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2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic Overview
The 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic is a custom / cruiser motorcycle built around 903 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve engine, a compression ratio of 9.5:1. 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic delivers 37 kW @ 5700 rpm of peak power and 78 Nm @ 3700 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2006 VN 900 Vulcan Classic tips the scales at 281 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 680 mm and spans a 1645 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 19.6 kg lighter than the average custom / cruiser motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2006 VN 900 Vulcan Classic - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic makes 37 kW @ 5700 rpm with 78 Nm @ 3700 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Fuel injection: The fuel injection: Ø 34 mm x 2 with dual throttles system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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Accessible seat height: At 680 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.
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Large fuel range: The 20-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Belt final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.
Considerations
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Age-related wear: As with any used VN 900 Vulcan Classic, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
The Liquid cooled system on the VN 900 Vulcan Classic needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from fuel injection: Ø 34 mm x 2 with dual throttles. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Brake disc and pad wear
The Single 300mm disc 2 piston caliper front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the VN 900 Vulcan Classic runs 41mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload and Uni-Trak with 7-way adjustable preload at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by belt - lower maintenance than chain with no lubrication needed, but tension and tooth wear should still be checked at service intervals.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Double-cradle, steel - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Handling the weight at a standstill
At 281 kg, the VN 900 Vulcan Classic is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.
VN 900 Vulcan Classic - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained VN 900 Vulcan Classic should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any VN 900 Vulcan Classic. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The VN 900 Vulcan Classic's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic have?
The 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic uses a Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve engine with 903 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
How much does the 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic weigh?
The 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic weighs 281 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic make?
The 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic produces 37 kW @ 5700 rpm of power and 78 Nm @ 3700 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic?
The 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic has a 20-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 333-400 km between stops.
Is the 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic suitable for shorter riders?
The 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic has a seat height of 680 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic have?
The 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic uses Single 300mm disc 2 piston caliper at the front and Single 270mm disc 2 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic use?
The 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic runs 130/90 -16 front and 180/70 -15 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic have?
The 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve
Power
37 kW / 50 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque
78 Nm / 8.0 kg-fm @ 3700 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Fuel Capacity
20 Litres / 5.3 US gal.
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Full 2006 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic Specifications
Year
2006 - 07
Make Model
Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic
Seat Height
680 mm / 26.8 in
Wheelbase
1645 mm / 64.8 in
Height
1065 mm / 41.9 in
Length
2465 mm / 97.1 in
Width
1005 mm / 39.6 in
Fuel Capacity
20 Litres / 5.3 US gal.
Wet Weight
281 kg / 620 lbs
Displacement
903 cc / 49 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke V-Twin, SOHC, 4 valve
Bore x Stroke
88.0 x 74.2 mm
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Fuel Induction
Fuel injection: Ø 34 mm x 2 with dual throttles
Ignition
Digital
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive
Belt
Gear Ratios
st 2.786 (39/14) 2nd 1.889 (34/18) 3rd 1.360 (34/25) 4th 1.107 (31/28) 5th 0.963 (26/27)
Primary Drive Ratios
2.184 (83/38)
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Frame Type
Double-cradle, steel
Suspension - Front
41mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload
Suspension - Rear
Uni-Trak with 7-way adjustable preload
Rake
32°
Steering Angle
Left 38° / Right 38°
Trail
160 mm / 6.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front
150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
103 mm / 4.1 in
Brakes - Front
Single 300mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 270mm disc 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
130/90 -16
Tyres - Rear
180/70 -15
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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