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| New Kawasaki comes a-cruisin' in |
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| Friday, 28 April 2006 | |||||
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Kawasaki's VN900 Classic, a middleweight V-Twin cruiser that, its maker says, fights way above its class in terms of value, comfort, and performance, is in local showrooms.
It replaces the middleweight VN800 but its cylinders share the 88mm bore and 55-degree V-angle of the smaller machine; stroke has been increased to 74.2mm to raise capacity from 805cc to 903cc and improve mid-range and bottom-end grunt.
The liquid-cooled twin has huge fins for the traditional cruiser look and electronic fuel-injection, controlled by two throttle valves, uses automotive-style fine-atomising injectors to minimise fuel consumption and help eradicate the slightest hint of a flat spot anywhere in the rev range
The new crankshaft, as in all Kawasaki V-twins, has a single crankpin and a gear-driven balancer to iron out vibration. The latest engine also emulates its two-litre sibling, the VN2000, in using light, nut-less connecting rods to help in the tussle against uncomfortable high-frequency vibration while leaving the characteristic V-twin pulses firmly in place. The external parts of the engine that aren’t chromed are all finished in black powder-coat. The bike's longer and lower than the VN800 and the seat height improves both styling and low-speed control. The 50mm longer wheelbase adds stability on the highway, while fork rake and trail have been altered to provide low-effort control around town. The triangular swing arm gives the appearance of a classic hardtail motorcycle but a pre-load adjustable single shock-absorber beneath the seat negates the disadvantages that come with a stylish but impractical solid rear
The rear mudguard is as wide as that of its bigger stablemate at the seat but tapers rearwards with the styling of the 18-litre fuel tank. Two slash-cut exhausts note only emit that signature V-twin engine note but look good when parked. The Kawasaki delivers its power to the 180mm wide rear tyre through a belt – it's quiet and makes keeping a bike clean much easier. Anybody who knows anything about cruisers knows their wheels should have spokes, lots of 'em. Each of the VN900's chromed rims is attached to the polished alloy hubs by 48 wire spokes. Unlike most similar bikes, which use a drum brake at the rear, this one comes with a 270mm rear disc to complement the powerful new twin-piston calliper and 300mm disc at the front. Traditional styling As dictated by popular cruiser culture, the bike comes with floorboards rather than footpegs, a bucket front seat and fuel tank-mounted instruments. Traditional styling doesn’t lead to a compromise in terms of technology, however, and the speedometer binnacle includes an LCD odometer, trip data readout, fuel gauge and a clock. There are warning lights for fuel, oil pressure and water temperature. Related Articles:Up, Up, and Away!The shiftless motorcycle The T-Rex A 1971 Norton Commando 750 Concept - Victory Vision Yamaha introduces computer-operated clutch 2006 HD Night Rod Review |
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 07 January 2008 ) | |||||
