2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

Styled to match the heavyweights, yet with all of the features that make the growing mid-size market so popular. Cruising motorcycle enthusiasts, whether experienced or new to the fold, find themselves seeking that perfect combination of power, torque, styling, and comfort. For those just joining the mid-size cruising “family” prior choices have been short on many attributes that signify the rider's perception of “why” they found motorcycles so appealing. And, for the experienced “big bike” riders, the inclination to seek a better balanced mid-size with the look and feel of the larger V-twins hasn't been an option. Kawasaki evens the playing field for 2006, with the introduction of the Vulcan® 900 Classic, a motorcycle that will find a quick home with both of these groups. Highlighted by styling that is drawn from the long, low look of Kawasaki's Vulcan 2000 Classic, this entry in the mid-size cruising category is a sure winner. Both entry-level riders and those who have never been able to tap the feeling that goes with a heavyweight ride, will enjoy this maneuverable mid-size package. Its 903 cc engine—delivering exceptional roll-on acceleration—places this Vulcan firmly at the top of its class. With a style and physical presence that were previously unavailable in this displacement arena, it will not only fit in with many larger cruisers, it will do so while offering a better value, easier maneuverability, and better performance than some. The Vulcan 900 lays claim to the highest power and torque in its class. Designers matched the “extra” displacement of the Vulcan 900 power plant with “extra” physical charisma and class-leading ergonomics. The freshly styled fenders and fuel tank add a slight curve to the traditional cruiser shapes. Its polished chrome-accented air cleaner and chrome headlight design keep it connected to its cruiser roots. Adding to the stylistic “eye-candy” are a very modern flair emanating from its new bodywork, an LED taillight, and new low-slung seat height. Curved engine fins add visual interest to the traditional look of the big, fuel-injected V-twin, while the four valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled reliability, and smooth highway cruising aided by the engine's counter balancer make this a worthy new entry in Kawasaki's Vulcan stable. The Vulcan 900 Classic features a belt drive that not only keeps the overall weight down, but also improves rear-end styling and provides the rider with additional customizing opportunities. Any mention of rear-end styling has to include this unit's use of a large, 180mm wide rear tire, largest in the category. The beefy, “big bike” look inherent with the larger tire adds to the guttural, classic V-twin sound that is produced by the use of a single-pin crankshaft. Both look and sound evoke the feel of a much larger motorcycle. But the larger look and feel need not exclude any potential rider. The low seat height makes the Vulcan 900 accessible to shorter riders and its tapered seat flows comfortably into the large capacity fuel tank and lower chassis rails and provide a narrowed shape, which makes it comfortable for all riders. At home around town or when the open road calls it, this motorcycle is built for hour upon hour of riding pleasure. The wide handlebars offer an ideal relationship between the seat, and footboards, making for an extremely comfortable mount. The ergonomically designed front bucket seat is comfortable enough for any distance, and the pillion pad make sharing the two-wheeled experience with a friend effortless.