Cruisers
2016Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
48 fields on record
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic is a middleweight cruiser designed for riders seeking accessible, laid-back riding with classic styling. Its 52-degree V-twin engine delivers smooth, manageable power ideal for both newcomers and experienced cruiser enthusiasts. Known for comfortable ergonomics, reliable performance, and timeless aesthetics, it excels as an affordable entry point into cruiser culture.
- Capacity
- 903.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 281.1 kg
- Seat height
- 681 mm
- Power
- 48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 5700 RPM
What’s new for the 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic
vs the 2015| Spec | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) | 48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 78.9 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 58.2 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM | 77.0 Nm (7.9 kgf-m or 56.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM |
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- 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 usRange and running costs
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usBased on the published US (EPA-style) fuel economy estimate and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.
Engine
- Capacity
- 903.0 ccm
- Power
- 48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 5700 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 115 CO2 g/km
- EPA Certificate No.
- GKAXC.903AAB-009
- EPA Est. Fuel Consumption
- 4.90 L/100km (48.0 US mpg)
- EPA CO Emissions
- 3.1 CO g/km
- Torque
- 77.0 Nm (7.9 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1708 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
- 2464 mm
- Overall width
- 1006 mm
- Overall height
- 1064 mm
- Seat height
- 681 mm
- Wet weight
- 281.1 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 20.10 litres
- Ground clearance
- 135 mm
- Carrying capacity
- Saddle bags
- Dry weight
- Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
- Front suspension
- 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- Uni-Trak swingarm, 7 way adjustable spring preload
- Front wheel travel
- 150 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 104 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 32.0°
- Trail
- 160 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc. Hydraulic. Two-piston calipers.
- Front brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Hydraulic. Two-piston calipers.
- Rear brakes diameter
- 300 mm
- Front tyre
- 130/90-16
- Rear tyre
- 180/70-15
Other
- Color options
- Metallic Imperial Red/Metallic Graphite Gray
- Warranty
- 12
- Fuel Tank Material
- Metal
Specs last verified against published sources: .
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 | 2011 | 2016 | 2021 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 903 cc | 903 cc | 903 cc | 903 cc | 903 cc |
| Dry weight | 253 kg | — | — | — | — |
| Seat height | 681 mm | 681 mm | 681 mm | 680 mm | 681 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 18.2 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.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic has a Capacity of 903.0 ccm (55.10 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic have?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic has a Power of 48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 5700 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic have?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic has a Torque of 77.0 Nm (7.9 kgf-m or 56.8 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic weigh?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic has a Wet weight of 281.1 kg (619.7 pounds).
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