The grand-daddy of Kawasaki’s Vulcan line-up definitely pulls no punches as far as it’s performance capability is concerned. Suffice to say and with very little sugar-coating, the Vulcan 2000 is quite arguably the biggest, meanest, and most powerful V-twin cruiser on the market today.
Make no mistake, the Vulcan 2000 comes dressed to impress with its beautiful leather saddlebags, a custom touring saddle, passenger backrest, and a wind-cheating acrylic windshield. There’s also a thick, optically correct acrylic plastic windscreen that provides smooth airflow around the rider and passenger on the road, a bullet-style headlight, and a chrome instrument panel with a large-face speedometer mounted atop the bike’s stretched, 5.5-gallon fuel tank.
But the bike’s true calling card is its engine, a 2.0-liter fuel-injected V-twin engine that produces a peak torque of 141 lb/ft at 2,800 rpm mated to a five-speed positive neutral finder transmission.
Whatever motives you may have as far as interest in the Vulcan 2000 is concerned, one thing you need to remember is that it’s got more power than just about any bike on Kawasaki’s fleet. Whether you’re in it for the power rides or the long-distance cruising, the mere sight of you riding a Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic LT is enough reason for other bikers to get out of your way.
Find out more about the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000’s specs after the jump.
Full story
The Kawasaki Vulcan series of tourer bikes have become an industry standard of sorts and the whole line of Vulcan bikes are expected to carry over with a new set of models for the company’s 2011 line-up.
One of the Vulcan offerings that have been released this year is the 900 Classic LT. This motorcyle comes dressed with all the customary touring design touches that one would expect in a tourer - stylish saddlebags, a chromed brass studded seat that matches the passenger backrest, an adjustable windscreen, and passenger backrest that will keep your favorite person happy. These features are combined with an impressive powertrain, making the Vulcan 900 Classic LT a no-frills cruiser that has a bite as potent as its bark.
Speaking of its design, the Classic LT’s touring package features top-grain, reinforced cowhide saddlebags that have been carefully selected to minimize flaws and deep-dyed to prevent scraping off the finish. These bags feature a slant-top opening held shut by two 1.5" wide leather straps fitted with chrome buckles and stealth quick-release fasteners. The rolled and riveted top lids, along with metal reinforced upper edges on the bags, help maintain shape and keep unwanted moisture out of the bags. An embossed Vulcan logo on the reinforced dual-panel lids and chrome-plated brass studs finish off their look.
When it comes to the bike’s powertrain, the Vulcan 900 Classic LT doesn’t carry peanuts to go with its stylish design. What it does have is the same engine the Vulcan 900 Classic possesses: a 903cc four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-cylinder V-twin engine that rolls out 58 lb/ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.
Anybody who thinks that the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT is just an iteration of the Vulcan line-up is sorely mistaken. The bike has an identity of its own, and it’s an identity that you’d be best served recognizing.
Find out more about the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT’s specs after the jump.
Full story
The Honda NT700V touring bike won’t scream intimidation to high heavens, but it can take you from point A to point B in a trendy and fashionable way.
The rich pearl black and silver polished finish of the NT700V makes for an attractive two-wheeled ride, and when you combine that with an impressive 680cc liquid-cooled 52° SOHC, four-cylinder V-twin engine that produces tidy horsepower, then you have the perfect everyday commuter. The bike also comes with a 41mm telescopic fork front suspension and a single shock with remote spring pre-load adjustability rear suspension plus dual 296mm front disc brakes, and a single 276mm rear disc brake.
The NT700V also features a fully-equipped fairing, interlinked saddlebags, a 45-liter rear trunk, an inner bag-trunk, a lower rear trunk pad, a wind deflector set, a knee pad set, heated grips, a tank pad, and an outdoor cycle cover.
It’s not the most powerful bike on the market, but as far as everyday commuting on a two-wheeled cruiser is concerned, the Honda NT700V has all the elements to make for a no-frills everyday bike that you can take anywhere you want to go.
Find out more about the Honda NT700VA’s specs after the jump
Full story
Anybody that has ever ridden a motorcycle will tell you that there are a select few bikes on the market that offer the perfect blend of looks, performance, and handling quite like the Yamaha V Star 950, all for the reasonable price of $8,490. That’s not an indictment on the competition; it’s just a matter of truth that’s no more evident than the fact that the bike has scooped up awards left and right, including the 2009 "Metric of the Year" award by V-Twin Magazine.
The Yamaha V Star 950 gives plenty of evidence that it’s got more more than enough to back up its stature. The bike’s "New Style Classic" body design concept is based on a single streamline running along the entire body surface. It has a new low, lean, and lighter image than conventional old style cruisers with a long, low design that provides plenty of space and passenger comfort.
As an entry-level cruiser, the bike rolls out a sleek and svelte look that belies the true power inside the powertrain, courtesy of a 942cc, air-cooled, SOHC, 4-valves per cylinder, 60° V-twin engine that produces outstanding low- and mid-range torque. This engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission that features optimized gear ratios for excellent city and highway drivability, providing the kind of for exceptional performance that only a true cruiser can provide.
In addition to its upstanding power, the V Star 950 comes with a carefully designed chassis that features a double-cradle steel main frame, a monocross style, single-shock, bottom link rear suspension for agile handling, and large 320mm front and 298mm rear discs that provide strong braking power.
Find out more about the Yamaha V Star 950’s specs after the jump
Full story
The Yamaha V Star 950 Tourer speaks to the talent and capabilities of Yamaha as one of the world’s best manufacturer of motorcycles. It’s got the looks, the performance, and the handling that only a company like Yamaha can provide.
Aesthetically, the V Star 950 Tourer is no slouch, rolling out with a sturdy windshield, leather-wrapped hard sidebags, and a passenger backrest, all of which come as standard. Even the fenders of the bike, both on the front and rear, are made from real steel, adding a quality look to the bike and providing easy customization for the rider.
In terms of power and handling, the V Star 950 Tourer comes with plenty of both. The former features a 942cc 60° V-twin engine that’s both simple and sophisticated. It carries four-valve cylinder heads, ceramic-composite-lined cylinders, forged aluminum pistons, fuel injection, and a meticulously tuned 2-into-1 exhaust system that has a throaty exhaust note, as well as 3-way catalyst technology to reduce air pollution. As far as handling is concerned, the bike comes with a double-cradle steel main frame, 41mm tube front forks, a bottom-link-type monocross shock rear suspension, and large 320mm front and 298mm rear discs, which provide strong braking power to the bike.
Overall, the Yamaha V Star 950 Tourer offers the best of all worlds as far as looks, performance, and handling are concerned. After all, there’s a reason why the V Star 950 was recently named one of the best bikes on the market.
Find out more about the Yamaha V Star Tourer 950’s specs after the jump
Full story
