I’m a Honda fanboy. The Japanese model can do no incorrect in my e book. But the place the corporate really succeeded in all of its motorcycling endeavors is not within the regular place the place most would look. It’s not Honda’s CBRs or Africa Twins or something like that. No, it is within the cute as hell Trail series, the bike that is extra ubiquitous than another bike round.
So at any time when I get an opportunity to jot down concerning the Trail, I soar on the probability. And the video above is simply the very best round, because it rescues a Trail 90 from a barn, will get semi-restored to working order, after which instantly put to make use of climbing a freakin’ mountain.
The saving, restoration, after which subsequent thrashing is due to Matt Spears, who’s well-known for being a tough enduro rider who builds enduro bikes out of, effectively, non-enduro bike platforms. You could have seen his enduro Goldwing or Hayabusa. As effectively as his Hayabusa snowbike.
Suffice it to say, he is aware of his shit.
Matt and his brother begin all of it out with simply getting the Trail 90 working, which they did in traditional style within the parking zone between an O’Reilys and Walmart. Where else would you do it? And in true Honda style, regardless that the Trail 90 has been sitting for 8 years, it takes nearly nothing to get it to fireplace up. They then proceed to move into the woods, the place Matt makes an attempt to see if he can use the Trail 90 equally to his race dust bike from the prior season.
Suffice it to say, a 250cc two-stroke race bike is barely extra succesful than a 40-year-old Honda Trail 90. Who would’ve guessed? However, although it failed to leap a 6-ft rock, the Honda goes onerous throughout the one monitor that Matt places it by means of, together with some deep puddles.
He then places it by means of a “hillclimb” utilizing the Trail 90’s low-speed switch case, which they reach attending to the highest. That mentioned, Matt then runs again down the path—the Honda would not have any brakes on the time of filming—and grabs his race bike which he proceeds to make use of to wheelie all the way in which up the hillclimb path. So once more, it’s going to do it, however you understand, inferior to his onerous enduro.
Either manner, I really like that the little Honda was saved and that he used it correctly. More of us ought to.
If you are a true cruiser fanboy, you’ve come to the right place. We are going to look at one of the most authentic motorcycles in the cruiser segment, and although it is not manufactured in the States, it is the true embodiment of the retro American charm. We are talking about none other than the Kawasaki Vulcan 900.
The Vulcan 900 stands out as a remarkable V-twin cruiser with a plethora of enticing features. From its stylish and iconic design to its smooth and powerful engine, it is a great motorcycle in every aspect. With its combination of performance, comfort, and versatility, and a reputation for reliability, the Vulcan 900 offers an engaging ownership experience.
With so many motorcycle manufacturers producing modern-looking bikes, most offerings of today simply fail to catch the eye. After all, one of the primary reasons we fall in love with a motorcycle is how they look, right?
The Vulcan 900 takes another route. It exudes timeless style with its classic cruiser aesthetics. With sleek lines, chrome accents, and meticulous attention to detail, Kawasaki has created a head-turner. From the teardrop fuel tank to the sweeping fenders, every element is thoughtfully designed, capturing the essence of a true cruiser.
9Smooth V-Twin Engine
Kawasaki
At the heart of the Vulcan 900 lies a liquid-cooled V-twin engine, delivering both refinement and power. With a displacement of 903cc, it offers 50 horsepower and 58.2 pound-feet of peak torque. It achieves these numbers at 5,700 rpm and 3,500 rpm respectively. All that low to mid-end torque comes in really handy when you will find yourself on the open road wanting to cruise for hours at a stretch, and the V-twin engine’s smooth power delivery throughout that rev range will definitely please you.
The Vulcan 900 is built for rider comfort, enabling long hours on the road without fatigue. The well-padded seat, mid-mounted pegs, and wide handlebar create an ergonomic riding position. Of these, its 26.8 inch seat height plays the most crucial role. Not only does it give the shorter riders more confidence to maneuver a bike of this size, but it helps in an overall more functional legroom. So leg cramps should be the least of your worries. Whether embarking on a leisurely weekend ride or a cross-country journey, riders of all heights will appreciate the comfort of the Vulcan 900.
7Handling And Stability
Kawasaki
Equipped with a well-engineered chassis and suspension setup, the Vulcan 900 delivers outstanding handling on the road. It all starts with its dual-downtube/semi-double-cradle frame, which may look like a retro hardtail, but the Vulcan 900 has great road behavior.
It gets a rather soft ride thanks to the 5.9 inches of travel at the front and 4.1 inches of travel at the rear (which is adjustable). The frame’s rigidity and the suspension’s finely-tuned damping ensure a controlled ride quality.
While excelling as a cruiser, the Vulcan 900 also proves its versatility for everyday use. It isn’t the biggest motorcycle you’ll see, and it certainly is not the heaviest cruiser either. That means its manageable size and weight make it agile in urban environments, while its powerful engine ensures a comfortable highway experience.
How often would you be able to take your Harley Street Glide or your Indian for a quick ride in the city? The Vulcan comes at around 97 inches in total length and has a very friendly 64.8 inch wheelbase. It makes a strong case to be the only bike in your garage!
5Ample Room For Customization
Kawasaki Motorcycles
The Vulcan 900 offers riders abundant opportunities for modifications, allowing them to create a bike that reflects their personal style and preferences. There is a wide range of options from exhaust systems to more comfortable seats.
If you’re someone who likes the feel of old-school handlebars, you can also go for drag bars, ape hangers, or even something in between. Then there are your standard aftermarket options of saddlebags, windshields, and engine guards to enhance the functionality and practicality of this cruiser. The Vulcan 900’s frame and bodywork also provide ample opportunities for cosmetic customization, with options for paintwork, graphics, and chrome accents for those who can’t have enough chrome.
4Kawasaki Reliability And Durability
Kawasaki
There’s just something about Japanese manufacturers. The likes of Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki’s commitment to reliability and durability shines through their products, and the Vulcan 900 is no exception. It is crafted with quality materials and components, and that is something you’ll come to appreciate from the moment you get on it. It shows that this motorcycle is built to withstand the test of time, from its robust engine to its sturdy frame, it is designed to endure the rigors of long rides and varying road conditions. Something most modern motorcycles don’t necessarily offer.
3Touring Friendly
Kawasaki
We live in a day and age where almost every motorcycle pretends to be a do-it-all bike. While it may entice the audience, it is no more than a marketing gimmick. Especially cruisers – most people have a general misunderstanding of what a cruiser stands for, not every cruiser has the ability to be a great tourer.
Well, the Vulcan 900 actually does. The relaxed rider triangle, the comfortable floorboards, the saddlebags and a torque-rich engine that doesn’t ever feel stressed. These are all crucial factors that make it as touring-friendly as a stock cruiser could be. So if you are into long-distance touring and prefer a retro machine rather than the state-of-the-art sporty modern-day touring motorcycle, the Vulcan might just be the one for you.
2Great Value For Money
Kawasaki
In the cruiser segment, the Vulcan 900 stands out for its exceptional value for money. With its competitive pricing, it offers a compelling package of style, performance, and reliability coming in at just $8,499. A solid 900cc V-twin for that price is a no-brainer. What it does is open the way for more budget-oriented folks to venture into the true-blue cruiser segment without breaking the bank. To compare, the closest competitor from the US would be the Harley-Davidson Softails. The Street Bob for instance comes in at around $17,000! For that price, you could get two Vulcan 900s!
Kawasaki is a brand that has built its reputation on reliable motorcycles that call for minimum maintenance, and even after that, if your motorcycle does end up with a few niggles, the brand offers exceptional after-sales support across the US.
To add to that, owning a Vulcan 900 means joining a vibrant community of fellow riders, online forums, social media groups, and local meetups foster a sense of camaraderie and provide opportunities for sharing experiences, knowledge, and advice.
If you are a true cruiser fanboy, you’ve come to the right place. We are going to look at one of the most authentic motorcycles in the cruiser segment, and although it is not manufactured in the States, it is the true embodiment of the retro American charm. We are talking about none other than the Kawasaki Vulcan 900.
The Vulcan 900 stands out as a remarkable V-twin cruiser with a plethora of enticing features. From its stylish and iconic design to its smooth and powerful engine, it is a great motorcycle in every aspect. With its combination of performance, comfort, and versatility, and a reputation for reliability, the Vulcan 900 offers an engaging ownership experience.
With so many motorcycle manufacturers producing modern-looking bikes, most offerings of today simply fail to catch the eye. After all, one of the primary reasons we fall in love with a motorcycle is how they look, right?
The Vulcan 900 takes another route. It exudes timeless style with its classic cruiser aesthetics. With sleek lines, chrome accents, and meticulous attention to detail, Kawasaki has created a head-turner. From the teardrop fuel tank to the sweeping fenders, every element is thoughtfully designed, capturing the essence of a true cruiser.
9Smooth V-Twin Engine
Kawasaki
At the heart of the Vulcan 900 lies a liquid-cooled V-twin engine, delivering both refinement and power. With a displacement of 903cc, it offers 50 horsepower and 58.2 pound-feet of peak torque. It achieves these numbers at 5,700 rpm and 3,500 rpm respectively. All that low to mid-end torque comes in really handy when you will find yourself on the open road wanting to cruise for hours at a stretch, and the V-twin engine’s smooth power delivery throughout that rev range will definitely please you.
The Vulcan 900 is built for rider comfort, enabling long hours on the road without fatigue. The well-padded seat, mid-mounted pegs, and wide handlebar create an ergonomic riding position. Of these, its 26.8 inch seat height plays the most crucial role. Not only does it give the shorter riders more confidence to maneuver a bike of this size, but it helps in an overall more functional legroom. So leg cramps should be the least of your worries. Whether embarking on a leisurely weekend ride or a cross-country journey, riders of all heights will appreciate the comfort of the Vulcan 900.
7Handling And Stability
Kawasaki
Equipped with a well-engineered chassis and suspension setup, the Vulcan 900 delivers outstanding handling on the road. It all starts with its dual-downtube/semi-double-cradle frame, which may look like a retro hardtail, but the Vulcan 900 has great road behavior.
It gets a rather soft ride thanks to the 5.9 inches of travel at the front and 4.1 inches of travel at the rear (which is adjustable). The frame’s rigidity and the suspension’s finely-tuned damping ensure a controlled ride quality.
While excelling as a cruiser, the Vulcan 900 also proves its versatility for everyday use. It isn’t the biggest motorcycle you’ll see, and it certainly is not the heaviest cruiser either. That means its manageable size and weight make it agile in urban environments, while its powerful engine ensures a comfortable highway experience.
How often would you be able to take your Harley Street Glide or your Indian for a quick ride in the city? The Vulcan comes at around 97 inches in total length and has a very friendly 64.8 inch wheelbase. It makes a strong case to be the only bike in your garage!
5Ample Room For Customization
Kawasaki Motorcycles
The Vulcan 900 offers riders abundant opportunities for modifications, allowing them to create a bike that reflects their personal style and preferences. There is a wide range of options from exhaust systems to more comfortable seats.
If you’re someone who likes the feel of old-school handlebars, you can also go for drag bars, ape hangers, or even something in between. Then there are your standard aftermarket options of saddlebags, windshields, and engine guards to enhance the functionality and practicality of this cruiser. The Vulcan 900’s frame and bodywork also provide ample opportunities for cosmetic customization, with options for paintwork, graphics, and chrome accents for those who can’t have enough chrome.
4Kawasaki Reliability And Durability
Kawasaki
There’s just something about Japanese manufacturers. The likes of Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki’s commitment to reliability and durability shines through their products, and the Vulcan 900 is no exception. It is crafted with quality materials and components, and that is something you’ll come to appreciate from the moment you get on it. It shows that this motorcycle is built to withstand the test of time, from its robust engine to its sturdy frame, it is designed to endure the rigors of long rides and varying road conditions. Something most modern motorcycles don’t necessarily offer.
3Touring Friendly
Kawasaki
We live in a day and age where almost every motorcycle pretends to be a do-it-all bike. While it may entice the audience, it is no more than a marketing gimmick. Especially cruisers – most people have a general misunderstanding of what a cruiser stands for, not every cruiser has the ability to be a great tourer.
Well, the Vulcan 900 actually does. The relaxed rider triangle, the comfortable floorboards, the saddlebags and a torque-rich engine that doesn’t ever feel stressed. These are all crucial factors that make it as touring-friendly as a stock cruiser could be. So if you are into long-distance touring and prefer a retro machine rather than the state-of-the-art sporty modern-day touring motorcycle, the Vulcan might just be the one for you.
2Great Value For Money
Kawasaki
In the cruiser segment, the Vulcan 900 stands out for its exceptional value for money. With its competitive pricing, it offers a compelling package of style, performance, and reliability coming in at just $8,499. A solid 900cc V-twin for that price is a no-brainer. What it does is open the way for more budget-oriented folks to venture into the true-blue cruiser segment without breaking the bank. To compare, the closest competitor from the US would be the Harley-Davidson Softails. The Street Bob for instance comes in at around $17,000! For that price, you could get two Vulcan 900s!
Kawasaki is a brand that has built its reputation on reliable motorcycles that call for minimum maintenance, and even after that, if your motorcycle does end up with a few niggles, the brand offers exceptional after-sales support across the US.
To add to that, owning a Vulcan 900 means joining a vibrant community of fellow riders, online forums, social media groups, and local meetups foster a sense of camaraderie and provide opportunities for sharing experiences, knowledge, and advice.
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