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Kawasaki · Overhead-cam four-stroke twin, wet sump, gearbox shares engine oil, belt drive

VN 900 Light Tourer

Library entry covers 2011-2012

52 factory 26 guideline

Published source

Kawasaki 2012 Vulcan 900 Classic LT VN900D Owner's Manual 99987-1703 (US, English), Periodic Maintenance Chart pp.84-94

Factory owner's handbook. Covers VN900D (2012 Vulcan 900 Classic LT, 903 cc V-twin); 2012 US owner's manual 99987-1703 (viewer serves revision 3), English. Three-part chart: 1. Periodic Inspection (Engine Related Items) and 2. Periodic Inspection (Chassis Related Items) with columns 1/6/12/18/24/30/36 x 1 000 km (0.6/3.75/7.5/11.25/15/18.75/22.5 x 1 000 mile); 3. Periodic Replacement with columns 1/12/24/36/48 x 1 000 km (0.6/7.5/15/22.5/30 x 1 000 mile); each with an Every column, whichever comes first; *: for higher odometer readings, repeat at the frequency interval established here. K = should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; # = severe conditions. This edition prints no emission related item marks. Catalog row 2011-2012; same VN900D family. Liquid cooled, fuel injected, belt final drive, spoked wheels.

Open the source

78 items for a 2012 model, grouped by interval the way a factory chart is laid out.

How this bike is built (what the schedule is based on)

Engine cycle: Four-stroke
Engine lubrication: Wet sump (oil in crankcase)
Oil filtration: Replaceable cartridge or spin-on filter
Valve gear: Overhead cam, screw/locknut adjusters
Ignition: Electronic (CDI / transistor / ECU)
Charging: Alternator / stator with rectifier
Battery: Wet cell (flooded lead-acid, needs topping up)
Fuel system: Fuel injection
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Primary drive: Gear or chain inside engine, shares engine oil
Gearbox oil: Shares engine oil
Clutch control: Hand lever, cable
Final drive: Toothed belt
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm, single shock / cantilever
Front brake: Disc, hydraulic
Rear brake: Disc, hydraulic
Wheels: Spoked, tubed
Sidecar: No sidecar

Maintenance schedule

2012 Kawasaki VN 900 Light Tourer

On the road: every 200 mi

1 item

Check engine oil level

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Each fuel stop on old machines. Dry sump: check the tank hot, engine idling or just stopped, per your manual.

On the road: every 300 mi

2 items

Check lights, horn, brake light switches

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline
Check tire pressures

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

On the road: every 500 mi

1 item

Check coolant level

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Every 3,000 mi or 12 months

3 items

Inspect fork seals, stanchions and fork boots

Front end

Guideline
Check footrests, pegs, rear brake and gear lever pivots

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Grease and check center / side stand and springs

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 3,750 mi or 6 months

1 item

Brake fluid level - inspect

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Every column: 6 months; marked at 1,000, 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000 km (600, 3,750, 7,500, 11,250, 15,000, 18,750, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 6,000 km (3,750 mile) (p.89)

Every 3,750 mi or 12 months

4 items

Brake fluid leak - inspect

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000 km (600, 3,750, 7,500, 11,250, 15,000, 18,750, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 6,000 km (3,750 mile) (p.88)
Brake hose installation condition - inspect

Brakes

Factory

Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000 km (600, 3,750, 7,500, 11,250, 15,000, 18,750, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 6,000 km (3,750 mile) (p.89)
Brake hoses damage - inspect

Brakes

Factory

Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000 km (600, 3,750, 7,500, 11,250, 15,000, 18,750, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 6,000 km (3,750 mile) (p.88)
Brake operation (effectiveness, play, drag) - inspect

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000 km (600, 3,750, 7,500, 11,250, 15,000, 18,750, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 6,000 km (3,750 mile) (p.89)

Every 3,750 mi

6 items

Drive belt deflection - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; marked at 1,000, 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000 km (600, 3,750, 7,500, 11,250, 15,000, 18,750, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 6,000 km (3,750 mile) (p.87)
Inspect drive belt, pulleys and tension

Final drive

Factory

Manual: Drive belt wear - inspect. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; marked at 1,000, 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000 km (600, 3,750, 7,500, 11,250, 15,000, 18,750, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 6,000 km (3,750 mile) (p.87)
Brake light switch operation - inspect

Brakes

Factory

Factory: marked at 1,000, 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000 km (600, 3,750, 7,500, 11,250, 15,000, 18,750, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 6,000 km (3,750 mile) (p.89)
Check brake pads and discs

Brakes

Factory

Manual: Brake pad wear - inspect. Factory: marked at 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000 km (3,750, 7,500, 11,250, 15,000, 18,750, 22,500 mile); spacing 6,000 km (3,750 mile); #: service more frequently when operating in severe conditions: dusty, wet, muddy, high speed, or frequent starting/stopping (p.89)
Check spoke tension and wheel true

Wheels and tires

Factory

Manual: Spoke tightness and rim runout - inspect. Factory: marked at 1,000, 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000 km (600, 3,750, 7,500, 11,250, 15,000, 18,750, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 6,000 km (3,750 mile) (p.88)
Evaporative emission control system - function (California model only)

Controls and cables

Factory

Factory: marked at 1,000, 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000 km (600, 3,750, 7,500, 11,250, 15,000, 18,750, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 6,000 km (3,750 mile); *D: California model only (p.86)

Every 4,000 mi or 12 months

1 item

Inspect, clean and gap spark plugs

Engine

Guideline

Every 6,000 mi or 12 months

5 items

Clean / inspect air filter

Fuel and air

Guideline

Mesh or oiled foam: clean and re-oil. Paper: blow out or replace. Some very early machines have no filter at all.
Check charging voltage and regulator / cut-out

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Check swingarm bushes for play

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Lubricate control cables and lever pivots

Controls and cables

Guideline
Lubricate speedometer / tachometer cables, check drive

Controls and cables

Guideline

A dry speedo cable whips the needle and eventually kills the instrument.

Every 7,500 mi or 12 months

18 items

Change engine oil

Engine

Factory

Manual: Engine oil - change. Factory: Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000, 48,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500, 30,000 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile); #: service more frequently when operating in severe conditions: dusty, wet, muddy, high speed, or frequent starting/stopping (p.93)
Chassis parts - lubricate

Engine

Factory

Factory: Every column: year; marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.92)
Coolant leak - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.85)
Engine stop switch operation - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: Every column: year; marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.92)
Headlight aiming - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: Every column: year; marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.91)
Inspect coolant hoses and clamps

Engine

Factory

Manual: Radiator hose damage - inspect. Factory: Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.85)
Lights and switches operation - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: Every column: year; marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.91)
Radiator hoses installation condition - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.85)
Replace oil filter

Engine

Factory

Manual: Oil filter - replace. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000, 48,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500, 30,000 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.93)
Check throttle cable(s) free play and return

Fuel and air

Factory

Manual: Throttle control system (play, smooth return, no drag) - inspect. Factory: Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.84)
Fuel hoses damage - inspect

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.84)
Fuel hoses installation condition - inspect

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.85)
Fuel leak (fuel hose and pipe) - inspect

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.84)
Check steering head bearing adjustment

Front end

Factory

Manual: Steering play - inspect. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: year; marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.91)
Inspect rear shocks for leaks and damping

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Manual: Front forks/rear shock absorber oil leak - inspect. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: year; marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.90)
Side stand switch operation - inspect

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Factory: Every column: year; marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.92)
Check wheel bearings for play

Wheels and tires

Factory

Manual: Wheel bearings damage - inspect. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: year; marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.88)
Tire air pressure - inspect

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Every column: year; marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.87)

Every 7,500 mi

11 items

Air suction system damage - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.86)
Bolts and nuts tightness - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.92)
Coolant level - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile); no Every entry (p.85)
Idle speed - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.84)
Replace spark plugs

Engine

Factory

Manual: Spark plug - replace. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000, 48,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500, 30,000 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.94)
Uni-trak rocker arm operation - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.90)
Uni-trak tie rods operation - inspect

Engine

Factory

Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.90)
Adjust clutch free play, lubricate cable and lever pivot

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Manual: Clutch operation (play, engagement, disengagement) - inspect. Factory: marked at 1,000, 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (600, 7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); initial at 1,000 km, then every 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.87)
Front forks/rear shock absorber operation (damping and smooth stroke) - inspect

Front end

Factory

Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.90)
Inspect tire tread, sidewalls and date codes

Wheels and tires

Factory

Manual: Tire tread wear, abnormal wear - inspect. Factory: marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.88)
Wheels/tires damage - inspect

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: marked at 12,000, 24,000, 36,000 km (7,500, 15,000, 22,500 mile); spacing 12,000 km (7,500 mile) (p.88)

Every 10,000 mi or 2 years

1 item

Compression test (or leak-down)

Engine

Guideline

Every 12,000 mi or 2 years

1 item

Synchronize throttle bodies

Fuel and air

Guideline

Every 12,000 mi

1 item

Replace air filter element

Fuel and air

Factory

Manual: Air cleaner element - replace. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; printed as text: every 18,000 km (12,000 mile); #: service more frequently when operating in severe conditions: dusty, wet, muddy, high speed, or frequent starting/stopping (p.93)

Every 15,000 mi or 2 years

2 items

Repack / replace steering head bearings

Front end

Factory

Manual: Steering stem bearings - lubricate. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: 2 years; marked at 24,000 km (15,000 mile); single mark (p.91)
Replace brake fluid

Brakes

Factory

Manual: Brake fluid (front and rear) - change. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: 2 years; marked at 24,000, 48,000 km (15,000, 30,000 mile); spacing 24,000 km (15,000 mile) (p.93)

Every 15,000 mi or 3 years

1 item

Change fork oil

Front end

Guideline

Some early telescopic forks are grease filled or use very small oil quantities. Check your manual.

Every 15,000 mi

4 items

Check and adjust valve clearances

Engine

Factory

Manual: Valve clearance - inspect. Factory: marked at 24,000 km (15,000 mile); single mark (p.84)
Uni-trak tie rods bearings - lubricate

Engine

Factory

Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; marked at 24,000 km (15,000 mile); single mark (p.91)
Clean and grease rear suspension linkage

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Manual: Uni-trak rocker arm bearings - lubricate. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; marked at 24,000 km (15,000 mile); single mark (p.91)
Grease swingarm pivot

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Manual: Swing arm pivot - lubricate. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; marked at 24,000 km (15,000 mile); single mark (p.90)

Every 20,000 mi or 4 years

1 item

Repack / replace wheel bearings

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Cup-and-cone and taper roller hubs need periodic repacking and adjustment.

Every 22,500 mi or 3 years

2 items

Radiator hoses and O-rings - replace

Engine

Factory

Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: 3 years; marked at 36,000 km (22,500 mile); single mark (p.93)
Replace coolant

Engine

Factory

Manual: Coolant - change. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: 3 years; marked at 36,000 km (22,500 mile); single mark (p.93)

Every 24,000 mi or 4 years

1 item

Replace fuel filter

Fuel and air

Guideline

Every 25,000 mi or 6 years

1 item

Replace swingarm bushes / bearings

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 30,000 mi or 4 years

2 items

Inspect brake hoses; replace old rubber

Brakes

Factory

Manual: Brake hoses - replace. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: 4 years; marked at 48,000 km (30,000 mile); single mark (p.93)
Rebuild calipers and master cylinders (seals)

Brakes

Factory

Manual: Rubber parts of master cylinder and caliper - replace. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: 4 years; marked at 48,000 km (30,000 mile); single mark (p.94)

Every 30,000 mi or 6 years

1 item

Rebuild forks: seals, bushes, springs

Front end

Guideline

Every 50,000 mi

1 item

Replace drive belt (wear or damage based)

Final drive

Guideline

Every 6 months

1 item

Clean battery terminals, check charge and strap

Ignition and electrics

Guideline

Every 2 years

2 items

Inspect wiring, bullet connectors and ground points

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Inspect frame, welds and lugs for cracks

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 5 years

1 item

Replace fuel lines

Fuel and air

Factory

Manual: Fuel hoses - replace. Factory: K: should be serviced by an authorized Kawasaki dealer; Every column: 5 years; no odometer marks (p.93)

Every 6 years

2 items

Replace inner tubes and rim tape with tires

Wheels and tires

Guideline
Replace tires on age (regardless of tread)

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Guideline lines: Intervals here are general guidelines for the machine's era and layout, compiled for this app. They are not factory manual figures. Check your workshop manual, and edit any interval in the bike's Schedule tab.