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Cruisers

2012Kawasaki VN 900 Custom

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The 2012 Kawasaki VN 900 Custom is a mid-sized cruiser ideal for riders seeking accessible performance and classic styling. Its 903cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, manageable torque perfect for highway cruising and city riding. Known for its affordable price point and reliable liquid-cooled engine, it appeals to both beginner and experienced cruiser enthusiasts.

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
Other years 2011 2012 2013 2014

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 28Agility 38Comfort 68Off-road 5Touring 55Road manners 60
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
At 685mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2012 Kawasaki VN 900 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 →

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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
Other
Color options
Orange

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 2011201220132014
Capacity 903 cc 903 cc 903 cc 903 cc
Seat height 685 mm 685 mm 680 mm 685 mm
Fuel capacity 20 L 20 L 20 L 20 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the Kawasaki VN 900 Custom?

The 2012 Kawasaki VN 900 Custom has a Capacity of 903.0 ccm (55.10 cubic inches).

What engine power does the Kawasaki VN 900 Custom have?

The 2012 Kawasaki VN 900 Custom has a Power of 49.6 HP (36.5 kW) @ 5700 RPM.

How many gears does the Kawasaki VN 900 Custom have?

The 2012 Kawasaki VN 900 Custom has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the Kawasaki VN 900 Custom?

The 2012 Kawasaki VN 900 Custom has a Torque of 78.0 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 57.5 ft.lbs) @ 3700 RPM.

How much does the Kawasaki VN 900 Custom weigh?

The 2012 Kawasaki VN 900 Custom has a Wet weight of 278.0 kg (612.9 pounds).

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