2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic / Custom / Classic LT [Specs, Features, Photos]

The 2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 900: Ride Long & Prosper

Model Overview
Specifications
Features
Photos
Videos
Links

Kawasaki’s quintessential middleweight road cruiser might not break any world records—but that’s probably just because Guinness doesn’t have a category for “best all-rounder”. There’s a good reason newer motorcyclists who want to learn how to ride bigger, badder bikes have been flocking to the Vulcan for over two decades—and a good reason why Kawasaki has barely changed the bike’s fundamental design in almost that long.

We’ll come right out and say it: this bike slaps. That’s just as true for this year’s model as it has been for every iteration of the Vulcan 900 since 2006, when it got its last major upgrade. Not giving a bike any significant upgrades for sixteen years is either the most audacious or the laziest move we’ve ever seen a major bike manufacturer make—and as we should all know by now, the folks at Kawasaki are anything but lazy. Leaving this model alone for so long was nothing less than a vote of utter confidence in its capabilities, and the 2022 Vulcan 900 still lives up to those long-established expectations.

You still get the now-classic 4-stroke, 55-degree, liquid-cooled 903cc V-twin engine—producing 50 hp and 58.2 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. The 5 speed transmission still has Kawasaki’s user-friendly positive neutral finder, making it easier for newer cruiser riders to take their hand off the clutch at a stop without accidentally stalling. Floorboards, a heel shifter, and a nice low seat all contribute to making this bike a real easy rider, just as they always have.

The Vulcan 900 is still a heavy motorcycle, too. The Classic trim has a curb weight of 619.6 lbs, while the slightly stripped down Custom weighs 610.6 lbs and the saddlebag-and-windscreen-accoutred Classic LT comes in at 657.1 lbs with all accessories attached. But if you’re looking for a big, friendly road cruiser with a V-twin bark far worse than its bite, it’s hard to do better than this.

The Vulcan’s got some competition from the other big Japanese bike brands—like the Suzuki Boulevard C50 and the Yamaha Bolt R-Spec—but it’s likely the most compelling choice for riders craving a balance of reliable power and badass old-school cruiser styling. We’re happy to see this old friend in Kawasaki’s 2022 lineup.

The 2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic starts at $8,499 USD / $10,299 CAD, the 900 Custom starts at $8,999 USD / $10,499 CAD, and the 900 Classic LT starts at $9,499 USD / $11,899 CAD.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 in one place.

Model Overview

General Info

Price: $8,499 USD / $10,299 CAD
Key Features:
- Dual-throttle valves
- Wide drag bars
- Parallel slash cut exhaust pipes
- Positive neutral finder
- Heel shifter
- Floorboards
- Classic teardrop tank

Main Specs

Engine: 903cc 4-stroke, 55-degree, liquid-cooled V-twin
Power: 50 hp
Torque: 58.2 lb.-ft @ 3500 rpm
Curb Weight: 619.6 lbs. (281 kg) for Classic base model
Seat Height: 26.8 in (681 mm) at lowest point

Competitors

2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	903 cc 4-stroke, 55-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled
Power	50 HP
Bore x Stroke	88.0 x 74.2mm
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Fuel System	DFI 34mm Throttle Bodies (2), with sub-throttle valves
Starter	Electric
Lubrication
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	5-speed with positive neutral finder
Final Drive	Kevlar-reinforced belt
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	41mm Showa telescopic fork/5.9 in
Suspension Rear	Uni-Trak® swingarm, 7-way adjustable spring preload/4.1 in
Brakes Front	Single 300mm hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear	Single 270mm hydraulic disc
Tires Front	130/90-16
Tires Rear	180/70-15
Fuel Tank Capacity	5.3 gal
Color	Metallic Dark Green/Pearl Robotic White
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	TCBI w/ Electronic Advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	97.0 in
Overall Width	39.6 in
Overall Height	41.9 in
Wheelbase	64.8 in
Ground Clearance	5.3 in
Seat Height	26.8 in
Curb Weight	619.6 lb*
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 Months
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12, 24, or 36 months

2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	903 cc 4-stroke, 55-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled
Power	50 HP
Bore x Stroke	88.0 x 74.2mm
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Fuel System	DFI 34mm Throttle Bodies (2), with sub-throttle valves
Starter	Electric
Lubrication
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	5-speed with positive neutral finder
Final Drive	Kevlar-reinforced belt
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	41mm Showa telescopic fork/5.9 in
Suspension Rear	Uni-Trak® swingarm, 7-way adjustable spring preload/4.1 in
Brakes Front	Single 300mm hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear	Single 270mm hydraulic disc
Tires Front	80/90-21
Tires Rear	180/70-15
Fuel Tank Capacity	5.3 gal
Color	Pearl Robotic White/Pearl Nightshade Teal
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	TCBI w/ Electronic Advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	94.7 in
Overall Width	35.2 in
Overall Height	44.1 in
Wheelbase	64.8 in
Ground Clearance	5.5 in
Seat Height	27 in
Curb Weight	610.8 lb*
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 Months
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12, 24, or 36 months

2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT Specifications

From Kawasaki

ENGINE
Engine	903 cc 4-stroke, 55-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled
Power	50 HP
Bore x Stroke	88.0 x 74.2mm
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Fuel System	DFI 34mm Throttle Bodies (2), with sub-throttle valves
Starter	Electric
Lubrication
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch
Transmission	5-speed with positive neutral finder
Final Drive	Kevlar-reinforced belt
CHASSIS
Suspension Front	41mm Showa telescopic fork/5.9 in
Suspension Rear	Uni-Trak® swingarm, 7-way adjustable spring preload/4.1 in
Brakes Front	Single 300mm hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear	Single 270mm hydraulic disc
Tires Front	130/90-16
Tires Rear	180/70-15
Fuel Tank Capacity	5.3 gal
Color	Pearl Robotic White/Pearl Nightshade Teal
ELECTRICAL
Ignition	TCBI w/ Electronic Advance
Spark Plugs
Headlight	LED
Tail Light	LED
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length	97.0 in
Overall Width	39.6 in
Overall Height	58.3 in
Wheelbase	64.8 in
Ground Clearance	5.3 in
Seat Height	26.8 in
Curb Weight	657.1 lb*
WARRANTY
Warranty	12 Months
Kawasaki Protection Plus	12, 24, or 36 months

2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic / Custom / Classic LT Features

Late-model sport bikes often use large-bore throttle bodies to generate high levels of power. However, with large diameter throttles, when a rider suddenly opens the throttle, the unrestricted torque response can be strong. Dual throttle valve technology was designed to tame engine response while contributing to performance. On models with dual throttle valves, there are two throttle valves per cylinder: in addition to the main valves, which are physically linked to the throttle grip and controlled by the rider, a second set of valves, opened and closed by the ECU, precisely regulates intake airflow to ensure a natural, linear response. With the air passing through the throttle bodies becoming smoother, combustion efficiency is improved and power is increased.