4 Ways to Make the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT a Better Cruiser
2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
For three decades, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 — in its various guises — has been letting the good times roll. It’s long been a comfortable, low-maintenance ride that’s good for cruising around town.
And in that regard, this is something the company keeps up to this day, with models like the 2015 Vulcan 900 Classic LT and its variants. That’s also part of the Vulcan’s problem.
Black Dragon (2001 Honda Shadow) by Casa Customs
I think the bikes are solid, but they are in desperate need of a face lift and upgrade like the all-new 2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S. At times, the old Vulcans have felt like a shadow of a Harley-Davidson or a wannabe Indian Motorcycle — like a chunky ‘70s Elvis who needs a ’68 Comeback Special.
Check out the Casa Customs above – now that’s a badass, mother of a modern motorcycle cruiser. Let’s try and image a Vulcanized version and you have yourself one mean machine. Not a bloated refugee of yesteryear.
The 2015 versions are still a bargain motorcycle for the money (starting at $8,999), but design-wise, it needs to enter the 21st century already.
Biker Liz Nguyen versus the Vulcan 900
Vulcan cruisers were first introduced in the U.S. in 1984. The shaft-driven, VN700A had a 699 cc V-twin and looked not much different than the bike you see today — and, as always, it ran well. My cousin owned a black 500 LTD that looked very ‘80s back in the 90s.
2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Forty-Eight
I didn’t care for it, but really enjoyed riding the later 800 and 1500 Drifter versions of the ‘90s, despite them looking like Indian knockoffs. (They had character with a little flare if you didn’t mind fender skirts and the retro colors.)
Now for a great motorcycle design, check out the 2016 Forty-Eight Sportster by Harley-Davidson above. Simple, tough and made in Milwaukee since 1957. It’s a fun, traditional ride that’s good for beginners and novices.
The Casa Customs Honda pictured below is a damn fine looking and reliable looking copycat cruiser and most folks who don’t ride honestly couldn’t tell the difference between makes.
Casa Customs Honda-Davidson
I bought and modified a 2007 Vulcan Mean Streak 1600, which looked retro with its black paint, chrome pipes and whitewall tires. It was a decent ride on the open road but way too big for splitting lanes on the freeway (a necessity in Los Angeles).
So what are the things Kawasaki could do to improve the current Vulcan 900 line? Here are 4 ideas:
1. More power!
A bigger four-cylinder engine would be pretty awesome and could take the Kawasaki Vulcan to the next level. The current 903 cc, liquid-cooled V-Twin engine is fun for regional runs, but sounds like a lawn mower that chirps and whistles when you twist or let go of the throttle. Upgrade the engine and you could have a powerful new bike. You could also incorporate some design elements from the Vulcan S and create a more modern classic.
2. Improve the saddlebags
The soft saddlebags could use a serious refresh. Hard saddlebags and a lock would be nice for starters, as well as room for a half helmet inside of it. Achieve this without looking too chunky and you could have a design element that is practical, too.
3. Cellphone charger, please.
If it’s going to be a modern cruiser why not install a phone charger and holder on the tank? That can’t be too hard of an add on. It’s standard on the Harley-Davidson Road Glide and comes in handy on long road trips. When in doubt, steal from the best.
4. Rethink the design
This is a bulky bike that could definitely use some streamlining to make it more aerodynamic. The giant windshield is fine and great for keeping the rain off your face, but it could be slimmed down so that it fits better into tight parking spots. Let’s start with chopping the front and rear fenders, tuck those pipes underneath the bike and add some candy-colored factory paint options. Now that’s the kind of Vulcan I would be happy to put some miles on.
2015 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT Specs:
POWER
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valves per cylinder V-twin
Displacement: 903cc / 55.1 cu in
Bore x Stroke: 88 x 74.2mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Torque: 58.2 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Fuel System: DFI® with dual 34mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with electronic advance
Transmission: Five-speed with positive neutral finder
Final Drive: Kevlar-reinforced belt
PERFORMANCE
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork / 5.9 in
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: Uni-Trak® swingarm / 4.1 in
Front Tire: 130/90×16
Rear Tire: 180/70×15
Front Brakes: Single 300mm hydraulic disc with two-piston caliper
Rear Brakes: 270mm hydraulic disc
Cooling System: Liquid
DETAILS
Frame Type: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake/Trail: 32 degrees / 6.3 in
Overall Length: 97.0 in
Overall Width: 39.6 in
Overall Height: 58.3 in
Ground Clearance: 5.3 in
Seat Height: 26.8 in
Curb Weight: 657.1 lb
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gal
Wheelbase: 64.8 in
Color Choices: Metallic Carbon Gray / Metallic Spark Black
Warranty: 24 Month Limited Warranty