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Vulcan
ManufacturerKawasaki
Also calledVN
ProductionSince 1984
ClassCruiser
Engine125–2000 cc V-twin, 500 and 650 cc parallel twin
Kawasaki vulcan 800, 1999 model, two-tone black and cream.

The Vulcan name has been used by Kawasaki for their custom or touring bike since 1984, model designation VN, using mostly V-twin engines ranging from 125 to 2,053 cc (7.6 to 125.3 cu in).

Model history

1984–2006: Vulcan 750 series

Main article: Kawasaki Vulcan 750

In 1985 Kawasaki launched, worldwide, the Vulcan VN700A, its first cruiser powered by its first V-twin engine. The VN700A has a shaft drive. Kawasaki also made the now rare VZ 750 variant with chromed wheel arches and other subtle differences. To avoid United States tariffs on Japanese motorcycles over 700cc, the initial US model was limited to 699 cc but in 1986, the tariff was lifted so the engine capacity was increased to 749 cc. Apart from paint schemes the Vulcan remained largely unchanged throughout its 22-year production run with only minor adjustments to components.

1986–2004: Vulcan 400 series

Kawasaki introduced the Vulcan 400 in 1986 as an entry level cruiser. For a first series, the Vulcan 400 featured a 398 cc liquid-cooled twin engine, and was fitted with a belt drive and six-speed transmission. The series 2 Vulcan 400 featured a 399 cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine similar in design to the 750. The series 2 was fitted with a chain drive and five-speed transmission to reduce cost and was produced in both Classic and Drifter variations.

1990–2009: Vulcan 500 series

The Vulcan 500 (EN500A) introduced in 1990 was the successor to the Kawasaki 454 LTD. The EN500A was fitted with a parallel twin 498 cc engine nearly identical to the Kawasaki Ninja 500R. It had a 6-speed transmission and belt final drive. The EN500A was discontinued after 1996 and replaced with the Vulcan 500 LTD (EN500C). Both versions were available as 1996 models. With the EN500C the ergonomics changed as well as the engine tuning. New cam shaft profiles and slightly lower compression pistons moved the power band down to increase low end torque. Also the carburetors were downsized from 34mm to 32mm. The belt final drive was replaced with a chain. The Vulcan 500 LTD was discontinued after the 2009 model year for a nearly 20 year production run.

2015–present: Vulcan 650 S Series

The Vulcan 650 S (EN650AF/BF) is designated as a Sport cruiser. Introduced in 2015 with an Ergo-Fit system designed for better custom comfort adjustability for different rider sizes. A choice of three foot peg positions, three seats and two handlebars are available to choose from, at time of purchase. The engine is a 649cc parallel twin derived from the Ninja 650. Retuned, heavier flywheel and redesigned intake give the Vulcan S more low and mid range torque. It has very non traditional cruiser looks with a unique frame and suspension layout.

All Specs via [1]

1987–2008: Vulcan 88/1500 series

The Vulcan 88 was introduced in 1987 and was immediately seen as a shot across the bow of other big bore motorcycles of the time, notably the Honda Gold Wing (1200cc) and the Harley Davidson Electra Glide (1340cc)

With its 1464  cc liquid-cooled V-twin design, the 88 was produced from 1987 through 1999. It was immediately dubbed 'The King of the Cruisers' by at least one motorcycle magazine[3] A four-speed transmission was blended with the "large for its time motor" and offered consumers a big-bore metric cruiser that was comfortable and relatively light-weight at just over 600 lbs when "rider ready".

The Vulcan 1500 Classic, introduced in 1996, had a 1,470 cc (90 cu in) liquid-cooled SOHC 50° V-twin engine with a single-pin crankshaft and a 5 speed transmission. It had a 27.6-inch (700 mm) seat height, wide handlebar, and forward-mounted floorboards.

The 1500 Meanstreak was introduced in 2002 and lasted 2 years, before giving way to the 1600 Meanstreak. This performance version of the 1500 had the same basic engine as the 1500FI, but sported several upgrades including new camshafts, larger valves, larger fuel injection throttle bodies, new high compression pistons, and re-designed combustion chamber. It also had a slimmed down narrower gas tank. This meant an increase to 72 hp at 5500rpm and 90 ft-lbs at 3000rpm, while weighing in at a mere 637 lbs dry.[4]

The Vulcan 1500 Drifter was an homage to the 1948 Indian Chief which began production in 1999 and ceased production in 2005. It is notable for its large Indian-style fenders, wide solo seat, wide handlebars and fringe in several places.

1995–2006: Vulcan 800 series

Two models of the Vulcan, VN800A and VN800B, were discontinued in 2006 with the introduction of the VN900. The VN800A, introduced in 1995 and the first of Kawasaki's modern cruiser style, featured a softail design, bobbed rear fender and a 21-inch front wheel. The VN800B (Classic), introduced in 1996, had a retro styling that featured full fenders and 16-inch wheels on both front and rear.

2002–2008: Vulcan 1600 series

2004–2010: Vulcan 2000 series

Based and built on the same frame, the Vulcan 2000 base model, Classic, and Classic LT have only subtle differences between the variations. The most apparent is the "bug-eye" chrome nacelle projection headlight that was first introduced on 2004 Vulcan VN2000A base model. This headlight was the only offering from Kawasaki until the introduction of the Vulcan Classic VN2000D in 2006, which employed a more traditional headlight. Also introduced in 2006, the Vulcan Classic LT VN2000F. The Classic LT had an appearance similar to the Classic but added saddlebags, windshield, passenger floorboards and passenger backrest to the offering. The engine in the VN2000 was briefly the largest displacement production engine in a motorcycle (2053cc/125ci) before it was superseded by the Triumph Rocket 3 later that same year. It remains the largest displacement production V-Twin ever sold, as the Rocket is a Triple (inline 3). In addition to its immense size and power, the VN2000 was different in one other way for Kawasaki. It is their only V-Twin with external lifters, making it unique in the Vulcan lineup and giving it more of a Harley look.

2006–present: Vulcan 900 series

2009–present: Vulcan 1700 series

Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1600 (2006)

References

  1. ^ a b "Kawasaki Vulcan® S ABS | Cruiser Motorcycle | Comfortable & Aggressive".
  2. ^ "2019 Kawasaki Vulcan S Review and Test Ride | GoRollick". 27 August 2019.
  3. ^ "Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Specs & Review (Cruiser Bike)". 31 August 2021.
  4. ^ http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2001/08/31aug01kawasaki2002meanstreak/
  5. ^ Kawasaki 2003 Vulcan 1600 Classic: MD Ride Review Archived 2008-08-21 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ MD First Ride: 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad Archived 2008-10-13 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ 2004 Kawasaki 1600 Mean Streak: MD Ride Review Archived 2008-08-04 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ a b c d "Motorcycle Road Test: 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000". Motorcyclist. February 24, 2009. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  9. ^ a b https://motorcyclereviews.com/2018-kawasaki-vulcan-900-classic-lt-custom-review-specs-cruiser/
  10. ^ 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic Introduced Archived 2008-10-24 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ MD First Ride: 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic and Classic LT Archived 2008-09-16 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ Kawasaki Introduces a Trio of Vulcan 1700s Archived 2008-09-24 at the Wayback Machine

External links

Kawasaki motorcycle timeline, 1980s - next »
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