The Kawasaki VN900 Custom is a factory built custom bike that really stands out from the crowd – it is the result of Kawasaki’s pursuit of the essence of a true custom motorcycle and with the new Special colourway for 2013 it cannot fail to turn heads..
To achieve the front end’s lightweight image, a thin, 21” wheel was chosen. This unique cast wheel would be an eyecatcher even on a one-off custom bike. Then, to complete the clean, simple front end, a minimalist headlamp and straight bar were added. The fuel tank, the centrepiece of the Kawasaki VN900 Custom’s design, received equally meticulous attention. Its carefully sculpted contours create an intricate play of light and shade that attracts the eye.
The VN900 Series models all feature beautifully chromed V-Twin engines, seductively sculpted bodywork, reliable belt-drive and massive rear tyres. Specially tuned for feelgood acceleration, their engines deliver fistfuls of gutsy, big-twin torque. Add to this their light, sporty handling qualities and you have bikes that are seriously fun to ride. The Kawasaki VN900 models raised the standards of performance, quality and craftsmanship in their class and the bar has been raised yet again.
Key Features
Custom In designing the VN900 Custom, its appearance was considered from both on and off the bike. Sitting in the low seat, riders will notice its raised front and low rear. The sporty, narrow handlebar positions the rider’s hands forward and up, while the clean front affords a clear view through the handle section beyond the elegant curves of the fuel tank.
Off the bike, the light front and low-set rear create a balanced contrast that gives the bike a very dynamic look even when parked.
Sculptured Bodywork
Although the Custom is a VN900 Series model, in order to achieve its custom image, Kawasaki designers completely re-evaluated its bodywork treating it as if it were a completely new model.
Central to the design is its fuel tank, its delicate twin-valley theme is continued in the rear fender. Like the tank, this is composed exclusively of curves with constantly varying radii. The unique lens cut of the tail lamp carries this look on.
Simple & Shiny Further contributing to the front end’s light appearance is the simplicity of the design of the headlamp area, fork and handlebar. The crisp, clean lines created by this minimalist approach are accentuated by a liberal use of chrome.
The headlamp itself is small and isolated; there is no central fork cover or headlamp bar. The headlamp, headlamp mount, lower triple clamp and indicators are all chromed.
The small, minimalist front mudguard and lack of front fork covers also contribute to the clean lines in this area.
A sporty, straight-style handlebar add to the bike’s custom styling. Instead of handlebar clamps, twin tubes elegantly curve back from the top yoke.
Complementary Rear - Now have we got your attention? To accentuate the lightweight image of the front end, the rear was designed to be low and solid looking. The 15” cast rear wheel was chosen to contrast the “light,” tall front wheel. Its solid disc design helps gives the rear a solid “squatting” image.
The massive 180 mm rear tyre gives the rear of the bike a powerful image and adds to the weighty appearance of the rear, truly contrasting the front.
The relatively straight cut of the bottom of the rear mudguard complements the lines of the bike and opens up space to show off more of the rear tyre.
Engine Like the bodywork, a great deal of time was devoted to designing the engine covers. Deeply chromed engine covers have curved upper surfaces. Their 3D design adds volume and gives a quality appearance.
Deep fins on the cylinder and cylinder head were also designed to appeal the volume of the engine. Fin pitch and size where chosen to make the engine look big.
All the non-chromed parts of the engine are finished in a black powder coat.
Dual slash-cut mufflers give the Kawasaki VN900 Custom a wild air. The mufflers are angled so that they look best when the bike is on its side stand.
Other Custom Features A number of other features contribute to the bike’s custom appearance.
The chromed tank-mounted instrument console is slim and lightweight, contributing to the bike’s elegant lines.
Designed with custom-style looks in mind, the one-piece “gunfighter” seat comfortably accommodates rider and pillion. The ergonomics of the front part of the seat make use of the same research used to design the ultra-comfy bucket seat.
Using footpegs instead of floorboards contributes to the Custom image.
The Big Bike Feel Once moving, the feel-good acceleration and light, sporty handling characteristics offer a stress-erasing ride sensation that will have riders reluctant to dismount – except, perhaps to admire their steed.
Best Acceleration in its Class Designed not only to look but also to feel like a big V-Twin, the 903 cc power plant was tuned to deliver big-bike-style response and superior acceleration, pulling strongly in the 0-50 mph range and able to out-accelerate anything in its class in the mid-speed range.
Like larger-displacement machines, the engine pulls strongly from low through mid-rpm, allowing you to short-shift (instead of having to wind up the engine to get moving).
In the mid-speed range (where most riding is actually done), the Kawasaki VN900 Custom has the torque to out-accelerate smaller displacement bikes and with a single downshift can keep up with bikes one displacement class larger.
An electronic fuel injection system controlled by dual throttle valves ensures silky smooth response and easy-to-control torque characteristics.
Fine-atomising injectors improve performance, fuel economy and emissions. Long intake tracts extend well into the air cleaner box. The longer path improves low-end response.
Light, Sporty Handling and Cruising Stability Whether booming down the highway or cruising slowly through city streets, the VN900 Custom’s light, sporty handling makes it one easy-to-ride cruiser.
The bike's long wheelbase makes it extremely stable on the highway. The fork offset and rake geometry were set such that the bike does not self-steer. The result is light, low-effort handling when manoeuvring at ultra-low speeds. The low seat combined with a frame that is slim beneath the seat and a fuel tank that tapers at the rear, makes it easy to reach the ground with both feet .
The Kawasaki VN900 Custom and Classic are the new big bore middleweight cruisers on the market that are a perfect entry into the world of custom cruisers. A 33 BHP kit is available for on request.
Please note this is an American Official Video - Some model specifications and terms may vary from those in the UK - But you'll get the idea !!!
