic aesthetic and modern performance
Competitors:
Honda Shadow series, Yamaha V-Star series, Suzuki Boulevard series
Design Philosophy:
Classic cruiser styling with a modern V-twin engine, focus on comfort and rideability
Model Variations:
Includes standard Vulcan 900 Classic and the more stylized Vulcan 900 Custom with different styling cues and features.
Engine Systems:
Fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, cooling, internal engine components (cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, connecting rods), engine disassembly and assembly
Transmission Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and adjustment, gear shifting mechanisms, final drive (belt drive) inspection and maintenance
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front fork service (oil change, seal replacement), rear shock absorber inspection, steering head bearing service, wheel and tire maintenance
Braking System:
Front and rear brake caliper service, hydraulic system bleeding, brake pad replacement, brake disc inspection
Electrical System:
Battery service, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), lighting system, starter motor, ignition system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel injectors, throttle body, fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance and inspection
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing removal and installation, seat removal, fender inspection, accessory mounting points
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, drive belt tension adjustment, brake fluid changes, coolant checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting issues, engine performance problems, electrical faults, and braking system malfunctions
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly for major vehicle systems
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, suspension settings, and other critical measurements
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all circuits, aiding in diagnosis and repair
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electrical diagnostics
Engine Type:
V-twin, four-stroke
Displacement:
892 cc (54.4 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 x 74.2 mm (3.46 x 2.92 in)
Valve Train:
SOHC, 8 valves (2 per cylinder)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower Est:
Approx. 50 hp (at crankshaft, may vary by model year and tuning)
Torque Est:
Approx. 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) (at crankshaft, may vary by model year and tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Digital fuel injection (EFI) with dual 34mm throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 liters (5.3 US gal)
Audio System:
N/A (No factory audio system)
Display:
Analog speedometer with digital odometer, trip meter, clock, and indicator lights
ABS:
ABS was an optional feature on some later models, but not standard across the entire 2007-2015 range. The manual will cover ABS diagnosis if equipped.
Smart Phone Integration:
N/A
Engine Oil Change:
Every 6,000 miles (10,000 km) or 12 months
Air Filter Inspection Cleaning:
Every 6,000 miles (10,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles (20,000 km)
Drive Belt Tension Check:
Every 6,000 miles (10,000 km)
Brake Fluid Replacement:
Every 24,000 miles (40,000 km) or 24 months
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA approved (e.g., Kawasaki Genuine Oil)
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.2 L (3.4 US qt) without filter change; 3.5 L (3.7 US qt) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Kawasaki All-Season Motorcycle Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water)
Common Wear Items:
Tires, brake pads, drive belt, fork seals, battery
Potential Faults:
While generally reliable, potential issues can include regulator/rectifier failures (common in many bikes of this era), and drive belt wear if not properly maintained.
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki has a long history of producing reliable and performance-oriented motorcycles, including iconic cruisers.
Vulcan Lineage:
The Vulcan 900 Custom is part of Kawasaki's long-standing Vulcan cruiser line, known for its accessible styling and V-twin power.
Production Period:
2006 to present (model covered 2007-2015)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
