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Vulcan

Manufacturer	Kawasaki
Production	Since 1984
Class	Cruiser
Engine	125–2,053 cc V-twin, 500 cc parallel twin

The Vulcan name has been used by Kawasaki for their custom or cruiser motorcycles since 1984, using mostly V-twin engines ranging from 125 cc to 2,053 cc.

Model history

1984–2006: Vulcan 750 series

Kawasaki introduced its first cruiser and first V-twin engine worldwide in 1984 with the Vulcan 750, however, due to tariff restrictions in the United States on imported Japanese bikes over 750 cc, the initial US spec model was limited to 699 cc. In 1986, the tariff was lifted and all bikes from then until the production run ended in 2006 were 750 cc. The VN750 remained largely unchanged throughout its 22 year production run with only minor adjustments to the components and varying paint schemes. The VN750 was unique in its class by featuring a more reliable shaft drive usually found on larger cruisers.

1986–2004: Vulcan 400 series

Kawasaki introduced the Vulcan 400 in 1986 as an entry level cruiser. The Vulcan 400 featured a 399 cc liquid cooled V-twin engine similar in design to the 750 producing 33 hp (25 kW) @ 8,500 rpm and 23.6 lb·ft (32.0 N·m) @ 4,500 rpm.^{[citation needed]} The Vulcan 400 was fitted with a chain drive and five-speed transmission to reduce cost and was produced in both Classic and Drifter variations. Due to the larger proportions and more ornate bodywork, the Vulcan 400 weighed in at 510 lb (230 kg), a full 30 lb (14 kg) heavier than the Vulcan 750.^{[citation needed]}

1990–2009: Vulcan 500 series

The Vulcan 500 was introduced in 1990, and was the first motorcycle in the Vulcan series not to feature a V-twin engine. Instead, the Vulcan 500 was fitted with the parallel twin 498 cc engine from the Kawasaki Ninja 500r. The Vulcan 500 thus had a high power-to-weight ratio for a cruiser producing nearly 50 hp (37 kW) despite weighing only 438 lb (199 kg) with a 13,000 rpm redline.^{[citation needed]} The Vulcan 500 was discontinued after the 2009 model year for a nearly 20 year production run. The Vulcan 500 LTD was the successor to the Kawasaki 454 LTD.

1991–2008: Vulcan 1500 series

The Vulcan 1500 Classic has a 1,470 cc (90 cu in) liquid-cooled SOHC 50° V-twin engine with a single-pin crankshaft. It has a 27.6-inch (700 mm) seat height, wide handlebar, forward-mounted floorboards. The Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak had the same engine. The Vulcan 1500 Drifter ceased production in 2005.

1995–2006: Vulcan 800 series

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

• Vulcan 800A / Classic / Drifter
  • 805.00 ccm (49.12 cubic inches) liquid-cooled four valves per cylinder V-twin
  • Single Keihin 36mm carburetor
  • Five-speed transmission
  • Hidden mono-shock/spring rear

2002–2009: Vulcan 1600 series

• Vulcan 1600 Classic
  • 1,552 cc (94.7 cu in) SOHC liquid-cooled four valves per cylinder V-twin engine
  • Five-speed transmission^[1]

• Vulcan 1600 Nomad
  • 1,552 cc (94.7 cu in) liquid-cooled 50° V-twin
  • Digital Fuel Injection with dual 36 mm throttle bodies
  • Four valves per cylinder^[2]

• Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak
  • 1,552 cc (94.7 cu in) liquid-cooled 50° V-twin
  • Hydraulic Valve Lash Adjusters^[3]

Since 2004: Vulcan 2000 series

• Vulcan 2000 Classic LT
  • 2,053 cc (125.3 cu in) 52° V-twin engine is the largest V-twin motorcycle engine currently in production^{[citation needed]}
  • Electronic engine control unit (ECU)
  • Forged pistons and alloy connecting rods

• Vulcan 2000 Classic
  • 2,053 cc (125.3 cu in) 52° V-twin engine
  • Steel double-cradle frame with box-section single-tube backbone for strength

• Vulcan 2000
  • 2,053 cc (125.3 cu in) 52° V-twin engine
  • Steel double-cradle frame with box-section single-tube backbone
  • Dual 300 mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and single rear disc brakes^[4]

Since 2006: Vulcan 900 series

• Vulcan 900 Classic
  • 903 cc (55.1 cu in) Liquid Cooled V-twin SOHC engine
  • Belt drive^[5]
  • Four-valve Cylinder Head^[6]
  • Tank-Mounted Speedometer with Turn Signal Indicators and Caution Lamps

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• Vulcan 900 Classic LT
  • Same as the Classic, with the addition of:
    • Passenger backrest, saddlebags, and studded accents standard

• Vulcan 900 Custom
  • Same as the Classic, except for:
    • 180 mm rear tire, and a thin 21-inch cast front wheel
    • Smaller, lower-profile seat with smaller pillion
    • Drag-Style handlebars

Since 2009: Vulcan 1700 series

• Vulcan 1700 Classic
  • 1,700 cc (104 cu in) 52° SOHC liquid-cooled fuel-injected V-twin engine
  • Six-speed transmission
  • "ride-by-wire" throttle

• Vulcan 1700 Classic LT
  • 1,700 cc (104 cu in) 52° SOHC liquid-cooled fuel-injected V-twin engine
  • Six-speed transmission
  • ride-by-wire throttle, windshield and leather saddlebags

Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1600 (2006)

• Vulcan 1700 Nomad
  • 1,700 cc (104 cu in) 52° SOHC liquid-cooled fuel-injected V-twin engine
  • Six-speed transmission
  • "ride-by-wire" throttle, windshield and hard saddlebags^[7]

• Vulcan 1700 Voyager
  • 1,700 cc (104 cu in) 52° SOHC liquid-cooled fuel-injected V-Twin Engine
  • Six-speed transmission
  • ride-by-wire throttle, frame-mounted fairing, hard saddlebags and trunk^[8]

References