Kawasaki VN900 Classic

Very poorly finished bike,chrome was peeling of mine on plastic parts,started to rust around the inside of rims bike even handles very badly around any corner it' got one very small mono shock at the back really don't know why this bike was built like this it's a very dumb idea on such a heavy bike was its not all that fast on the road as most 750 motorists will beat it it's just got to many cheap parts and plastic on it and parts for this bike are way over priced that is if you can find them and kawasaki does not like helping you much with stuff this bike is also a nightmare to work on period

I bought my VN to replace a Honda Shadow that had covered 75,000 miles with no problems. The VN was chosen as I needed a little more power than the Honda provided to carry myself, luggage and Mrs. The motor is a joy, strong mid range and easily capable of my carrying needs. i fitted a screen, backrest and panniers and it is comfortable at all speeds. The only downside however is the appalling finish on the cycle parts, after only 6 months there were rust spots on the rims and exhaust. The thin paint on cycle parts such as frame and fork holders was flaking off and footboard hangers looked like they had been at the bottom of the sea.

The only solotuion I can see is to strip the bike and poweder coat it. There is no excuse in this day and age for a bike with only 10,000 miles on the clock to deteriorate so badly.

Love the bike, but shame about the finish.

Trevor Dowling

I had looked at a number of bikes including the lower end Harleys and a few other smaller cruisers 750cc, The VN classic with its new retro paint work (I had the special with the blacked powder coated forks and engine, kaki green/cream tank)standing there, it just appealed with its unstated but classic look. The price was a real plus, a brand new bike and it wasn't going to break the bank. But, was it a good price or just cheap and nasty. Looking at the quality of finish I had no complaints, ok there are some out there which have a better finish but which cost a lot more. I knew this was going to be a high days and holidays bike so the rain hail and snow which I had been no stranger to in my younger days were not going to be an issue. I knew what it was going to be used for so the finish could be slightly inferior because the up keep was going to be a lot easier to keep to a high level of shine! The finish to one side its the ride which I had worried more about, trading in my Honda shadow which was a smooth as silk but under powered, the shaft drive and legendry Honda engine would be difficult to better. 3 thousand miles later I have to say that the Kawasaki has been a complete joy. Smooth, powerful, and surprisingly nimble for a cruiser, the bike loves to be cornered and inspires confidence. It will never win any races but the whole experience makes you just want to ease slowly on the throttle and take in the actual pleasure of laid back cruising. Gear changes are effortless and the sounds from the cut off angled pipes is enough to give you that slight smirk which is easier to see know I've traded in my full face helmet for the open face and shades. Yes you've guessed it, this is the mid life crises bike, which does the job better than I could have hoped for. If you have not had a bike for years and are toying with the idea of getting back in the saddle so to speak, the VN900 gives you an excellent option and well worth considering. Happy owner!

Had my vn900 since january 2012, Its my first big bike and i love it, i dont mind cleaning it too. Got to go now for a ride.......

Bought this bike after looking at honda vt, Harley 883, Suzuki intruder and Yamaha xvs. This bike was most comfy and had biggest tank and best ground clearance. Now covered 1000mls and very happy with my choice. I bought it 15 months old with 600mls on the clock with a massive saving on new price. Bike is very good all round both in town and on motorway. I would strongly recommend this bike. I am now a cruiser fan and will always have one

Aussie with both pulleys on. With better filter and pipe work the bike has been transformed. Easily 90mph in 4th but I haven't run out 5th ( I need my licence for work).Bogs down a little in 5th under 60mph especially in hilly terrain. Haven't noticed decrease in fuel consumption as I tend to ride faster now, especially on Freeways. Vibration significantly reduced. I hated it before over 65mph but now its very mild. Even BMW's vibrate. The bike is performing the way I want and is much better suited now to long distance riding. I got a motor trimmer to add extra seat padding (<$50)and with a sheepskin cover my butt is so much more comfortable. I think the expense has stopped me going for a bigger bike. But Hey power is so ADDICTIVE!!

you cannot do better for your money , the motor and gearbox are as smooth as silk , it handles well for what it is and the brakes are ok , ride it like it should be rode [ nice & steady ] and you will be rewarded with over 60 mpg. the finish is not the best in the world and you have to keep on top of it with regular cleaning but again its down to the price. have a test ride youll be suprised.

I know that I have only had this bike for a week but what a week! The ease of the transmission and the lightness when on the road is amazing. Ok you can't weave in and out of the London traffic but that is not what this bike is about. When I had a ZZR I felt like I had to go fast but on the VN 900 it's a completely different animal you take your time.

The main reason for buying this bike is that it's just gorgeous just look at it the chunky tyres the cleanness of its lines and the riding position is very good, but then I have not had it on a long trip (still to come though) lol.

I would definitely recommend this bike to anyone who is looking for a gentler pace of riding. It's a cruiser and it's a very good one. If I had to pick a fault its that the exhaust needs to be a bit more throatier, deeper if you will. But that is a minor thing after all you can pick up a aftermarket set.

has anyone had problems with the vn 900 classic going rusty after 6 months the wheel rims the foot rests the frame and various other places the bike has not been left out in the rain nor has it got wet used realy expensive polish on to keep it looking good and it is stored in a dry garage so tell me why after spending my hard earned cash on one why has this happend i know the paint quality is very poor but still after 6 months come on

After my DAS, I decided to upgrade from my leaner cruiser to a more substantial bike that would allow me and my wife to take some trips. I looked at the Shadow 750 and the Kawasaki 900 and although both bikes have a good feeling, the Kawasaki gives you more power for less money.

I am very happy with my choice. The concern now is that it takes some getting used to the differences in size and particularly in weight from my previous Shadow 125, particularly for someone short like me. But I haven't drop it yet, which is an improvement from the last time, when I drop the bike in front of the dealer even before seating on it!!