Motorcycle specifications KawasakiVN 900 Custom 2012 Dark boy

Cruiser

Tell us what you think of this VN 900 Custom 2012

presentation of the VN 900 Custom 2012

the custom version of the VN 900 has returned to the Kawasaki range with a more rebellious motivation. Unsurprisingly, it takes its technical base from the 900 Classic, including the 903 cm3 V-twin. Around fifty horsepower and some 8 mkg for a quiet cruising ride. All wet, this VN weighs 4 kilos less than its sibling.

but it's the looks that really set this Custom apart. With its matte-black body and exhaust pipes, it would make an ideal companion in the land of shadows. An eye-catching red stripe runs down the centerline, the chrome on the engine stands out, and the rear fender is less wheel-hugging, refining the rear line. Above all, the large 21" double-spoke front wheel (16" spoked on the Classic) is a real eye-catcher. It's clear that this little bugger wants to have it out with the Harley 883 Iron. It's also equipped with raised drag-bar handlebars, a special seat and sportier footrests, without the imposing running boards. Just to give you a bit of a buzz, the VN Custom is offered at the same price as the Classic. So it won't be your wallet but your style that will make you choose.

M.B. - Manufacturer's photos

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Published on 10/12/20
by Greg

Key facts Kawasaki VN 900 Custom (2012) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

Dry black color
Style Dark
Same price as Classic

Weak points

Reduced power

Prices

	Basic version
France	8,899€

Bikers' reviews

of 10 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Replace VN 900 Custom 2011

VN 900 Custom 2011

Replaced by

VN 900 Custom 2013

Performance

Max speed : approximately 170 km/h (105.60 mph)

Specifications Kawasaki VN 900 Custom 2012

Chassis: Frame : Double steel cradle; Fuel capacity : 20 liters (5.28 US gallons); Seat height : 685 mm (26.97 in); Length : 2,405 mm (94.69 in); Width : 895 mm (35.24 in); Min height : 1,120 mm (44.09 in); Wheelbase : 1,645 mm (64.76 in); Weight when fully loaded : 278 kg (613 lb)

Front axle: Telehydraulic fork Ø 41 mm, Wheel travel : 150 mm (5.91 in); Braking 1 disc Ø 300 mm (11.81 in), 2-piston caliper; Front tire : 80 / 90 - 21 → Order this type of tire; Pressure : 2 bar

Transmission: 5 stage gearbox; Secondary belt drive

Rear axle: Mono-damper, Wheel travel : 103 mm (4.06 in); Braking 1 disc Ø 270 mm (10.63 in), 2-piston caliper; Rear tire : 180 / 70 - 15 → Order this type of tire; Pressure : 2 bar

Motor: two-cylinder en V , 4 strokes; Injection Ø 34 mm; Cooling system : liquid; 1 ACT per cylinder; 4 valves per cylinder; 903 cc; 50 ch (49.30 hp) to 5,700 rpm; 8 mkg to 3,700 rpm; Power-to-weight ratio : approximately 5.29 kg/ch; Weight / torque ratio : approximately 32.61 kg/mkg; Compression : 9.5 : 1

Practical information

Take care of your motorcycle! Find all the parts and maintenance products you need to keep your bike in top condition.

motor fluid exhaust Chain kit electricity filtration braking Tires

Motorcyle equipment adapted for all members of the family and security elements.

Gallery

Models

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2009

2008

2007

Used

VN 900 CUSTOM 2007

3899€

Incredible bargains await you: explore our selection of used motorcycles.

Competitors

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012

Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star 2012

Triumph 865 SPEEDMASTER 2012

Suzuki C 800 INTRUDER 2012

Find others Cruiser of 2012

Compare the VN 900 Custom to its competitors

Fuel consumption

Kawasaki VN 900 Custom 2012 Undisclosed

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 : 4.90 liters/100km (0.48 mpg)

Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star 2012 Undisclosed

Triumph 865 SPEEDMASTER 2012 Undisclosed

Suzuki C 800 INTRUDER 2012 Undisclosed

Range

Kawasaki VN 900 Custom 2012 Undisclosed

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 : 347 km (216 miles)

Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star 2012 Undisclosed

Triumph 865 SPEEDMASTER 2012 Undisclosed

Suzuki C 800 INTRUDER 2012 Undisclosed

Torque

Kawasaki VN 900 Custom 2012 : 8 mkg

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 : 10 mkg

Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star 2012 : 7.8 mkg

Triumph 865 SPEEDMASTER 2012 : 7.5 mkg

Suzuki C 800 INTRUDER 2012 : 6.9 mkg

Power

Kawasaki VN 900 Custom 2012 : 50 ch (49.30 hp)

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 : 75 ch (74 hp)

Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star 2012 : 54 ch (53.30 hp)

Triumph 865 SPEEDMASTER 2012 : 61 ch (60.20 hp)

Suzuki C 800 INTRUDER 2012 : 53 ch (52.30 hp)

Power-to-Weight ratio

Kawasaki VN 900 Custom 2012 : 5.29 kg/ch *

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 : 3.39 kg/ch

Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star 2012 : 4.94 kg/ch *

Triumph 865 SPEEDMASTER 2012 : 3.88 kg/ch *

Suzuki C 800 INTRUDER 2012 : 5.03 kg/ch *

Torque-to-Weight ratio

Kawasaki VN 900 Custom 2012 : 32.61 kg/mkg *

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 : 25.1 kg/mkg

Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star 2012 : 33.74 kg/mkg *

Triumph 865 SPEEDMASTER 2012 : 31.12 kg/mkg *

Suzuki C 800 INTRUDER 2012 : 38.16 kg/mkg *

Speed

Kawasaki VN 900 Custom 2012 : approximately 170 km/h (105.60 mph)

Harley-Davidson XL Sportster 1200 Custom 2012 : 175 km/h (108.70 mph) on the odometer

Yamaha XVS 950 Midnight Star 2012 : approximately 170 km/h (105.60 mph)

Triumph 865 SPEEDMASTER 2012 : approximately 180 km/h (111.80 mph)

Suzuki C 800 INTRUDER 2012 : approximately 160 km/h (99.40 mph)

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Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 10 reviews

Jcv Model 2013

Great bike for the rendo bike. I've been riding it for 4 years now, and it's a real pleasure. 09/11/2025 20:55 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Jcv

france

guigui51 Model 2011

Hello again, I'm on my third VN 900, the first bought in 2014 in St Aubin in Normandy, with 7500kms, given to my son in 2019 with 115000 kms. Only big mechanical problem, the stator burnt out at 103000kms.
My second bought in 2019 in DAX in the Landes, with 24000kms. I still have it, but it's waiting to be sold. 86000kms My third, which I've just bought in Narbonne in the Aude, with 6500 kms, is being upgraded. I've refurbished the saddle to make it more comfortable for the passenger, added extra headlights and fitted hard saddlebags with integrated lights. As you can see, I don't hesitate to go miles out of my way to buy them. I'm so fond of them that I don't want to change. I hope that when this one has too many kilometers on it, I'll find another one, otherwise I'll go for an Indian. It's a shame that Kawa stopped manufacturing it for France because of anti-pollution standards, but it's still sold in the United States. 11/27/2024 14:12 Rating : 5/5 Respond to guigui51

Le top

Serge Model 2007

I'm 59 years old and after 40 years of driving and several dozen motorcycles, roadsters, GTs, etc., here I am with this 2007 vn 900 custom with 13500 km. It's a real pleasure to ride, safe and easy to handle. I should point out that I only ride two-up and that my wife is delighted with the comfort. Sissi bar, of course. Very good pick-up, even for two. 12/28/2023 17:41 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Serge

VN 900 CUSTOM édition spéciale.

guigui51 Model 2008

Hello everyone.
I've passed the 115000kms mark. Unfortunately, my first major breakdown happened this summer while I was riding in the Atlantic Pyrenees, on the Ossau Iraty plateau. and yes. No battery. I was able to restart by pushing it. I bought a new battery, but nothing helped. I was then told that the stator was Hs (charging circuit). The bill came to almost 800€. Given the mileage, I decided to part with it (taken over by my son, who will repair it for 120€ (internet)
So I bought a magnificent motorcycle. Exactly the same but with only 25000kms. Very well maintained, magnificent. It's equipped with a 2-in-1 chrome exhaust system. The problem is that given the hundreds of kilometers I ride every day, it's too noisy. As I was given the original exhaust (in matt black), I'm going to put it back on. The problem is that I only have 3 silentblocs, instead of 8. Do any of you have any, or know of a site where I can get some, because I can't find any (or at Kawa, but at what price? I haven't been there yet)
Looking forward to hearing from you. Have a nice day
PS: I recommend this bike which is beautiful, solid and reliable. 11/04/2020 14:08 Rating : 5/5 Respond to guigui51

Yvelines

Jason78

Good evening, I've had this bike since June and I'm very happy with it. I've fitted a small bubble and I'm in the process of equipping it with rear saddlebags, which should be great for next spring. Guigui51, if you're interested, I can give you the silentblocs for your original exhaust, in exchange I can buy back your 2 in 1 pot, I'm looking for one, it will be much better for mounting my hard saddlebags. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you're interested, have a good evening. 12/14/2020 18:07 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Guigui51 Model 2011

And here we are in 2019 and I still have my VN 900. It now has 103,000 kms. No, you're not dreaming. She's puncture-proof. Regular maintenance. I'm very happy with it, too bad they don't make it anymore. If I find a used one with fewer kilometers, I'll buy it right away. 08/22/2019 21:24 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Guigui51

Romu40

Good evening, I had one that I sold to my brother-in-law 2 years ago. He doesn't drive it, it must have barely 14,000 kilometers. Today, he told me he was going to sell it.
The problem is geographically, it's in Mimizan.
Sincerely Romuald, I sent you this message because I've just read the article. 09/18/2019 21:51 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

guigui51

Yes it's been a long time and it's a shame we came back from vacation 2 weeks ago we were in the Landes.
Do you have any photos? 09/23/2019 21:49 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Avis

Duflot keyboards

Hello
Am I taking a risk buying an impeccable vn900 with 50000 kms? All invoices Ok! Thank you for your advice!
Cdlt
Cyril Duflot 05/22/2020 18:14 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Possibilité de mettre un autre pneu AV sur Vulcan 900 Custom ?

willec Model 2015

I have this 2013 version bike. I just wanted to know if on the original 21 inch rim, we could put another tire, see the size above to make it look less small." 04/04/2016 18:48 Rating : 5/5 Respond to willec

super et superbe moto

guigui51 Model 2011

This is my first motorcycle. It looks great, and everyone turns around when they see it. It looks like a Harley, but cheaper. I spend my life on it and can't live without it. It's great on hills. On the downside, the rear passenger seat needs changing, as it's not comfortable. I think I'll keep it for a long time. 06/22/2015 13:17 Rating : 5/5 Respond to guigui51

kawasaki 900

BYKERS Model 2011

very good bike for beginners it's worth a 600 i started with it and i'm very happy with it good bike.it's better than a 883 harley 04/12/2015 18:37 Rating : 5/5 Respond to BYKERS

achat d'un modedele 2011

alain79 Model 2012

i think the vn900 is great, even though it's my first bike 09/24/2013 20:23 Rating : 5/5 Respond to alain79

jojo 34 Model 2011

great bike at a contained price better on the road than in the city because a bit heavy when fully equipped 03/07/2013 09:28 Rating : 5/5 Respond to jojo 34

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FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the VN 900 Custom 2012

What is the power of the VN 900 Custom 2012?: The VN 900 Custom 2012 develops a power of 50 ch (49.30 hp)
What is the torque of the VN 900 Custom 2012?: The maximum torque of the VN 900 Custom 2012 is 8 mkg to 3,700 rpm.
What is the maximum speed of the VN 900 Custom 2012?: The VN 900 Custom 2012 is capable of reaching a top speed of approximately 170 km/h (105.60 mph) on the track.
What is the weight of the VN 900 Custom 2012?: The VN 900 Custom 2012 has a a weight when fully loaded of 278 kg (613 lb).
QWhat is the seat height of the VN 900 Custom 2012?: To ensure good accessibility, the VN 900 Custom 2012 offers a minimum seat height of 685 mm (26.97 in).
What is the price of the VN 900 Custom 2012?: The price of the VN 900 Custom 2012 is 8,899€ in France