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2014 Kawasaki VN900 Classic Special Edition Looks Sharp

Even though 2014 marks the 30th anniversary of the Ninja family, Kawasaki has maintained one of the very nifty habits: special edition trims for its most popular bikes, a sweet treat to those who are fine with spending some little extra cash on a bike with a different character than what comes right off the mill.
2014 Kawasaki VN900 Classic Special Edition 5 photos
Photo: Kawasaki
2014 Kawasaki VN900 Classic Special Edition2014 Kawasaki VN900 Classic Special Edition2014 Kawasaki VN900 Classic Special Edition2014 Kawasaki VN900 Classic Special Edition
There are two things the 2014 Kawasaki VN900 Classic Special Edition brings to top the performance ad looks of the standard model: 2 extra horsepower and a different livery. Some might say that 2 horsies are not exactly a thing to be too excited over, but since they’re extra, this can’t be a bad thing, can it? And since you don’t have to spend big to get aftermarket exhausts or other parts to up the power of your bike… having 50 hp instead of 48 (and 78Nm / 57.5 lb-ft of torque) feels very good.

Now, the Special Edition VN900 Classic is a looker, and the first thing everybody will notice is the two-tone color scheme, with custom-class pinstripes. Usually one of the exquisite and expensive upgrades to the livery of a cruiser, pinstripes are offered ex works with the 2014 Kawasaki VN900 Classic Special Edition, and this adds even more value to the bike.

While the base 2014 model is only available in a classic, glossy black paint with chrome accents, the Special Edition arrives in Pearl Meteor Gray with black and red stripes. Even more, the whole engine received a matte black coat for engine and rocker arm covers, cylinders, air filter box and which extends even to the fork shrouds and headlight casing. It would have been glorious to have the same color on the wire-spoke rims, but we’ll have to make do with shiny ones.

The 903cc liquid-cooled SOHC v-twin is fuel injected via dual 34mm throttle bodies, and comes with a 5-speed manual transmission. Stopping power comes from a single 300mm front rotor and a single 270mm disc. With a 20-liter (5.3 US gal) fuel tank, touring will actually mean more riding and less time spent in the gas station. Obviously, a wide range of accessories are up for grabs, adding to the £7,449 (€9,410 / $12,720, UK) base price. The 2014 Kawasaki VN900 Classic Special Edition is only £200 (€250 / $340) more than the standard version.
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