Reviews/ Kawasaki/ Vulcan 900
Kawasaki Vulcan 900
7.5/10 Cruiser

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Review

"Dependable, honest cruiser that punches above its used asking price."

New cruiser riders wanting reliable, low-drama miles $4,500-$6,500 used 2006-2013
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Used Buyer Review

The Vulcan 900 Classic is Kawasaki doing exactly what they're good at — building a reliable, unpretentious cruiser that won't embarrass you at the lights or at the mechanic. The 903cc V-twin pulls cleanly from low revs, the ergonomics suit a wide range of riders, and these things simply don't break down. Buy one with 20,000 miles and sleep fine about it. Genuinely bulletproof powerplant. That said, know what you're getting. It's not a Harley in terms of soul or resale value, and it's not trying to be. Handling is soft and wallowy past 70mph, the stock seat turns punishing after two hours, and the chrome bits on cheaper examples rust faster than you'd hope. Check the final drive belt carefully — a worn one is a surprise $300 bill you don't want. Used prices are honest right now, typically $4,500-$6,500 for clean 2006-2013 examples. Negotiate hard on anything over 15k miles or with cosmetic damage. Strong candidate for a first big bike.

Pros

+Near-indestructible engine reliability
+Comfortable upright riding position
+Affordable used market pricing
+Smooth predictable power delivery
+Parts widely available cheaply

Cons

-Wallowy at highway speeds
-Stock seat punishes long rides
-Chrome quality disappoints over time
-Resale value drops sharply
warning
Avoid if

You want highway touring or serious performance

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