2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom Specifications

Name: 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom
Brand: Kawasaki

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2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom Overview

The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom 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. 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom delivers 78 Nm @ 3700 of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2009 VN900 Custom tips the scales at 278 kg, carries a 20.06-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 686 mm and spans a 1,646 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2009 VN900 Custom - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Fuel injection: The fuel injection injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Accessible seat height: At 686 mm, the seat height is approachable for a wide range of rider heights and builds confidence in low-speed manoeuvring.

Considerations

Age-related wear: As with any used VN900 Custom, 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 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom 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.

Low-speed confidence

At 278 kg, the VN900 Custom is a substantial machine. New owners occasionally mention that slow-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes a little getting used to. Once moving, the weight disappears - but practising slow-speed exercises builds confidence quickly.

VN900 Custom - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom, 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 Custom 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 Custom. 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 Custom'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 Custom. 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.

2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom have?

The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom uses a V2, four-stroke engine with 903 cc of displacement.

How much does the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom weigh?

The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom weighs 278 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom make?

The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom produces 78 Nm @ 3700 of torque.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom?

The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom has a 20.06-litre fuel tank.

Is the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom suitable for shorter riders?

The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom has a seat height of 686 mm. This is a comfortable, accessible height for most riders.

What brakes does the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom have?

The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom uses Single disc at the front and Single disc at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom use?

The 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom runs 80/90-21 front and 180/70-15 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

Kawasaki VN900 Custom Spec Evolution

The Kawasaki VN900 Custom 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
Wet Weight	-	282.0 kg / 621.7 lbs	278.0 kg / 612.9 lbs	278.0 kg / 612.9 lbs	278.0 kg / 612.9 lbs	278.0 kg / 612.9 lbs
Seat Height	686 mm / 27.0 in.	686 mm / 27.0 in.	685 mm / 27.0 in.	685 mm / 27.0 in.	680 mm / 26.8 in.	685 mm / 27.0 in.
Fuel Capacity	20.06 litres / 5.30 gallons	20.06 litres / 5.30 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons	20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Ground Clearance (in.)	-	-	9.3 inches	9.3 inches	5.3 inches	5.5 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)	-	-	236 mm	236 mm	135 mm	140 mm
Wheelbase	1,646 mm / 64.8 in.	1,646 mm / 64.8 in.	1,645 mm / 64.8 in.	1,645 mm / 64.8 in.	1,645 mm / 64.8 in.	1,645 mm / 64.8 in.
Brakes - Front	Single disc	Single disc	Single disc	Single disc	Single disc. Twin-piston	Single disc
Brakes - Rear	Single disc	Single disc	Single disc	Single disc	Single disc. Twin-piston	Single disc

Key Specifications

Engine

V2, four-stroke

Power

N/A

Torque

78.00 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 57.5 ft.lbs) @ 3700

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

278 kg / 612.9 lbs

Fuel Capacity

20.06 litres / 5.30 gallons

Full 2009 Kawasaki VN900 Custom Specifications

Colours Black

Max Torque 78.00 Nm (8.0 kgf-m or 57.5 ft.lbs) @ 3700

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

Ignition TCBI with Electronic Advance

Starter Electric

Valve System 4

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