Kawasaki VN900 Custom test: it’s (almost) America !

If there is one segment of motorcycle production that the Japanese are struggling to invest in, it is the custom category. Eclipsed by Harley-Davidson, Japanese motorcycles nevertheless have arguments … The proof with our test of the Kawasaki VN900 Custom.

Contact with the Kawasaki VN900 range

VN900 Classic: the original

Almost unchanged since its appearance in the Kawasaki catalog at the end of 2005 (read), the VN900 Classic constitutes the base from which are available three variants: the VN900 Classic Special Edition (recognizable by its pretty two-tone paint), the VN900 Custom and the VN900 Light Tourer.

The mechanical base and the cycle part are common to all four motorcycles, only the equipment and ergonomics differ: on the Classic and Light Tourer versions, the handlebars are generously curved (straight on the Custom) and the boots are placed on wide footrest platforms.

The VN900 Classic and Light Tourer are also equipped with a front "balloon" tire (130 mm wide) which gives the look what it takes away in handling. The VN900 Classic is only available in black for 8,899 euros, while the VN900 Classic Special Edition is offered in Pearl meteor gray / Polar white for 9099 euros.

VN900 Light Tourer: ready to cruiser !

The VN900 Light Tourer is a VN900 Classic equipped with a pack of accessories designed for the long haul. This light cruiser (so to speak, since the beast still weighs 282 kg without the Tourer pack!) Adopts saddlebags, a sissy-bar, a large windshield and two optional lights..

At low speed and in the viroleux, it shows itself to be slightly more borrowed than its "sister" VN900 Custom: it is the ransom to pay for the wider tire at the front (130 mm against 80) and the overweight caused by the guard. – breeze and fires. As on the Classic, the running board platforms rub fairly quickly, faster in any case than on the Custom which has footrests located further from the ground..

Kawasaki-customs forum

Since 2005, French bikers passionate about "Made in Akashi" customs can meet and discuss on the unofficial forum. Rich in content (history, photos, wallpapers, accessories …), this forum brings together 3400 members.

Road-proof, its stability and mechanical availability do wonders, but the efficiency of its windshield leaves you more circumspect … Of course, the head and shoulders are preserved from the elements but it is not, alas, not the case of the bust: the air rushes under the windshield – not enveloping enough in its lower part -, goes up along the tank and comes to finish its course on the chest.

Finally, note that the saddlebags are not very qualitative to the touch and that their belt-style buckles are fictitious: the closure is effected via two plastic clips hidden behind the metal buckles. Not very flattering…

The VN900 Light Tourer is available in black only, against an additional cost of 1400 euros (excluding installation costs) compared to a VN900 Classic (8899 €).

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