Cruisers

2008Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

44 fields on record

The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic is a mid-sized cruiser designed for riders seeking classic styling with modern reliability. Its 903cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine delivers accessible power and torque, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cruiser enthusiasts. Known for comfortable cruising, affordable ownership, and timeless retro aesthetics, it remains a popular entry point into the cruiser category.

Capacity: 903.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 253.1 kg
Seat height: 681 mm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

Other years 2006 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%

Cornering30%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring52%

Two-up45%

Track5%

Best for: A classic-styled cruiser built for relaxed boulevard rides and easy weekend cruising rather than outright speed or sport handling.
Built for: Delivers a laid-back, torque-rich cruiser experience with classic Vulcan styling, a smooth V-twin thrum, and unhurried acceleration.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking sharp cornering ability, high top-end speed, or any 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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 681mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic, 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.: 8KAXC.903AAA-013-R01; 8KAXC.903AAB-016
EPA CO Emissions: 3.0 CO g/km
Torque: 82.4 Nm (8.4 kgf-m) @ 3700 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1976 HP/kg (dry)
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: 2464 mm
Overall width: 1006 mm
Overall height: 1064 mm
Seat height: 681 mm
Dry weight: 253.1 kg
Wet weight: 281.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.10 litres
Ground clearance: 135 mm

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension: Uni-Track® swingarm / 4.1 in.
Front wheel travel: 150 mm
Rear wheel travel: 104 mm
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 160 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 272 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 272 mm
Front tyre: 130/90-16
Rear tyre: 180/70-15

Other

Color options: Ebony, Candy Cardinal Red, Candy Caribbean Blue, Metallic Titanium
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

Specs last verified against published sources: September 2026.

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	2006	2008	2011	2016	2021	2026
Capacity	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc
Dry weight	253 kg	253 kg	—	—	—	—
Seat height	681 mm	681 mm	681 mm	681 mm	680 mm	681 mm
Fuel capacity	18.2 L	20.1 L	20.1 L	20.1 L	20 L	20.1 L