Vulcanised

The Kawasaki VN900 debuted in 2007 (along with the spoke-wheeled ‘Classic’ variant) as the VN range’s middleweight took a 100cc capacity hike and lost the ‘Indian’ styling.

Over the years there were few changes, in 2011 chrome was dropped in favour of matt black wheels and downpipes. The last year the 900 was on the official listing was 2017, leaving the 650 Vulcan as the only cruiser in Kawasaki’s current range.

We rode a 2017 bike with 9417 miles on the clock (post test), Highway Hawk footboards (rider and pillion), official Kawasaki backrest and rack, plus large spongy touring grips.

Give me some spec

A 903cc V-twin engine, housed in a steel double-cradle frame, gives maximum torque of 78Nm at 3700rpm and maximum power of just 53hp at 5700rpm. Bringing the 249kg down from the reputed 115mph top speed is a single (non-ABS) 300mm, four-piston front disc, supported by a 270mm, two-piston rear.

So what’s it like to ride?

I’d not normally start with the handling, but given the weird mix of narrow 80-section 21in front and fat 180-section 15in rear, you wonder how this thing will go round a bend. Answer: Pretty well. Lean on the highrise drag bars, press on the footboard, it turns easily if slowly, rock solid once over. There’s ample ground clearance, more than a bike with a 685mm seat height suggests, it took a decreasing radius bend with no problems.

So it turns. It’s also a nice bike to ride generally. You sit wrapped round the tank, no pressure on the lower spine. The saddle is firm but very comfortable, you could easily ride the Vulcan nonstop to refill time (around 180 miles). The gearbox is solid and precise; the clutch isn’t a lightweight, but nowhere near Harley-heavy. The aftermarket boards were comfortable enough, but I’d prefer pegs.

The engine’s best bits come early in the rev range. Maximum torque at 3700rpm, I found changing up early kept it smooth, that under-stressed engine feeding power to the belt drive in a linear fashion.

Stopping? Not this bike’s star turn. It’ll haul you up, but given the size of this bike I would have liked a second disc up front. But it is all controlled and unthreatening.

Mirrors sit oddly offset, but work really well. The clock is sited on the tank. It looks great and has basic but sufficient information. It’s not ‘at a glance’ friendly though – not ideal when you’re approaching a speed camera in heavy traffic and need to keep your eyes on the road. If you like long relaxed rides, then take a serious look at the VN900 Vulcan.

What nick is it in?

The sole owner clearly loved this bike. It’s been kept in pristine condition.

What’s it worth?

The dealer wants £5895 for a 2017 bike with 9417 miles recorded. A search revealed a small number available with prices ranging from £3688 for a 2008 bike with 11,000 miles logged to a 2016 model with 3758 miles on the clock for £6499.