VN 900 Custom

2011 Kawasaki VN 900 Custom Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by Kawasaki for the custom - cruiser motorcycle segment, the 2011 Kawasaki VN 900 Custom relies on a 903 cc (55.1 cu in) liquid-cooled v2, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 49.6 HP (36.2 kW) at 5,700 rpm while maximum torque reaches 78 Nm (57.5 lb-ft) at 3,700 rpm. With a specific output of 54.9 HP per liter and a 2,000 rpm working window between peak torque (3,700 rpm) and peak power (5,700 rpm), the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the VN 900 Custom measures 278 kg (613 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.18 HP/kg (5.6 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 685 mm (27 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,645 mm (64.8 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 20-liter (5.3 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints.

Within MotoLibrary's Kawasaki archive, this model family spans 4 indexed model years from 2011 to 2014, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.