Cruisers
2016Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
47 fields on record
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom is a middleweight cruiser that delivers classic styling with modern reliability, featuring a liquid-cooled V2 engine producing 48 horsepower and 59 foot-pounds of torque. Ideal for riders seeking an accessible entry into cruiser culture, it combines manageable performance with the iconic low-slung aesthetic that defines the Vulcan lineage. Known for its smooth belt-driven power delivery and comfortable ergonomics, it appeals to both novice riders and experienced cruiser enthusiasts seeking a versatile, dependable machine.
- Capacity
- 903.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 277.1 kg
- Seat height
- 686 mm
- Power
- 48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 5700 RPM
What’s new for the 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom
vs the 2015| Spec | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) | 48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 5700 RPM |
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- 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 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
- 78.9 Nm (8.0 kgf-m) @ 3500 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.1732 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 digital 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
- Rear suspension
- Uni-Trak swingarm, 7-way adjustable spring preload
- Front wheel travel
- 150 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 104 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 33.0°
- Trail
- 183 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc. Hydraulic.
- Front brakes diameter
- 272 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc. Hydraulic.
- Rear brakes diameter
- 242 mm
- Front tyre
- 80/90-21
- Rear tyre
- 180/70-15
Other
- Color options
- Pearl Crystal White/Metallic Carbon Gray
- Warranty
- 12
- 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 | 2012 | 2016 | 2017 | 2021 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 903 cc | 903 cc | 903 cc | 903 cc | 903 cc | 903 cc |
| Dry weight | 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 |
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 Custom?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a Capacity of 903.0 ccm (55.10 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom have?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a Power of 48.0 HP (35.0 kW) @ 5700 RPM.
How many gears does the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom have?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
What is the torque of the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a Torque of 78.9 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 58.2 ft.lbs) @ 3500 RPM.
How much does the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom weigh?
The 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom has a Wet weight of 277.1 kg (610.9 pounds).
Shop this bike
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