

This edition of the Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2020. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2020 Kawasaki KLX 250 Single Cylinder and the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin.This particular Kawasaki VN 900 has a 903cc Liquid cooled, Two stroke, Horizontal In-Line Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.
An alternative Horizontal In-Line engine, Cruiser style motorbike includes the Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura - [1984]
The 2020 VN 900 shares its Horizontal In-Line engine and Cruiser style configuration with the likes of the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura and the 1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the VN 900's Cruiser style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1984 Suzuki GV 700 GL Madura | 1984cc.1984 Honda CB 750 SC Nighthawk S | 1984cc.
Weighing in at 298 kgs (656 lbs) this makes the Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT in the same weight category as the 2024 Honda VT 750 C Shadow Phantom or the 2024 Honda VT 750 C Shadow Aero, give or take 50kg.
In terms of power the 903cc 8 valve Horizontal In-Line 2 cylinder engine produces 50 bhp (37 kW) @ 5700 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].
The SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 57.5 lb-ft (77.9 Nm) @ 3700 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [50.0 lb-ft (67.7 Nm) @ 6500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Kawasaki VN 900 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2002 Yamaha XV 1600 A Road Star has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2020 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT.
The 2020 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT has a Power to weight ratio of 167.7 bhp per ton and 193.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2020 VN 900 competing with the 2002 Yamaha XV 1600 A Road Star [192.6 bhp\ton] and the 2002 Yamaha XV 1600 A Wild Star [192.6 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Kawasaki VN 900 generating around 193.0 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1988 Norton Interpol 2 Classic [218.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 1992 Suzuki GSX-R 600 DOHC [217.9 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 22.0 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 22.5 secs, this makes the Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT similar in acceleration to the 2018 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT (22.0 secs) and the 2016 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT (22.0 secs). This Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 2020 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT and the 1998 Kawasaki ZRX 400 II
When talking about the performance of the 2020 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1998 Kawasaki ZRX 400 II (0 secs) and the 1963 Norton Dominator 650 SS (0 secs).
The 2020 version of the Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT has a maximum speed of 0mph.
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 2020 Kawasaki VN 900 Vulcan Classic LT then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).