“If you fancy a change from the vanilla side of biking then a Metric Cruiser like the VN900 is probably one of the best places to start.”
WORDS: Steve Cooper PHOTOS: Mortons Archive
Not everyone wants or needs out-and out-speed. For many sports bikes are simply too much and, if you’re not into transcontinental stuff, an adventure bike possibly isn’t what you’re after. There was a time when ‘factory custom’ bikes were the subject of ridicule, derision and mockery, but times and attitudes change, fortunately. If the laid-back style of a big cruiser appeals but you don’t want the price penalty of a Milwaukee motor, take a look at the Kawasaki VN900.
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Background
The VN900 owes its existence to a piece of American protectionist legislation. Ronald Reagan’s 1980s administration slapped a 45% tariff on imported motorcycles over 700ccs in the naive expectation that it’d drastically effect Japanese sales – back in Japan the factories simply built 699cc versions of their old 750s! Initially the VN was sold as the VN700 until the tariff was rescinded in 1986 and the bike renamed Vulcan at the same time. From there a veritable raft of hugely successful VNs or Vulcans have been made by Kawasaki. Arguably it’s the V twins that are the ‘true’ VNs, but there’ve also been 400-650 parallel twins dropped into the range in some markets.
The bike
Arguably, the VN900 is the best of the bunch from the range and possibly the exemplar of the whole Metric Cruise scene if we’re being honest here. None of the genre are sylph-like wraiths but despite an all-up weight of 281 kilos it handles better than you might expect. If you feel its looks are somewhat subjective you’re probably looking in the wrong bazaar – the VN900 is bang on for the market place it’s sold into. Admittedly, some of the factory customs are on the wrong side of polite taste but this one rocks its looks. If there is such a thing as restrained taste within this scene it’s embodied here. These bikes are as much about styling as they are anything else and the bike is both beautifully detailed whilst remaining decidedly understated. The engine finning and cylinder head covers are a work of art; the tank, seat, rear guard would have been show winners a decade or so ago; the rear suspension system is exquisitely engineered to look like a hard tail… the detailing just goes on and on. The more you look the more you see as the saying goes, and you begin to appreciate that this is not some hastily thrown together ‘make them cheap, bang them out fast’ motorcycle.
Where some manufacturers might have used the minimum of technology and sophistication on a ‘Harley clone’, Kawasaki went the opposite way. The top-end runs four valves in each cylinder head actuated via a chain-driven cam. The motor is liquid cooled for efficiency and quietness; a pair of dual throttle fuel injectors fire in the juice; and there’s a belt final drive for ultimate transmission smoothness. The over bore/stroke square motor may ‘only’ offer some 50 horses at 5700rpm but there’s 52lb-ft of torque available at just 3700 revs, making the bike really easy to hustle – it’s more than capable of making decent progress!
Despite being a ‘faux chopper’, the bike handles well for its weight and size. Rider feedback is reassuringly positive in almost every aspect of ownership. If your benchmark for brakes is six-pot whatevers then you’re likely to be disappointed, but for a metric cruiser they are good. Comfort is a relative concept but once again the Vulcan seems to come out well when set alongside its peers
Home servicing is eminently possible which keeps ownership costs down, and riders report fuel consumption figures of some 60mpg when cruising on a steady throttle and motorway speeds. The later models are fitted with a 21-inch front wheel which some feel increases the ride stability, but that does not imply the earlier 16-inch wheel models were/are anything less than planted on the road.
Kawasaki doubtless made the appropriate changes to the frame’s geometries. Metric Cruisers might be an acquired taste but sample a Vulcan and chances are you’ll be smitten – they really are rather good.
Lineage and Legacy
From the 1985 VN700 the V twin ran in 750 form until 2006 with numerous updates and revisions. A subtle growth in bore size delivered the 800 version which ran from 1995 -2006 before an increase in piston stroke produced the 900 here. 2002 saw the arrival of the long-awaited, big-capacity Vulcan in the guise of the VN1600, built to take on larger-capacity Harley Davidsons. These were on sale from 2002-2008. 2004-2010 witnessed the arrival of the supposedly ultimate Vulcan 2000 which was quoted as delivering some 140+lb-ft of torque! It is the 900 that has remained on sale since in many markets.
Why you might want one now
Ultimately, riding bikes like the VN900 is an entirely different experience from a lot of what many might call mainstream motorcycling but that genuinely depends upon your perspective. If you fancy a change from the vanilla side of biking then a Metric Cruiser like the VN900 is probably one of the best places to start. Hugely reliable, a proven design, reasonable mass/size for the genre and with a bucketload of torque. Stylish without being gauche; subtly understated yet not boring; rock-solid reliable and apparently timeless looks; there’s really little about a VN900 not to like.
Typical Prices
Later models from a dealer are in the £6200 to £8000 bracket so we’ll swerve these. Imports with NOVA paperwork in decent condition seem to start just north of £3000; topping out at around £4500 for something exceptional.
A lot of VNs are tricked out with accessories but that doesn’t mean the bike is necessarily worth more, so negotiate accordingly. There’re a fair number with dealers around £5500 on low mileage in excellent condition and that’s where we’d be looking. A cheeky sub 5k cash offer should see you cruising home in style.
Faults and Foibles
1. FINAL DRIVE
The rear drive belt needs to be in A1 condition so bargain hard if it looks in the least bit worn. Transmission noise can come from improperly tensioned belts.
2. CHROME
It needs to be in tip-top condition to justify good money. Replating is now getting extremely expensive.
3. CHOICES & OPTIONS
Kawasaki has offered several versions so gen up on which models had what and don’t pay too much for standard fitments!
4. OIL PUMP
Clicking from the engine could be a noisy oil pump. It’s a known but uncommon issue. If it’s affected, walk away.
5. CLUTCH
Poor or noisy gear section may be due to improperly adjusted clutch and/or worn plates.
6. ELECTRICS
Alternator stators can fail; old batteries can cause charging issues; regulator/rectifier have been known to fail.
Summary
The Kawasaki Vulcan VN900 is very probably the firm’s most rounded Metric Cruiser and quite possibly one of the best of its kind. With decent brakes, sufficient power and a high-end build quality, it easily outclassed some of its marketplace rivals.
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