Kawasaki Vulcan 900 2015 Owner's manual

Whenever you see the symbols
shown below, heed their instructions!
Always follow safe operating and main­tenance practices.

NOTICE

NOTICE is used to address prac­ticesnotrelatedtopersonalin­jury.

DANGER

DANGER indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided,

will res ult in death or serious in-

jury.

WARNING

WARNING indicates a hazardous

situation which, if not avoided,

could result in death or serious

injury.

NOTE

NOTE indicates information that may

○

help or guide you in the operation or
service of the vehicle.

NOTICE

THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN
MANUFACTURED FOR USE IN A
REASONABLE AND PRUDENT
MANNER BY A QUALIFIED OP­ERATOR AND AS A VEHICLE
ONLY.

(Australian model only)

TAMPERING WITH NOISE CONTROL SYSTEM

PROHIBITED

Owners are warned that the law may prohibit:

(a) The removal or rendering inoperative by any person other than for purposes

of maintenance, repair or replacement, of any device or element of design
incorporated into any new vehicle for the purpose of noise control prior to
its sale or delivery to the ultimate purchaser or while it is in use; and

(b) the use of the vehicle after such device or element of design has been re-

moved or rendered inoperative by any person.

FOREWORD

Congratulations on your purchase of a new Kawasaki Motorcycle. Your new mo­torcycle is the product of Kawasaki’s advanced engineering, exhaustive testing,
and continuous striving for superior reliability, safety and performance.

Please read this Owner’s Manual carefully before riding so that you will be
thoroughly familiar with the prope r operation of your motorcycle’s controls, its fea­tures, capabilities , and limitations. This manual offers many safe riding tips , but its
purpose is not to provide instruc tion in all the techniques and skills req u ired to ride
a motorcycle safely. Kawasaki strongly recommends that all operators of this vehi­cle enroll in a motorcycle rider training program to attain awareness of the mental
and physical requirements necessary for safe motorcycle operation.

To ensure a long, trouble-free life for your motorcycle, give it the proper care and
maintenance described in this manual. For those who would like more detailed in­formation on t he ir Kawasaki Motorcy cle , a Service Manual is available for purchase
from any authorized Kawasaki motorcycle dealer. The Service Manual contains de­tailed disassembly and maintenance information. Those who plan to do their own
work should, of course, be competent mechanics and possess the special tools
described in the Service Manual.

Keep this Owner’s Manual aboard your motorcycle at all times so that you can
refer to it whenever you need information.

This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle and should

remain with the motorcycle wh e n it is sold.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without our

prior written permission.

This publication includes the latest information available at the time of printing.
However, there may be minor differences b e twee n the actual product and illustra­tions and text in this manual.

All products are subject to change without prior notice or obligation.

KAWASAKI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.

Motorcycle & Engine Company

© 2014 Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. May 16, 2014. (1)

TABLE OF CON TENT S

SPECIFICATIONS............................... 8

LOCATION OF PARTS ....................... 12

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES

INFORMATION ................................ 15

GENERAL INFORMATION................. 18

Meter Instruments ............................ 18

Speedometer: ............................... 19

Digital Display ............................... 19

Fuel Gauge: .................................. 22

RESET Button/MODE button: ...... 22

Warning/Indicator Lights: .............. 22

Keys ................................................. 24

Ignition Switch .................................. 24

Right Handlebar Switches................ 26

Engine Stop Switch: ..................... 26

Starter Button: .............................. 26

Left Handlebar Switches .................. 27

Dimmer Switch: ............................ 27

Turn Signal Switch:....................... 27

Horn Button: ................................. 27

Brake Lever Adjusters...................... 28

Fuel .................................................. 29

Fuel Requirements: ...................... 29

Fuel Type and Octane Rating: ...... 30

Filling the Tank:............................. 32

Side Stand ....................................... 35

Seat.................................................. 36

Tool Kit Case.................................... 37

Helmet-Hook .................................... 38

Steering Lock ................................... 39

Electric Accessory Connectors ........ 40

Rear View Mirror .............................. 41

BREAK-IN ........................................... 43

HOW TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE .45

Starting the Engine .......................... 45

Jump Starting ................................... 48

Moving Off........................................ 52

Shifting Gears .................................. 53

Braking............................................. 56

Stopping the Engine......................... 57

Stopping the Motorcycle in an

Emergency ................................... 58

Parking............................................. 59

Catalytic Converter........................... 61

SAFE OPERATION............................. 63

Safe Riding Technique ..................... 63

Daily Checks .................................... 66

Additional Considerations for High

Speed Operation .......................... 69

MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT 71

Periodic Maintenance Chart............. 72

Engine Oil ........................................ 83

Cooling System ................................ 89

Drive Belt.......................................... 96

Spark Plugs...................................... 96

Evaporative Emission Control

System (Southeast Asia B-1 and

Thailand models only) ................. 97

Valve Clearance ............................... 98

Kawasaki Clean Air System ............. 98

Air Cleaner ....................................... 99

Throttle Control System ................... 101

Idle Speed ........................................ 103

Clutch............................................... 105

Brakes.............................................. 107

Brake Light Switches........................ 111

Rear Shock Absorber....................... 113

Wheels ............................................. 115

Battery.............................................. 120

Headlight Beam................................ 126

Fuses ............................................... 127

General Lubrication.......................... 130

Cleaning Your Motorcycle ................ 132

STORAGE........................................... 138

OWNER SATISFACTION ................. 141

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION..... 143

LOCATION OF LABELS..................... 144

8 SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

PERFORMANCE

Maximum Horsepower

(SEA-B3) 35 kW (48 PS) @5 700 r/min (rpm)

Maximum Torque

(SEA-B3) 77 N·m (8.0 kgf·m, 57.5 ft·lb) @3 700 r/min (rpm)

Minimum Turning Radius

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length 2 465 mm (97.0 in.)

Overall Width 1 005 mm (39.6 in.)

Overall Height 1 065 mm (41.9 in.)

Wheelbase

Road Clearance 135 mm (5.31 i n.)

CurbMass 282kg(622lb)

37 kW (50 PS) @5 700 r/min (rpm)

78N·m(8.0kgf·m,57.5ft·lb)@3700r/min(rpm)

2.9 m (114 in.)

(AU) 980 mm (38.6 in.)

1 645 mm (64.8 in.)

(AU) 281kg(620lb)

SPECIFICATIONS 9

ENGINE

Type

Displacement

SOHC, V-type 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled

903 cm³ (55.1 cu in.)

Bore x Stroke 88.0 x 74.2 mm (3.5 x 2.9 in.)

Compression Ratio

Starting System

Cylinder Numbering Method

Firing Order

9.5 : 1

Electric starter

Front to rear, 1-2

1-2

Fuel System Digital fuel injection system (DFI)

Ignition System Battery and coil (transistorized ignition)

Ignition Timing

3.5° BTDC @1 000 r/min (rpm) ∼

(Electronically advanced) 53° BTDC @5 800 r/min (rpm)

Spark Plugs NGK CPR7EA-9

Lubrication System Forced lubrication (wet sump)

10 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine Oil:

Coolant Capacity 2.2 L (2.3 US qt)

TRANSMISSION

Transmission Type

Clutch Type

Driving System

Primary Reduction Ratio

Final Reduction Ratio

Overall Drive Ratio 4.338 (Top gear)

Gear Ratio

Typ e

Viscosity

Capacity 3.7L(3.9USqt)

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

API SG, SH, SJ, SL or SM with JASO MA, MA1
or MA2

SAE 10W-40

5-speed, constant mesh, return shift

Wet, multi disc

Belt drive

2.184 (83/38)

2.063 (66/32)

2.786 (39/14)

1.889 (34/18)

1.360 (34/25)

1.107 (31/28)

0.963 (26/27)

SPECIFICATIONS 11

FRAME

Caster 32°

Trail

Tire Size:

Rim Size:

Fuel Tank Capacity 20 L (5.3 US gal)

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Battery

Headlight

Brake/Tail Light 12 V 21/5 W

Front

Rear

Front

Rear

160 mm (6.3 in.)

130/90-16 M/C 67H

180/70-15 M/C 76H

J16M/C × MT3.00

J15M/C × MT4.50

12 V 10 Ah (10 HR)

12 V 60/55 W

(AU): Australian model
(SEA-B3): Southeast Asia B3 model

Specifications are subject to change without notice and may not apply to every
countries.

12 LOCATION OF PARTS

LOCATION OF PARTS

1. Clutch Lever

2. Clutch Lever Adjuster

3. Meter Instruments

4. Brake Fluid Reservo ir (Fro nt)

5. Brake L ever Adjuster

6. Front Brake Lever

7. Left Handlebar Switches

8. Indicator Lights

9. Fuel Tank Cap

10. Right Handleb ar Sw itch es

11. Throttle Grip

LOCATION OF PARTS 13

12. Front Fork

13. Headlight

14. Turn Signal Light

15. Horn

16. Spark Plugs

17. Battery

18. Brake Disc

19. Brake Caliper

20. Wheel

21. Radiator

22. Shift Pedal

23. Oil Level Inspection Window

24. Side Stand Switch

25. Side Stand

26. Fuse Box

27. Coolant Reserve Tank

28. Rear Shock Absorber

29. Belt

30. Belt Pulley

14 LOCATION OF PARTS

31. Tail/Brake Light

32. Seat

33. Tool Kit Case/Tool Kit

34. Air Cleaner Element

35. Fuel Tank

36. Steering Lock

37. Mufflers

38. Idle Speed Adjusting Screw

39. Rear Brake Pedal

40. Rear Brake Light Switch

41. Brake Fluid Reservoir ( Rear)

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION 15

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION

WARNING

Incorrect loading, improper in­stallation or use of accessories,
or modification of your motorcy­cle may result in an unsafe riding
condition. Before you ride the
motorcycle, make su re it is not
overloaded and that you have
followed these instructions.

With the exception of genuine

Kawasaki Parts and Accessories,
Kawasaki has no control over the
design or application of accessories.
In some cases, improper installation
or use of accessories, or motorcycle
modification, will void the motorcycle
warranty can negatively affect perfor­mance, and can even be illegal. In

selecting and us ing accessories , and
in loading the motorcycle, you are
personally responsible for your own
safety and the safety of other persons
involved.

NOTE

Kawasaki Parts and Accessories

○

have been specially designed for
use on Kawasaki motorcycles. We
strongly recommend that all parts
and accessories you add to your
motorcycle be genuine Kawasaki
components.

Because a motorcycle is s ensitive to
changes in weight and aerodynamic
forces, you must take extreme care
in carrying cargo, passengers and/or
in the fitting of additional accessories.

16 LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION

The following general guidelines have
been prepared to assist you in making
your determinations.

1. Any passenger should be thor­oughly familiar with motorcycle op­eration. The passenger can affect
control of the motorcycle by im­proper positioning during cornering
and sudden movements. It is impor­tant that the passenger sit still while
the motorcycle is in motion and not
interfere with the operation of the
motorcycle. Do not carry animals
on your motorcycle.

2. You should instruct any passenger
before riding to keep his feet on the
passenger footpegs and hold on to
the operator or seat strap. Do not
carry a passenger unless he or she
is tall enough to reach the footpegs
and footpegs are provided.

3. All baggage should be carried as
low as possible to reduce the effect

on the motorcycle center of gravity.
Baggage weight should also be dis­tributed equally on both sides of the
motorcycle. Avoid carrying baggage
that extends beyond the rear of the
motorcycle.

4. Baggage should be securely at­tached. Make sure that the baggage
will not move around while you are
riding. Recheck baggage security
as often as possible (not while the
motorcycle is in m otion) and adjust
as necessary.

5. Do not carry heavy or bulky items on
a luggage rack. They are designed
for light items, and overloading can
affect handling due to changes in
weight distribution and aerodynamic
forces.

6. Do not install accessories or carry
baggage that impairs the perfor­mance of the motorcycle. Make
sure that you have not adversely

LOADING AND ACCESSORIES INFORMATION 17

affected any lighting components,
road clearance, banking capability
(i.e., lean angle), control operation,
wheel travel, front fork movement,
or any other aspect of the motorcy­cle’s operation.

7. Weight attached to the handlebar or
front fork will increase the mass of
the steering assembly and can re­sult in an unsafe riding condition.

8. Fairings, windshields, backrests,
and other large items have the ca­pability o f adversely affecting stabil­ity and handling of the motorcycle,
not only because of their weight, but
also due to the aerodynamic forces
acting on these surfaces while the
motorcycle is in operation. Poorly
designed or installed items can re­sult in an unsafe riding condition.

9. This motorcycle was not intended
to be equipped with a sidecar or to

be used to tow any trailer or other
vehicle. Kawasaki does not manu­facture sidecars or trailers for mo­torcycles and cannot predict the ef­fects of such accessories on han­dling or stability, but can only warn
thattheeffectscanbeadverseand
that Kawasaki cannot assume re­sponsibility for the results of such
unintended use of the motorcycle.
Furthermore, any adverse effects on
motorcycle components caused by
the use of such accessories will not
be remedied under warranty.

Maximum Load

Weight of rider, passenger, bagg age,
and accessories must not exceed 180 kg
(397 lb).

18 GENERAL INFORMATION

Meter Instruments

A. Speedometer
B. Digital Display
C. Fuel Level Warning

Indicator Light

D. Coolant Temperature

Warning Indicator Light
E. Fuel Gauge
F. Oil Pressure Warning

Indicator Light
G. Fuel Injection Warning

Indicator Light
H. MODE Button
I. RESET Button
J. Neutral Indicator Light
K. Turn Signal indicator Light
L. Hig h Beam Indicator Light

GENERAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION 19

Speedometer:

The speedometer shows the speed

of the vehicle.

Digital Display

The digital display located in the
speedometer face is used to display
the odometer, trip meter, and clock.
Pushing the MODE button shifts the
display through the following three
modes: ODO, TRIP and CLOCK.
When the ignition key is turned to
“ON”, all the segments are displayed
for a few seconds, then the clock or
meters operates normally depending
on the mode selected.

Clock -

To adjust hours and minutes:

Turn the ignition key to “ON”.

•

PushtheMODEbuttontodisplaythe

•

clock.

Push the RESET button for more

•

than two seconds. Both the hour and
minute displays start flashing.

Again push the RESET button.

•

When only the hour display flashes,
push the MODE button to advance
the hours.

20 GENERAL INFORMATION

Push the RESET button. The hour

•

display stops flashing and the minute
display starts flashing. Push the
MODEbuttontoadvancethemin­utes.

Push the RESET button. Both the

•

hour and minute displays start flash­ing again.
Push the MODE button. The dis-

•

plays stop flashing and the clock
starts working.

NOTE

Pushing the MODE button momen-

○

tarily advances the hour or minute
step by step. Pushing and hold­ing the button advance the h our or
minute c ontinuously.
The clock works normally from the

○

back-up power while the ignition
switch is turned off.
When the battery is disconnected,

○

the clock resets to 1:00, and starts
working again when the battery is
connected.

GENERAL INFORMATION 21

Odometer -

The odometer s hows the total dis­tance in kilometers (miles) that the ve­hicle has been ridden. This meter can­not be reset.

NOTE

The data is maintained even if the

○

battery is disconnected.
When the figures come to 999999,

○

they are stopped and locked.

Trip Met ers -

The trip meter shows the distance in
kilometers (miles) traveled since it was
last reset to zero.

To reset a trip meter:

Push the MODE button to display the

•

trip meter.
Push the RESET button and hold it

•

in.
After two seconds, the figure display

•

turns to 0.0, and then sta rts counting
when the vehicle is operated. The
meter counts until it is next reset.

22 GENERAL INFORMATION

NOTE

The data is maintained by the back

○

-up power if the ignition key is turned
to “OFF”.
When the trip meter reaches 999.9

○

while riding, the meter resets to 0.0
and continue counting.
When the battery is disconnected,

○

the meter display resets to 0.0.

Fuel Gauge:

The fuel gauge shows the amount of
fuel in the fuel tank. When the needle
comes near the E (empty) position, re­fuel at the earliest opportunity.

Whenvehiclestandswithsidestand,
fuel gauge cannot show the amount of
fuel in the fuel tank exactly. Stand up­right the vehicle to check the fuel level.

RESET Button/MODE button:

The RESET button is used to re­set the trip meter and to adjust the
clock. The MODE b utton is used to
shift through the digital display modes
and to adjust the clock.

Warning/Indicator Lights:
N: When the transmission is in neutral,

the neutral indicator light is lit.

: When the headlight is on high
beam, the high beam indicator light is
lit.

: When the turn signal switch is
pushed to left or right, the turn signal
indicator light f lashes on and off.

: The oil pressure warning indica­tor light goes on whenever the oil pres­sure is dangerously low or the ignition
switch is in the ON position with the en­gine not running, and goes off when the
engine oil pressure is high enough. Re­fer to the Maintenance and Adjustment
chapter for more detailed engine oil in­formation.

: The warning indicator light goes
on whenever the coolant temperature
rises to 120°C (248°F) or higher when
the motorcycle is in operation. If it
stays on, stop the e ngine and check the
coolant level in the reserve tank after
the engine cools down.

GENERAL INFORMATION 23

FI: The fuel injection (FI) warning in-

dicator light goes on when the ignition
key is turned to “ON” and goes off soon
after ensuring that its circuit functions
properly. The warning indicator light
also goes on whenever the troubles oc­cur in digital fuel injection system (DFI).
If the warning indicator light c omes on,
have the DFI system checked by an au­thorized Kawasaki dealer.

: The fuel level warning indicator
light goes on when approximately 4.0 L
(1.0 US gal) of usable fuel remains. Re­fuel at the earliest opportunity when the
fuel level warning indicator light comes
on with the engine running.

When vehicle stands with side stand,
fuel level warning indicator light cannot
show the amount of fuel in the fuel tank
exactly. Stand upright the vehicle to
check the fuel level.

24 GENERAL INFORMATION

Keys

This motorcycle has a combin a ­tion key, which is used for the ignition
switch, steering lock, and fuel tank cap.

Blank keys are available at your
Kawasaki dealers. Ask your dealer to
make any additional spare keys you
may need, using your original key as a
master.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is located at
the left side behind the rear cylinder.
This is a three-position, key-operated
switch. The key can be removed from
the switch when it is in the OFF or P
(Park) position.

A. Ignition Switch
B. OFF
C. ON
D. P (Park)

GENERAL INFORMATION 25

OFF

ON

P(Park)

Engine off. All electrical
circuits off.

Engine on. All electrical
equipment can be used.

Engine off. Taillight and
licence plate ligh t on. All other
electrical circuits cut off.

NOTE

The city (except for Australia mo del),

○

tail and, license plate lights are on
whenever the ignition switch is in the
ON position. The headlight goes on
when the sta rter button is released
after starting the engine. To avoid
battery discharge, always start the
engine immediately after turning the
ignition key to ON.

If you leave the motorcycle in the P

○

(Park) position o r in the ON position
without the motorcycle running for a
long time (one hour), the battery may
become totally discharged.

26 GENERAL INFORMATION

Right Handlebar Switches

Engine Stop Switch:

In addition to the ignition switch, the

engine stop switch must be in the
position for the motorcycle to operate.

Theenginestopswitchisforemer-

gency use. If required, move the en­gine stop switch to the

position.

NOTE

Although the engine stop switch

○

stops the engine, it does not turn off
all the electrical circuits. Ordinarily,
the ignition switch should be used to
stop the engine.

Starter Button:

The starter button operates the elec­tric starter when the transmission is in
neutral.

Refer to the Starting the Engine sec­tionofthe"HowtoRidetheMotorcycle"
chapter for starting instructions.

A. Engine Stop Switch
B. Starter Button

GENERAL INFORMATION 27

Left Handlebar Switches

Dimmer Switch:

High or low beam can be selected
with the d immer switch. When the
headlight is on high beam (
high beam indicator light is lit.

High beam.......(

Low beam.......(

A. Dimmer Switch
B. Turn Signal Switch
C. Horn Button

)

)

), the

Turn Signal Switch:

When the turn signal switch is turned

to the left (

)orright( ), the
corresponding turn signals flash on and
off.

To stop flashing, push the switch in.

Horn Button:

When the horn button is pushed, the

horn sounds.

28 GENERAL INFORMATION

Brake Lever Adjusters

There is an adjuster on the brake
lever. The adjuster has 5 positions so
that the released lever position can be
adjusted to suit the operator’s hands.
Push the lever forward and turn the ad­juster to align the number with the ar­row mark on the lever holder. The dis­tance from the grip to the released lever
is minimum at Number 5 and maximum
at Number 1.

A. Adjuster
B. Arrow Mark

GENERAL INFORMATION 29

Fuel

Fuel Requirements:

Your Kawasaki engine is designed
to use only unleaded gasoline with a
minimum octane rating shown below.
Neverusegasolinewithanoctanerat­ing lower than the minimum specified
by Kawasaki to prevent severe engine
damage.

The octane rating of a gasoline is a
measure of its resistance to detona­tion or “knocking”. The term commonly
used to describe a gasoline’s octane
rating is the Research Octane Number
(RON).

NOTICE

Do not use leaded g asoline, as
this will destroy the catalytic
converter. (For further infor­mation, refer to the “Catalytic
Converter” section in the “How
to Ride the Motorcycle” chap­ter.)