Market Segment:
Mid-size cruiser motorcycle, known for its classic styling and comfortable ride.
Competitors:
Honda Shadow series, Yamaha V-Star series, Suzuki Boulevard series.
Styling:
Classic cruiser aesthetic with spoke wheels, teardrop fuel tank, and ample chrome accents.
Ride Comfort:
Ergonomic seating position, compliant suspension, and low seat height contribute to comfortable long-distance riding.
Years Covered:
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Estimated Page Count:
~600-800 (typical for full service manuals)
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnosis, carburetor/fuel injection systems, ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, repair, clutch operation, lubrication, shift mechanism.
Frame And Bodywork:
Chassis inspection, front fork assembly, rear suspension, wheels, tires, brakes (front and rear), steering system, body panels, seats, fuel tank.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), ignition system, lighting system, starter motor, instrumentation, switches, fuses.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable), fuel filter, fuel injection (EFI) system components, throttle body, injectors, ECU operation.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustments, spark plug replacement), pre-ride checks, periodic inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault finding, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and electrical system repairs.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, cleaning, reassembly, and installation with torque specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and repair.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, V-twin, SOHC, 8-valve
Displacement:
892 cc (54.5 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 x 74.0 mm
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Horsepower:
Approx. 46 hp @ 5500 rpm (claimed)
Torque:
Approx. 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (claimed)
Fuel Induction:
Fuel Injection (DFI) with dual 34mm throttle bodies, sub-throttle valves.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Fuel Tank Capacity:
20 liters (5.3 US gal)
Crash Test Ratings:
Not applicable for motorcycles in the same way as cars.
Brakes Front:
270 mm disc with 2-piston caliper
Brakes Rear:
270 mm disc with 2-piston caliper
ABS:
Optional on some later models, not standard on all VN900B variants.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight and brake light.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, digital tachometer, fuel gauge, clock, trip meter, gear position indicator (on some models).
ABS:
As mentioned, optional on certain model years/trims.
Connectivity Features:
None (no Bluetooth or smartphone integration).
Engine Oil Change:
Every 6,000 km (3,700 miles) or 6 months.
Air Filter Cleaning:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 18,000 km (11,000 miles).
Belt Tension Check:
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-40 API SG, JASO MA approved.
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.0 L (3.2 US qt) without filter change; 3.2 L (3.4 US qt) with filter change.
Coolant:
Not applicable (air-cooled engine).
Common Wear Items:
Drive belt wear, brake pad wear, potential for stator failure in some older models (though less common on this generation than earlier Vulcans).
Idle Instability:
Can sometimes occur due to vacuum leaks or minor fuel system issues, addressable with proper EFI diagnosis.
Kawasaki Legacy:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has a long history of producing motorcycles, known for performance and reliability.
Vulcan Lineage:
The Vulcan line has been a staple of Kawasaki's cruiser offerings since the 1980s, with the 900cc V-twin platform being a significant iteration.
Production Period:
2006 - Present (VN900 platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily)