The new
VN900 Custom is a factory built custom bike that really stands out from the
crowd – it is the result of Kawasaki’s
pursuit of the essence of a true custom motorcycle. A study in contrasts, its
low-set rear, massive rear tyre and solid disc wheel are juxtaposed against a
clean and lightweight front end.
To
achieve the front end’s lightweight image, a thin, 21” wheel was chosen. But
instead of a simple wire-spoke wheel a cast design with handmade spokes forming
an elegant 3D double-flanged design was created. Then, to complete the clean,
simple front end, a minimalist headlamp and straight ‘bar were added. The fuel
tank is the centrepiece of the VN 900 Custom’s design. Its carefully sculpted
contours create an intricate play of light and shadows that attracts both the
eye and the hand. The twin-valley design theme is continued in the rear fender.
Like the tank, it is composed exclusively of curves with constantly varying
radii. The 15” cast rear wheel with a massive 180 mm rear tyre was chosen to
contrast the “light,” tall front wheel. Its solid disc design helps gives the
rear a solid “squatting” image.
Like the
bodywork, a great deal of time was devoted to designing the engine covers.
Deeply chromed 3D engine covers, deep fins on the cylinder and cylinder head,
and all the non-chromed parts of the engine finished in a black powder coat
give the VN900 Custom a quality appearance. Designed not only to look but also
to feel like a big V-Twin, the Custom’s 903 cm3 power plant was
tuned to deliver big-bike-style response and superior acceleration, pulling
strongly and able to out-accelerate anything in its class in the mid-speed
range.
Whether
booming down the highway or cruising slowly through city streets, the VN900
Custom’s light, sporty handling makes it one easy-to-ride cruiser. The long
wheelbase makes it extremely stable on the highway, while fork offset and rake
geometry result in light, low-effort handling when manoeuvring at ultra-low
speed.
The VN900
Classic raised the standards of performance, quality and craftsmanship in its
class. With the VN900 Custom, the bar has been raised yet again.
