There’s nothing like riding a large displacement cruiser and when it comes to this, the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 is not only one of the best representatives of its class, but also the one featuring the biggest bore and stroke. So for 2009, the massive Vulcan enhances the visual and makes sure that the engine is delivering power even smoother than before.
And it’s not just the simple Vulcan 2000 which distinguishes through these references, but the Vulcan 2000 Classic and Vulcan 2000 Classic LT too, so we’re talking about an entire lineup here. Is it just me or the competition is seriously stiffening up?
The engine is what makes the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 so popular among experienced riders and we couldn’t understand this aspect better as we’re talking about a 125-cubic-inch (2,053cc), 52-degree V-twin with dual cams and four valves per cylinder. This thing is built for quick acceleration even though it will have to move around a wet weight of 837.9 lbs or even 884.2 lbs in the case of the fully accessorized Vulcan 2000 Classic LT. With a bore and stroke of 103mm x 123.2mm it’s hard to thing that virtually anything else related to that engine virtually matters, but the great part about it is that it determines all the other systems to grow with it. Take fueling system for example. The Digital Fuel Injection features dual 46mm Keihin throttle bodies in order to supply the engine with the needed amount of gas which sometimes can be in a more than decent quantity.
The greatest quality of big V-twin motors is that they deliver loads of torque from just above idle and Vulcan’s achieves peak 141 lb-ft of torque at just 2,800 rpm. That’s why you don’t get a sixth gear and also why fuel consumption won’t be that bad after all. The engine and tranny connect through a 220mm flywheel just so that power delivery would be smooth, not only impressive.
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic LT
Given the specific engine and tranny, all Vulcans are built on a steel double-cradle frame bolted in between a 49mm telescopic fork offering 5.9 inches of travel and a triangulated steel tube swingarm offering 3.9 inches of travel. This thing rides on a pair of 16-inch wheels and the rear one features a 200mm tire, just so you get a clue of how the engine influences all of the other features on this motorcycle. But because it is mounted so low on the frame, the engine (which also features forged pistons and alloy connecting rods) has everything to do with the 5.3 inches of ground clearance which also allows for a fairly low seat height of only 26.8 inches.
Any sport bike would be proud of the front 300mm discs with four-piston calipers brakes while secure rear braking performance is ensured by a cruiser-like disc measuring 320mm in diameter and working with dual piston caliper.
We can’t reproach much to the Vulcan 2000 apart from the fact that it can become very tricky while being maneuvered at slow speed in the parking lots. That’s a big bike characteristic which will hopefully be lost as speed increased most likely thanks to the low engine of gravity. Still, we can’t help mentioning that the engine didn’t necessarily had to be that big, just a little sportier and it would have done the trick properly.
The difference among the Base Model, the Classic and the Classic LT is purely made of style. Even more, the first could have been named Custom and we’d have had nothing against it.
Star Motorcycles offer the Roadliner and Stratoliner models as alternatives for the three Vulcans. These bikes are also long, low and sleek while being powered by a 113-cubic-inch (1854cc), air-cooled, 48-degree V-twin; pushrod OHV, four valves per cylinder engine. Also, there’s a five-speed gearbox and belt final drive, just like in the case of the Kawasaki models so you simply don’t get more appropriate than this.
2009 Suzuki Boulevard C109RT
Suzuki isn’t lacking any alternatives both for the Kawasaki and Yamaha lineups. The 2009 Boulevards M109R and M109R2 as well as the C109RT can match the performance of any of the above mentioned thanks to the fuel-injected 108.8-cubic-inch (1,783cc), liquid-cooled, DOHC, 54-degree V-twin engine behind them. We’ve wrote about them so click on the links for more.
2008 Honda VTX1800F
Finally, Honda isn’t falling any steps behind with their VTX1800 lineup offering an alternative for each Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 model. Performance is of the essence and this comes from a 109.53-cubic-inch (1795cc), liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-twin, SOHC; three valves per cylinder engine fed through Honda’s advanced Programmed Fuel Injection system with automated choke.
All models are in the same pricing range so it’s just a matter of spotting your favorite and see how good of a bang for the buck it is.
Apart from loads of torque, the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 is also characterized by distinctive styling. This last was actually a bare necessity given the class competitor so Kawasaki started innovating in matters of design while sketching the bike with performance in mind. They ended up wrapping the locomotive-like headlight in smooth nacelle and painting the fork, lower legs and upper covers just to create that compact bike look and keep the thing classy.
The gas tank is not only characterized by smooth flowing likes and Kawi’s distinctive badge, but by the large speedometer placed on top of if. This requires a quick glance in order to provide the rider with all the information needed and integrates perfectly with the overall look of the bike. The V-twin engine is matte black painted on the standard Vulcan 2000 model with only the cooling fins and cylinder heads being chromed. The two-into-two exhaust is chromed as well and together with the mirrors, signal light and taillights housings as well as the rear fender ornaments, riders are offered a fair share of chrome, like any veritable cruiser demands. Metallic Titanium is the only color available on the 2009 model year.
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic
The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic features more chrome in the engine department, headlight and instruments while the bucket-style seat ensures a smooth pass from the gas tank to the sinuous rear fender. As for 2009, this is characterized by the Candy Diamond Red / Metallic Titanium color scheme and an even classier look.
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic LT
Tourers usually distinguish thanks to a tall windscreen, seat and passenger backrest and saddlebags package so this is also the additional equipment mounted on the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic LT. This not only completes the lineup, but is a clear indicator that the long haul is where these bikes perform best and are recommended to be ridden. In this case we’re talking about two color schemes: Metallic Diablo Black / Candy Diamond Red and Neutron Silver / Candy Imperial Blue
Depending on the model, the starting prices vary and we must say that these are a little spicy: $14,599 base MSRP for the simple model, $13,899 base MSRP for the Classic (that’s a little better) and $15,199 base MSRP for the Classic LT.
Conclusion
Kawasaki doesn’t radically upgrade the Vulcan 2000 lineup for 2009, but do they actually need to do that? The engine is massive and already fuel injected, achieving an impressive peak torque figure while stile is unique and ready to be distinguished years from now with only color scheme upgrades.
Engine: Four-stroke, 52-degree V-twin, dual cams, eight valves
Displacement: 2,053cc/125ci
Bore x Stroke: 103mm x 123.2mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Maximum Torque: 141 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
Cooling: Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction: Digital fuel injection, dual 46mm Keihin throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Five-speed (With positive neutral finder on the Classic and Classic LT)
Chassis and Dimensions
Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / Trail: 32 degrees / 7.2 in.
Suspension, Front / Wheel Travel: 49mm telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
Suspension, Rear / Wheel Travel: Triangulated steel tube swingarm with direct-action single shock, fully-adjustable spring preload, eight-way rebound damping / 3.9 in.
Front Tire: 150/80-16
Rear Tire: 200/60-16
Brakes, Front Dual 300mm discs with four-piston calipers
Brakes, Rear: 320mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Overall Length: 99.8 in.
Overall Width: 40.4 in.
Overall Height: 45.5 in.; 58.3 in. of the Classic LT
Ground Clearance: 5.3 in.
Seat Height: 26.8 in.
Wheelbase: 68.3 in.
Curb Weight: 837.9 lbs.; 884.2 lbs. of the Classic LT
Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gal.
125 cu. in. engine produces massive torque across the entire rpm range
Strong and light forged pistons and alloy connecting rods
Huge 220mm flywheel smoothes power delivery
Push-rod valve actuation contributes to lower engine height, low center of gravity and relatively low seat height
Hydraulic valve adjusters reduce maintenance
Liquid and air cooling combination maintain consistent operating temperatures
Engine and transmission feature built-in oil and water pumps, reducing the number of parts and weight
Single-pin crank provides the desirable power-pulse feel and classic V-twin sound
Electronic Fuel Injection
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manages electronic fuel injection and digital ignition system for optimized throttle response
Fuel injection system features sub throttle valves for a smooth, linear power band
Fine atomizing injectors in the fuel injection system deliver ultra-fine fuel/air mixture for greater combustion efficiency, increased power and optimum fuel economy
Center spark plugs enhance combustion for smooth, consistent power and reduced emissions
Transmission / Final Drive
Gear position sensor in the five-speed transmission sends data to the ECU, further optimizing fuel injection and ignition performance
Smooth, quiet, reliable and low maintenance belt drive
Frame and Suspension
Steel double-cradle frame features large-diameter, box-section single-tube backbone for strength
Utilizing the engine as a stressed member of the frame minimizes chassis weight
Steel tube swingarm is simple and elegant
Large 49mm forks provide precise steering feedback and 5.9 inches of travel
Direct-action single shock features spring preload and rebound damping adjustment with 3.9 inches of travel for a smooth ride
Picture Gallery
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