Julian V. Taylor

June 2009

One of the benefits of motorcycling is the type of “ride experience” you get from all different types of makes, models and genres of machines. 

A Sportbike is an aggressive, fast paced, high acceleration experience with steep lean angles and fierce braking. A cruiser on the other hand is much more sedate with flowing turns, softer lean angles and torque based acceleration. They are both motorcycles and demand respect from anyone that rides either type of machine.

When Kawasaki invited me to test the Vulcan 900 in the wonderful Adirondack Mountains at Americade 2009 in upstate New York, I had to take them up on the offer; the Custom, Classic and Classic LT were the models available for us to ride.

The plan of action was to start out at the Americade headquarters and ride for two days, covering roughly 150 miles a day. Included in the ride would be lunch in Vermont on the first day and then onto Lake Placid to stop for the night. The second day would include a stop to ride the 1980 downhill Bob sled that has now been converted to be used as a summer attraction, at the much larger and technologically advanced new Lake Placid Bob sled site.

My first impression of the Vulcan was that it really is a pretty looking bike. Kawasaki has designed it with the right amount of chrome and leather for the classic and LT model to suit the harden chrome cruiser enthusiast, and the special edition Custom with its mat black pipes and no screen really has a great “mean-looking” streak to it. The orange head covers on the top of the engine really accentuate the look, and cool pin striping on the body and tank just add to the feel.

My first model to ride was the Custom Special Edition, cruising from the hotel up through Lake George. My second impression of the machine, now that I was riding, was comfort. With my legs stretched out in front of me on the pegs (this model does not have running boards), I found it very easy to ride. The wide handle bars gave great control of the front end and the overall stability of the motorcycle was sure and planted and very controlled at any type of speed. The V-twin, 903cc fuel injected SOHC engine pulls nicely in the lower gears, and is really quiet as you move into top and cruise. This model has a 21” front wheel, smaller than the other models, but with an oversize back wheel fitted with a 180 rear tire wrapped around a 15” cast wheel.

As we worked our way north alongside Lake George I found myself putting the Vulcan on the outside of each corner and tipping into the entry, which enabled me to sweep around the bends while leisurely leaning. The ride was very relaxing and ground clearance on this model was not an issue. While riding this machine, your mind wonders off thinking about things that you would normally never have time to think about in the real world, and I found myself in a very different place, really enjoying the peace and tranquility associated with riding this type of cruiser.

After lunch I changed onto the Classic without accessories. This model didn’t have a screen or saddle bags but it did have running boards. On the straights I found the gear changing mechanism with two pedals on the left hand running board very useful, however, when we got into more twisties I can’t say I found the scraping enjoyable. 

Being a major sportbike rider, when something is scraping it means you really can’t go any further over; obviously this is not the case with cruisers and it took me a little while to get use to. I have to say I did prefer the pegs on the custom. I just felt I could barrel into the corners a little more and nothing would upset the machine. The rake on the Classic was also different as were the tires and wheels so the handling was a little different to the first model, but not in a bad way, just a little lazier.

By the latter part of the first day we moved back into New York from Vermont and it was time for photos. I thought this would be a great opportunity to change again and pick up the Classic LT, fully accessorized with all the bells-and-whistles. Full front screen, cow hide saddle bags large enough to travel away for a week, chrome and studs everywhere and a pillion back rest that would keep any size of passenger comfortable for quite a few miles.

This model had a 32-degree rake, and with the big screen the handling was not quite a sharp as with the Classic beforehand or the Custom before that. I have to be honest when we were taking photos in the twisties I did not have any confidence in the handling of this model. It felt too insecure for my liking on the entry to every corner, and with the running boards and extra weight it really didn’t inspire confidence. I stayed on it for an hour or so but when an opportunity came to get back onto the naked custom I jumped at it, and that is where I stayed for all of day two.

I felt fully back in control when I got back onto my favorite, the Custom Special Edition. The 33-degree rake worked for me, as did the larger back wheel and pegs. The roads opened up again and I was able to use the machine for what it was designed for. I have to say I had a blast on this model. Everyone knows what they like, and I have to thank the Kawasaki press crew of Jon Rall and Greg Lasiewski for taking us on such a great trip. 

The 1980 Bob Sled run was the highlight of the morning on day two. A full four-man bob sled with wheels and concrete walls was the morning thrill. Mounted with a helmet camera I jumped into this sled to find myself barreling towards a corner that really was at 180 degrees, but we made it round and am still here to tell the story.

We set off back for Lake George and again I took the Custom Special Edition. We had some quicker two carriage way roads home, which enabled me to really use the torque of this machine when passing slower moving vehicles; it felt very comfortable at higher speeds, and I really didn’t have any aches and pains to speak of. 

This machine does not have any wind protection and for me that is fine. I don’t like the feeling of buffeting from a full screen and to me the wind in your face is half the pleasure of riding. 

The afternoon was spent looking around Americade; see my other article on the event under our everyday riding editorial department for more of an insight to the event.

A great trip was had by all, and I have to say if I was in the market for a cruiser, and I know my wife would love me to get one, the 900 Vulcan Custom would be one that I would put on my list.

Once again thank you to everyone at Kawasaki for making the ride possible and I look forward to the next time we can all get together to do it all again. Cheers.

Julian V. Taylor

Editor-in-Chief