2008Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

★ 4.5

45 fields on record

The 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a mid-sized cruiser designed for riders seeking accessible power and classic styling. Its liquid-cooled 903cc V-twin engine delivers strong low-end torque ideal for relaxed highway cruising. Known for reliability and comfortable ergonomics, it appeals to both cruiser enthusiasts and those transitioning from smaller bikes.

Capacity: 903.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Dry weight: 249.0 kg
Seat height: 686 mm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)

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

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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 686mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 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.: 8KAXC.903AAA-013-R01; 8KAXC.903AAB-016
EPA CO Emissions: 3.0 CO g/km
Torque: 82.0 Nm (8.4 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.2008 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: 2405 mm
Overall width: 894 mm
Overall height: 1120 mm
Seat height: 686 mm
Dry weight: 249.0 kg
Wet weight: 277.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 20.10 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Front suspension: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak® swingarm, seven-way adjustable spring preload / 4.1 in.
Front wheel travel: 150 mm
Rear wheel travel: 104 mm
Rake (fork angle): 33.0°
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 Diablo Black, Passion Red, Candy Lime Green
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	2008	2012	2017	2021	2026
Capacity	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc	903 cc
Dry weight	249 kg	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