Cruisers

2011Kawasaki VN900 Classic

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The 2011 Kawasaki VN 900 Classic is a middleweight cruiser designed for riders seeking an accessible, manageable platform with authentic cruiser styling. Its 903cc V-twin engine delivers smooth, torquey power ideal for laid-back riding and highway cruising. Known for reliability, affordability, and easy handling, it's best suited for new cruiser enthusiasts and those preferring a lighter alternative to larger displacement bikes.

Capacity: 903.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 264.0 kg
Seat height: 680 mm
Power: 49.6 HP (36.5 kW)

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What’s new for the 2011 Kawasaki VN900 Classic

vs the 2010

Spec	2010	2011
Dry weight	—	264.0 kg (582.0 pounds)
Front suspension	41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.	41 mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload
Rear suspension	Uni-Track® swingarm, seven-way adjustable spring preload / 4.1 in.	Uni-Trak
Front brakes	Single disc. Twin-piston	Single disc
Rear brakes	Single disc. Twin-piston	Single disc

Other years 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail10%

Cornering35%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring55%

Two-up45%

Track10%

Best for: Built for relaxed cruising and boulevard riding rather than outright speed or sport performance.
Built for: A classic-styled V-twin cruiser that delivers a laid-back, torque-driven ride with traditional custom aesthetics.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders seeking high-speed touring, sport handling, 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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 680mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2011 Kawasaki VN900 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: 49.6 HP (36.5 kW)
Torque: 78.0 Nm (8.0 kgf-m) @ 3700 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1879 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: 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: 1650 mm
Overall length: 2436 mm
Overall width: 1005 mm
Overall height: 1065 mm
Seat height: 680 mm
Dry weight: 264.0 kg
Wet weight: 282.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.00 litres
Ground clearance: 135 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Double-cradle, steel
Front suspension: 41 mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak
Front wheel travel: 150 mm
Rear wheel travel: 100 mm
Rake (fork angle): 32.0°
Trail: 160 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Single disc
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter: 270 mm
Front tyre: 130/90-M16
Rear tyre: 180/70-M15

Other

Color options: Black

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	—	—	264 kg	264 kg	264 kg	264 kg
Seat height	—	680 mm	680 mm	680 mm	680 mm	680 mm
Fuel capacity	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L	20 L