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2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic Overview
The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic is a custom / cruiser motorcycle built around 903 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a V2, four-stroke engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.5:1. The bore and stroke measures 88 x 74.2 mm. 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic delivers 78 Nm @ 3700 of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2013 VN900 Classic tips the scales at 282 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 680 mm and spans a 1,645 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2013 VN900 Classic - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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🔧
Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection 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.
Considerations
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ℹ️
Age-related wear: As with any used VN900 Classic, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
Throttle response and fuelling
The fuel injection on the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic is generally well-regarded. Some owners note a slight hesitation at small throttle openings when cold, which clears once the engine reaches operating temperature. A quick visual check of the injector connectors during routine servicing is good practice on higher-mileage examples.
Valve clearance checks
SOHC engines should have valve clearances checked at the manufacturer's specified interval. Owners report that clearances can tighten over time on higher-mileage bikes, leading to slight ticking from the top end. Catching it early keeps the job simple and avoids more costly remediation.
VN900 Classic - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2013 Kawasaki VN900 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 VN900 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 VN900 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 VN900 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.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used VN900 Classic. This is a job many owners skip because the bike does not immediately feel wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for proof it has been done.
2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic have?
The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic uses a V2, four-stroke engine with 903 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic weigh?
The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic weighs 282 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic make?
The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic produces 78 Nm @ 3700 of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic?
The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic has a 20-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic suitable for shorter riders?
The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic has a seat height of 680 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.
What brakes does the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic have?
The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic uses Single disc. Twin-piston at the front and Single disc. Twin-piston at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic use?
The 2013 Kawasaki VN900 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.
Kawasaki VN900 Classic Spec Evolution
The Kawasaki VN900 Classic was produced across 6 model years (2009-2014). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
| Dry Weight |
282 kg / 621.7 lbs |
- |
264 kg / 582.0 lbs |
- |
- |
- |
| Seat Height |
- |
- |
894 mm / 35.2 in. |
894 mm / 35.2 in. |
680 mm / 26.8 in. |
680 mm / 26.8 in. |
| Ground Clearance (mm) |
- |
- |
236 mm |
236 mm |
135 mm |
135 mm |
| Ground Clearance (in.) |
- |
- |
9.3 inches |
9.3 inches |
5.3 inches |
5.3 inches |
| Frame Type |
Double-cradle, steel |
Double-cradle, steel |
Double cradle steel |
Double-cradle, steel |
Double-cradle, steel |
Double-cradle, steel |
| Wheelbase |
1,646 mm / 64.8 in. |
1,646 mm / 64.8 in. |
1,650 mm / 65.0 in. |
1,650 mm / 65.0 in. |
1,645 mm / 64.8 in. |
1,650 mm / 65.0 in. |
| Brakes - Front |
Single disc. Twin-piston |
Single disc. Twin-piston |
Single disc |
Single disc |
Single disc. Twin-piston |
Single disc |
| Brakes - Rear |
Single disc. Twin-piston |
Single disc. Twin-piston |
Single disc |
Single disc |
Single disc. Twin-piston |
Single disc |
Key Specifications
Torque
78.00 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 57.5 ft.lbs) @ 3700
Weight
282.0 kg / 621.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity
20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
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Full 2013 Kawasaki VN900 Classic Specifications
Colours
Black
Warranty
12 Months
Ground Clearance (mm)
135 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
5.3 inches
Seat Height
680 mm / 26.8 in.
Wheelbase
1,645 mm / 64.8 in.
Height
1,065 mm / 41.9 in.
Length
2,465 mm / 97.0 in.
Width
1,005 mm / 39.6 in.
Fuel Capacity
20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Wet Weight
282.0 kg / 621.7 lbs
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.5 x 2.9 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)
88.0 x 74.2 mm
Displacement (cc)
903.00 cc
Displacement (ci)
55.10 cubic inches
Engine Type
V2, four-stroke
Fuel Control
SOHC
Fuel System
Injection
Compression Ratio
9.5:1
Engine Lubrication
Forced Lubrication, wet sump
Ignition
Digital
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Final Drive
Belt
Gearbox
2-speed
Primary Drive
Selectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft
Frame Type
Double-cradle, steel
Suspension - Front
41 mm telescopic fork with 7-way preload
Suspension - Rear
Uni-Trak
Rake
30.0°
Trail
169 mm / 6.7 in.
Instrumentation
Speedometer, odometer, clock, fuel gauge and coolant temp light
Lighting system
30W x 2 halogen
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)
11.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)
300 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)
10.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)
270 mm
Brakes - Front
Single disc. Twin-piston
Brakes - Rear
Single disc. Twin-piston
Tyres - Front
130/90-16
Tyres - Rear
180/70-15
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