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Cruisers

2009Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

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The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is an accessible mid-size cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with manageable performance. Its 903cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine delivers strong low-end torque ideal for casual riding and commuting. Known for reliability and an approachable seat height, it appeals to cruiser enthusiasts and newer riders alike.

Capacity: 903.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Wet weight: 277.1 kg
Seat height: 686 mm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (1)

What’s new for the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

vs the 2008

Spec	2008	2009
Torque	82.0 Nm (8.4 kgf-m or 60.5 ft.lbs)	78.9 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 58.2 ft.lbs)
Dry weight	249.0 kg (549.0 pounds)	not listed
Rear suspension	Uni-Trak® swingarm, seven-way adjustable spring preload / 4.1 in.	Uni-Track® swingarm, seven-way adjustable spring preload / 4.1 in.

Other years 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring45%

Two-up45%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed boulevard cruising and short-to-medium rides where style and low-end torque matter more than outright speed.
Built for: A classic V-twin custom cruiser with a big front wheel, laid-back stance, and torque-focused feel rather than high-rev excitement.
Not ideal for: Not a good fit for riders seeking sharp cornering performance, high-speed touring comfort, or any kind of off-road capability.

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

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 686mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 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 →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 903.0 ccm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)
EPA Certificate No.: 9KAXC.903AAB-006
EPA CO Emissions: 3.1 CO g/km
Torque: 78.9 Nm (8.0 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1804 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: TCBI with Electronic Advance
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Forced lubrication, wet sump

Transmission

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

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1646 mm
Overall length: 2405 mm
Overall width: 894 mm
Overall height: 1120 mm
Seat height: 686 mm
Wet weight: 277.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.10 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm
Dry weight: Not on record - add it

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Front suspension: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension: Uni-Track® swingarm, seven-way adjustable spring preload / 4.1 in.
Front wheel travel: 150 mm
Rear wheel travel: 104 mm
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 183 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 300 mm
Front tyre: 80/90-21
Rear tyre: 180/70-15

Other

Color options: Metallic Midnight Sapphire Blue, Candy Burnt Orange, Special Edition Ebony
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

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	2007	2009	2012	2017	2021	2026
Capacity	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc
Dry weight	249 kg	—	—	—	—	—
Seat height	686 mm	686 mm	686 mm	686 mm	685 mm	686 mm
Fuel capacity	20.1 L	20.1 L	20.1 L	20.1 L	20 L	20.1 L

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

Safety Recalls

⚠ 1 recall may apply

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGESOct 2010 · 10V507000

KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 VULCAN MOTORCYCLES. THE ENGINE MAY STALL IF THE RIDER IS COASTING WITH THE CLUTCH PULLED IN DUE TO AN IMPROPER SETTING OF THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU).

Risk: ENGINE STALLING COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ECU WITH ONE CONTAINING REVISED SETTINGS TO ADDRESS THE ENGINE STALLING. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI CONSUMER SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 1-866-802-9381.

These recalls cover some 2009 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Kawasaki recalls →