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Friday, August 1, 2008

KAWASAKI VN2000 CLASSIC LT

The perfect combination of touring comfort and superlative performance

Does the open road beckon? Then answer its call with the fully-dressed Vulcan® 2000 Classic LT cruiser. Already roaming America’s back roads and highways, the popular Vulcan 2000 Classic LT is ready to tour straight off-the-showroom floor.

Building upon the inherent performance from the top-of-the-line 2,053cc family of cruisers, the Vulcan 2000 Classic LT raises the bar on the traditional cruiser style with extra features that are sure to appeal to those more interested in weekend jaunts than simply getting back and forth to work. While it comes with special features as part of the package, this motorcycle empowers further customizing. And the Kawasaki’s broad selection of accessories gives Vulcan 2000 Classic LT owners plenty of opportunity to do just that.

Features standard with this stylish cruiser are saddlebags, passenger floorboards, passenger backrest, and a windshield. The bags are reinforced top grain cowhide (selected="true"="true"="true"="true"="true" with minimal flaws and deep dyed so the finish won’t scrape off) with chrome plated brass stud accents on the bag lids and a slant top opening on the lid fastened with two 1.5-inch wide leather straps featuring chrome buckles and quick release stealth fasteners. The rolled and riveted top lid minimizes water entry and protects the contents. A metal-reinforced upper edge keeps the bags holding their shape.

Matching both of the bags, the special seat and passenger backrest are also adorned with chrome plated brass studs. Together, they provide an attractive and distinctive styling line. The classically styled backrest blends both visual appearance and comfort.
The adjustable height windshield is made of thick, optically correct acrylic plastic and is shaped for smooth airflow and classic cruiser lines.

Power for this stylish motorcycle comes from a massive 125ci V-twin engine featuring a 103 x 123.2mm bore and stroke, forged pistons, alloy-steel connecting rods, a huge 220mm flywheel, dual cams located within the one-piece crankcase and right-side pushrods actuating four valves per cylinder. The push rod design Kawasaki engineers chose to utilize reduces engine height and directly contributes to the Vulcan 2000 Classic LT’s low center of gravity and relatively low seat height. Hydraulic valve lash adjusters automatically maintain zero valve clearance for smoother, quieter operation.

An electronic engine control unit (ECU) manages the fuel injection system with dual 46mm throttle bodies and sub throttle valves, combined with an iridium spark plug ignition system to provide sharp throttle response at any rpm. The sub-throttle valves and fine atomizing injectors help the Vulcan 2000 Classic LT fuel injection provide a smooth, linear power band with 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. Additionally, the engine and transmission have built-in oil and water pumps, and the transmission serves as the oil tank.

The chrome air cleaner cover is nestled between the cylinders, which feature a black matte finish –artfully contrasting the polished bright metallic cooling fins. Cruiser fans will appreciate the Vulcan 2000 Classic LT’s V-twin sound thanks, in part, to the single-pin crankshaft, while dual counterbalancers and rubber engine mounts keep it running smoothly. Dual exhaust pipes and mufflers emit that distinctive V-twin rumble, and include honeycomb catalyzers to reduce emissions.

To fully benefit from the Vulcan 2000 Classic LT’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 engine is a member of the Vulcan’s steel, double-cradle frame, which has a large-diameter, box-section single-tube backbone. A simple but elegant rear steel tube swingarm suspension with a direct-action single shock provides 3.9 inches of travel, and includes spring preload and rebound adjustment. Up front, a large 49mm fork provides precise steering feedback and 5.9 inches of travel.

The Vulcan 2000 Classic LT includes a bullet-style headlight, chrome instrument panel with a 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.

This Vulcan motorcycle rides on bright, cast aluminum 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.


Engine Four-stroke, liquid cooled, OHV, four-valve cylinder head, 52 degrees V-twin
Displacement 2,053 cc (125ci)
Bore x stroke 103.0 x 123.2mm
Maximum torque 141 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Carburetor DFI with Keihin 46mm throttle bodies (2)
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission Five-speed with positive neutral finder
Final drive Belt
Rake / trail 32 degrees / 7.2 in.
Wheel travel, front 5.9 in.
Wheel travel, rear 3.9 in.
Tire, front 150/80-16
Tire, rear 200/60-16
Wheelbase 68.3 in.
Suspension type, front 49mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension type, rear Single shock, eight-way rebound damping
Brakes, front Dual 300mm discs with four-piston calipers
Brakes, rear Single 320mm disc with two-piston caliper
Fuel capacity 5.5 gal.
Seat height 26.8 in.
Dry weight 796 lbs.
Color choices Two tone: Metallic Ocean Blue / Neutron Silver, Two tone: Candy Cardinal Red / Atomic Silver
Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
Warranty 24 Months