Cruisers

2011Kawasaki VN900 Custom

37 fields on record

The 2011 Kawasaki VN 900 Custom is a middleweight cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Its 903cc V-twin engine delivers manageable power and strong low-end torque, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced cruiser enthusiasts. Known for its retro aesthetic and comfortable ergonomics, it offers an accessible entry point into the cruiser category.

Capacity: 903.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Wet weight: 278.0 kg
Seat height: 685 mm
Power: 49.6 HP (36.5 kW) @ 5700 RPM

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What’s new for the 2011 Kawasaki VN900 Custom

vs the 2010

Spec	2010	2011
Power	108.4 HP (79.7 kW)	49.6 HP (36.5 kW) @ 5700 RPM
Dry weight	278.0 kg (612.9 pounds)	not listed
Wet weight	282.0 kg (621.7 pounds)	278.0 kg (612.9 pounds)
Front suspension	41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.	41 mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension	Uni-Track® swingarm, seven-way adjustable spring preload / 4.1 in.	Uni-Trak

Other years 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding55%

Daily riding55%

Touring55%

Two-up45%

Track10%

Best for: Built for laid-back boulevard cruising and short-to-medium distance rides where style and comfort matter more than speed.
Built for: A classic, torque-focused V-twin cruiser with a relaxed throttle response and an easygoing, unhurried personality.
Not ideal for: Not suited to riders seeking sharp cornering performance, off-road capability, or high-speed touring comfort.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 685mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2011 Kawasaki VN900 Custom, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 903.0 ccm
Power: 49.6 HP (36.5 kW) @ 5700 RPM
Torque: 78.0 Nm (8.0 kgf-m) @ 3700 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1784 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke: 88.0 x 74.2 mm
Compression: 9.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Digital
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced Lubrication, wet sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Wet multi-disc, manual

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1645 mm
Overall length: 2405 mm
Overall width: 895 mm
Overall height: 1120 mm
Seat height: 685 mm
Wet weight: 278.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.00 litres
Ground clearance: 135 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Double-cradle, steel
Front suspension: 41 mm telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak
Rake (fork angle): 33.0°
Trail: 182 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 270 mm
Front tyre: 80/90-M21
Rear tyre: 180/70-M15

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014
Capacity	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc
Dry weight	278 kg	278 kg	—	—	—	—
Seat height	686 mm	686 mm	685 mm	685 mm	680 mm	685 mm
Fuel capacity	20.1 L	20.1 L	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L