Segment:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops
Competitors:
Harley-Davidson Sportster, Honda Shadow, Yamaha V-Star
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
Classic cruiser styling with modern technology and a reliable V-twin engine
Manual Value Proposition:
Comprehensive guide to maintaining and repairing the Vulcan 900 Custom, enabling DIY service and reducing reliance on dealerships.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Service and Repair
Vehicle Variants:
VN900B (Custom), VN900C (Classic), VN900D (Classic LT)
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 400-600 pages (typical for this model's official manual)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, starting system
Drivetrain:
Clutch, transmission, final drive (belt)
Chassis:
Frame, front suspension (forks), rear suspension (swingarm, shock absorber), wheels, tires, steering
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (hydraulic, calipers, master cylinders, lines, pads, rotors)
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, ignition, instrumentation, ECU, wiring diagrams
Bodywork:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, handlebars, controls, body panels, fairings (if applicable)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, air filter service, spark plug replacement, lubrication points, chain adjustment (if applicable for earlier models or specific variants)
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault codes (if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Major Repairs:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, suspension fork rebuild, brake system bleeding and overhaul
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed steps for removing and installing all major and minor components
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, electrical system testing, fuel system analysis
Rebuild Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, tolerances for engine and transmission components
Special Tools:
Identification of required special tools for specific procedures
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable (OCR'd or native digital format)
Resolution:
High-resolution, suitable for printing
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, V-twin
Displacement:
892 cc (54.4 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 x 74.2 mm
Horsepower:
Approx. 47.5 HP @ 5,700 RPM (claimed)
Torque:
Approx. 57.8 lb-ft @ 3,500 RPM (claimed)
Induction:
Digital Fuel Injection (DFI) with dual 34mm throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane or higher
Overall Length:
Approx. 97.0 in (2,465 mm)
Overall Width:
Approx. 37.0 in (940 mm)
Overall Height:
Approx. 43.1 in (1,095 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 64.8 in (1,645 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.7 in (145 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 575.4 lbs (261 kg)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 531.4 lbs (241 kg)
Fuel Capacity:
5.5 US gal (20.8 L)
Front Tire:
80/90-21M/C 44S
Rear Tire:
180/70-15M/C 76S
Front Wheel:
21 x 2.15 in (spoked, 60-spoke)
Rear Wheel:
15 x 3.50 in (spoked, 54-spoke)
Safety Features Certification:
N/A (Motorcycle safety standards vary by region, manual covers operational safety)
Braking System:
Hydraulic front disc brake, rear disc brake
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, incandescent turn signals
Frame Construction:
Double-cradle steel frame
Audio System:
N/A (typically no integrated infotainment system on this model)
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, digital tachometer, fuel gauge, clock, trip meters, indicator lights
ABS:
Not typically equipped as standard on this model within the specified year range.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,700 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Inspection:
Every 3,700 miles (6,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Belt Drive Inspection:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher (Kawasakis's recommendation is typically semi-synthetic or full synthetic)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.2 US qt (3.0 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads, tires, clutch plates, belt drive components
Potential Issues:
Occasional regulator/rectifier failures (as with many air/liquid-cooled V-twins), fuel injector cleaning, belt tension adjustment
Kawasaki Motorcycle Legacy:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has a long history of producing motorcycles, known for innovation and performance across various segments.
Vulcan Lineage:
The Vulcan line has been a staple of Kawasaki's cruiser offerings for decades, evolving from smaller displacement models to the popular 900cc platform.
Vulcan 900 Introduction:
The Vulcan 900 platform was introduced in 2006 (as a 2006 model for some variants), establishing a successful mid-size cruiser segment for the brand.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (typically)