Kawasaki VN 2000 Vulcan Classic LT

The 2006 Vulcan 2000 Limited includes a color-matched chassis, plus the Vulcan insignia etched on the right side of the airbox to denote its special status. A high-quality, two-tone paint job on the tank and fenders gives it a “mood” of reserved elegance.

The Vulcan 2000 Limited also features more chrome on the engine, clutch cover, inner cam covers and transmission cover, compared to the Vulcan 2000. Plus, the chrome-plated wheels and a chrome-plated rear drive-belt pulley reflect even more of the bike’s strength and beauty when in motion.

With the addition of a longer, reconfigured sidestand, the Vulcan 2000 Limited even attracts the admiring glances of non-riders when it’s parked curbside.

Additional styling queues that put the Vulcan 2000 Limited at the forefront of cruiser design include a powerful four-bulb, projector-type headlight encased in a signature chrome Nacelle headlight.

Powering the Vulcan 2000 Limited is the largest V-twin engine in a mass-production motorcycle, boasting 125ci of displacement. It features a bore and stroke of 103mm x 123.2mm, forged pistons, alloy-steel connecting rods, huge 220mm flywheels, dual cams located within the one-piece crankcase and right-side pushrods actuating four valves per cylinder. Notably, Kawasaki engineers chose to utilize a push rod design in order to reduce engine height, which directly contributes to the Limited’s low center of gravity and relatively low seat height. Plus, hydraulic valve lash adjusters automatically maintain zero valve clearance for smoother, quieter operation.

Cruiser enthusiasts will appreciate the Vulcan 2000 Limited’s classic V-twin sound thanks, in part, to the single-pin crankshaft, while dual counter balancers and rubber engine mounts keep it running smoothly.

To provide sharp throttle response at any rpm, the Vulcan 2000 Limited’s electronic engine control unit (ECU) manages electronic fuel injection with its dual 46mm throttle bodies and sub-throttle valves, as well as the iridium spark plug ignition system. The sub-throttle valves help provide the Vulcan 2000 Limited with a smooth, linear power band, while the highly sophisticated fuel injection system’s fine atomizing injectors deliver an ultra-fine mist of fuel/air mixture to the cylinders for greater combustion efficiency, increased power and optimum fuel economy.

The top quarter of the V-twin engine is liquid cooled, while temperatures for the bottom three-quarters of the engine are managed by stylish and highly functional cooling fins. Plus, the engine and transmission feature built-in oil and water pumps, with the transmission also serving as the oil tank.

The fuel injection system’s air cleaner is nestled between the cylinders, which feature a black matte finish, and the cooling fins are polished to a bright metallic shine. Dual exhaust pipes and mufflers emit a distinctive V-twin rumble, and include honeycomb catalyzers to reduce emissions.

A Hyvo primary drive chain transfers torque from the big V-twin engine to the five-speed transmission case, which houses a multi-plate wet clutch. To fully benefit from the Vulcan 2000 Limited’s advanced electronics, a gear position sensor in the transmission sends signals to the ECU, further enhancing fuel injection volume and ignition timing, and thus improving performance. Final drive to the rear wheel is provided by smooth, quiet and low maintenance belt drive.

The V-twin engine is utilized as a stressed member of the Vulcan 2000 Limited’s steel, double-cradle frame, which features a large-diameter, box-section single-tube backbone. Coupled to the frame is a simple but elegant triangulated rear steel pipe swingarm suspension with a direct-action single shock. The rear suspension provides 3.9 inches of travel, and includes spring preload and rebound adjustment. Up front, large 49mm forks provide precise steering feedback and 5.9 inches of travel.

Adding to its high-end status is the chrome instrument panel with its large-face speedometer; mounted on a stretched, 5.5-gallon fuel tank, the V-shaped panel keeps the rider informed with an LCD display and warning lamps. The bucket-type saddle with locking passenger seat complements the Limited’s long, curving silhouette while providing all-day riding comfort.

The Vulcan 2000 Limited rides on chrome 16-inch wheels with a 150/80 front radial tire and a huge, 200/60 rear radial tire. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and a single rear disc brake with two-piston caliper bring this big cruiser to smooth, powerful stops.