Cruisers

2012Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

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The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a mid-sized cruiser designed for riders seeking accessible, manageable power with classic styling. Its 903cc V-twin engine delivers smooth torque ideal for highway cruising and relaxed riding. Known for comfort, reliability, and a user-friendly riding experience, it appeals to both novice and experienced cruiser enthusiasts.

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)

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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 2012 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 →

Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based 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.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 903.0 ccm
Power: 50.0 HP (36.8 kW)
CO2 Emissions: 115 CO2 g/km
EPA Certificate No.: CKAXC.903AAB-001
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 4.90 L/100km (48.0 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 3.1 CO g/km
Torque: 78.9 Nm (8.0 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
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: Double cradle, high-tensile steel
Front suspension: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Rear suspension: Uni-Trak swingarm, 7-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