🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kawasaki

Model:

VN900 Custom

Model Variant:

Custom

Years Covered:

2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Chassis Codes:

VN900B (Custom)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Cruiser Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Owners and technicians performing maintenance and repair on Kawasaki VN900 Custom models

Competitors:

Honda Shadow series, Yamaha V-Star series, Suzuki Boulevard series

Motorcycle Type:

Cruiser

Design Philosophy:

Classic styling with modern reliability and performance, tailored for comfortable cruising

📋 Manual Details

Geographical Coverage:

Global (specifications may vary slightly by region, but manual is comprehensive)

Estimated Pages:

500-700 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System

Chassis:

Frame, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Ignition System, Lighting System, Charging System, Starting System, Instruments, Switches, Wiring Diagrams

Bodywork And Accessories:

Body Panels, Fenders, Seat, Fuel Tank, Exhaust System, Controls, Accessories

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, Oil and filter changes, Spark plug replacement, Air filter cleaning/replacement, Brake pad inspection/replacement, Chain maintenance

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, Common problems and solutions, Fault codes (if applicable)

Repair:

Engine disassembly and reassembly, Transmission repair, Carburetor overhaul, Brake system overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement

Technical Data And Specs:

Torque specifications, Clearances, Fluid capacities, Electrical component specifications

Depth:

Comprehensive (covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes (typically for official PDF manuals)

Quality:

High-resolution (designed for clarity and readability)

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

4-stroke, SOHC, V-twin

Displacement:

853 cc

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 x 74.5 mm

Cooling System:

Liquid-cooled

Valve Configuration:

2 valves per cylinder

Horsepower Estimated:

50 HP @ 5700 rpm (approximate, varies by market and tuning)

Torque Estimated:

72 Nm (53.1 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Fuel Injection (EFI)

Carburetion Type:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with dual 34mm throttle bodies

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Ignition System:

Digital CDI

Lubrication System:

Forced lubrication, wet sump

Recommended Oil Grade:

SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher (confirm with manual for specific recommendations)

Oil Capacity With Filter Change:

3.1 L (3.3 US qt) (approximate, verify in manual)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh

Optional Transmission:

N/A (only 5-speed available)

Clutch Type:

Wet, multiple disc

Final Drive:

Belt drive

Gear Ratios:

Detailed in manual (typically includes 1st through 5th gear ratios and final drive ratio)

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

2305 mm (90.7 in)

Overall Width:

895 mm (35.2 in)

Overall Height:

1110 mm (43.7 in)

Wheelbase:

1600 mm (63.0 in)

Ground Clearance:

140 mm (5.5 in)

Seat Height:

705 mm (27.8 in)

Curb Weight:

265 kg (584.2 lbs)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

20 L (5.3 US gal)

Front Tire Size:

80/90-21M/C 48H

Rear Tire Size:

180/70R15M/C 76H

Front Brake Type:

Single 300mm petal disc

Rear Brake Type:

Single 270mm petal disc

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

N/A (Cast wheels with hub assembly)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Not applicable (motorcycle safety ratings are not standardized like automobiles)

Braking System:

Dual petal disc brakes (front and rear) for improved heat dissipation and performance

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight and stoplight, standard turn signals

Frame Construction:

Double-cradle steel frame for stability and rigidity

Ergonomics:

Low seat height and forward-mounted footpegs for comfortable rider control

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic instrumentation: speedometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, neutral indicator, high-beam indicator, turn signal indicators, engine coolant temperature indicator.

Driver Assistance Features:

N/A (No electronic rider aids like ABS or traction control on standard models of this era).

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No Bluetooth or smartphone integration on these models).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months (typical, verify in manual)

Air Filter Check Interval:

Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) (typical, verify in manual)

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) (typical, verify in manual)

Drive Belt Inspection:

Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or annually (typical, verify in manual for tension and condition)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (verify in manual)

Coolant Type:

Kawasaki All Season Motorcycle Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (verify in manual for specific mix ratio)

Fork Oil Type:

Kawasaki Fork Oil G10 or SAE 10W (verify in manual for viscosity and quantity)

Common Wear Items:

Tires, brake pads, clutch plates, drive belt, spark plugs, air filter

Potential Issues:

Fuel sensor readings (rare), minor electrical connections, exhaust system components (corrosion on older models)

Oil Filter Part Number:

Kawasaki 16097-0003 (verify specific application)

📚 Vehicle History

Kawasaki Motorcycles:

Kawasaki Heavy Industries has a long and respected history in motorcycle manufacturing, known for performance and reliability across various segments, including cruisers.

Vn900 Lineage:

The VN900 series, introduced in 2006, built upon Kawasaki's cruiser heritage, offering a modern interpretation of classic styling with a liquid-cooled V-twin engine and belt drive.

Custom Variant Distinction:

The 'Custom' variant typically features unique styling elements such as a larger front wheel (21-inch), different handlebars, and often more chrome or distinctive paint schemes compared to the Classic variant.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (typically, final assembly locations can vary)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards are not widely documented for this particular model year, the VN900 series has generally received positive reviews for its styling, comfortable ride, and value in the mid-size cruiser segment.