Kawasaki gets double duty out of the Vulcan 900 Classic, offering a standard cruiser version, plus a touring-ready Vulcan 900 Classic LT.The 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT takes the standard Classic and adds saddlebags, a passenger backrest, and an adjustable windscreen for $1000—turning it into a bargain lightweight cruiser tourer at $8999.LT
The two 2020 Vulcan 900 Classics share the same basic motorcycle platform. That means you get a peppy 903cc oversquare V-twin with SOHC, four-valve cylinder heads that put out an impressive 58 ft/lbs of torque at just 3500 rpm. The five-speed transmission works with the 900’s broad powerband, and the Positive Neutral Finder is appreciated by novice and veteran alike when looking for neutral at a stop.To keep the seat height below 27 inches, there’s a 16-inch tire in the front and 15-inch out back. Dunlop D404 tires do a great job, with the standard Classic getting stylish whitewalls.With a rake of 32 degrees and a roomy 5.9 inches of trail, plus fat tires—130 front; 180 rear—the Vulcan 900 Classic is rock steady, and the Vulcan 900 Classic LT has the stability needed at speed.The LT’s windshield provides quite a bit of protection, and the passenger will love the backrest. The bags aren’t huge, though they will do the job for weekend getaways.In town, the Vulcan 900 Classic has plenty of urban style, and it looks like a larger motorcycle than it actually is. With that low seat height and a curb weight of just 620 pounds, it’s a versatile city motorcycle.
2020 Vulcan 900 Classic and Classic LT Specs
ENGINE
Type: V-twin
Displacement: 903cc
Bore x stroke: 88.0 x 74.2mm
Maximum torque: 58 ft/lbs @ 3500 rpm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Valvetrain: SOHC; 4vpc
Fueling: EFI w/ dual Keihin 34mm throttle bodies
Cooling: Liquid
Transmission: 5-speed w/ Positive Neutral Finder
Final drive: Belt
CHASSIS
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 41mm fork; 5.9 inches
Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark + Chip Doherty with Neale Bayly
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
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This week, in the first segment Senior Editor Nic de Sena talks to us about the new Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark. This somewhat entry-level machine still comes with all the great Ducati hallmarks of excellent low down torque and impeccable handling. If you like to hear about fun motorcycles, then you’ll enjoy this one.
In the second segment, Editor-at-Large Neale Bayly brings us another of his interviews, this time it’s with Chip Doherty.
Chip’s amazing resume includes motorcycle racer, restorer and collector. Back in the early 2000s he used his engineering background to start motorcycle clothing manufacturer Motophoria.
After selling that company in 2007, Chip’s resume gained him entry to NASA where for 7 years he was responsible for launching the space shuttle! Since moving on from NASA, Chip expanded his collection of classic British bikes. Eventually Neale persuaded him to ride to Peru and help Neale’s Wellspring Foundation raise money for the orphanage there.
So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!
Neale Bayly’s Wellspring Foundation always appreciates donations. Just $5 will help feed an orphan.
In town, the Vulcan 900 Classic has plenty of urban style, and it looks like a larger motorcycle than it actually is. With that low seat height and a curb weight of just 620 pounds, it’s a versatile city motorcycle.
