2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000

Kawasaki Unveils Vulcan 2000
World’s largest production V-twin engine powers the new Vulcan

The Kawasaki Vulcan® 2000 motorcycle represents a major breakthrough for the cruiser world, and not just because it’s powered by the biggest OEM V-twin engine on the market. In every detail, the Vulcan 2000 exudes the highest quality of craftsmanship and design.

Displacing a massive 2,053 cubic centimeters, the Vulcan 2000 V-twin engine is the first in a production motorcycle to feature a 103mm bore. According to Tom Orbe, vice president of marketing at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., “It will accelerate harder in any one of its five gears than any existing V-twin cruiser on the market.”

Styling queues that put the Vulcan 2000 at the forefront of cruiser design include a powerful four-bulb, projector-type headlight encased in a signature chrome Nacelle headlight – the first for a production cruiser. 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 Vulcan 2000’s long, curving silhouette while providing all-day riding comfort.

Power for this stylish cruiser comes from a massive V-twin engine featuring a bore and stroke of 103 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 Vulcan 2000’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 aficionados will appreciate the Vulcan 2000’s classic V-twin sound thanks, in part, to the single-pin crankshaft, while dual counterbalancers and rubber engine mounts keep it running smoothly.

To provide sharp throttle response at any rpm, the Vulcan 2000’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 provide the Vulcan 2000 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’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 member of the Vulcan 2000’s steel, double-cradle frame, which features a large-diameter, box-section single-tube backbone. Coupled to the frame is a simple but elegant 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.

The Vulcan 2000 rides on bright, cast aluminum 16-inch wheels with a 150/80 front radial tire and a huge, 200/60 rear radial tire – the biggest stock rear tire on a production V-twin cruiser. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and a single rear disc brake with two-piston caliper bring this big cruiser to a smooth stop. 

Features and Benefits:

Engine

• 2,053cc four-stroke engine is the largest mass-produced V-twin motorcycle in the world and produces massive torque across the entire rpm range

• Forged pistons and alloy connecting rods are strong and light

• Huge 220 flywheels smooth 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

• Engine Control Unit (ECU) manages electronic fuel injection and digital ignition system optimize throttle response

• Fuel injection system features sub throttle valves for a smooth, linear power band

• Fuel injection system’s fine atomizing injectors 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

• Liquid and air cooling maintain consistent operating temperatures

• Engine and transmission feature built-in oil and water pumps, reducing the number of parts and reducing weight

• Single-pin crank contributes to a classic V-twin sound

Transmission / Final Drive

• A gear position sensor in the five-speed transmission sends signals to the ECU, further enhancing fuel injection and ignition performance

• Belt final drive is smooth, quiet, reliable and low maintenance

Frame and Suspension

• Steel double-cradle frame features large-diameter, box-section single-tube backbone for strength

• Engine is utilized as a stressed member of the frame to minimize chassis weight

• Steel pipe swingarm is simple and elegant

• Direct-action single shock features spring preload and rebound damping adjustment with 3.9 inches of travel for a smooth ride

• Large 49mm forks provide precise steering feedback and 5.9 inches of travel

Wheels and Tires

• 16-inch cast aluminum wheels add to the Vulcan 2000’s high-quality look

• 200/60R series rear tire is the largest stock tire size fitted to a production V-twin cruiser

• Radial tires enhance handling and give the Vulcan 2000 a firm, “planted” feel

Brakes

• Dual 300mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and single rear disc brakes provide smooth, powerful stops

Styling

• Stylish Nacelle headlight cover – the first for a production cruiser – gives the Vulcan 2000 a high-class look

• Powerful, four-bulb projector-type headlights brighten the road for nighttime rides

• “Stretched” 5.5-gallon fuel tank provides for long-distance road trips

Additional features

• Instrument panel keeps the rider informed with a large-face speedometer, LCD display and warning lamps

• Bucket-type front seat and locking passenger seat provide all-day rider comfort and style

2004 KAWASAKI VULCAN® 2000 SPECIFICATIONS
Engine	Four-stroke V-twin, dual cams, 8 valves
Displacement	2,053cc
Bore x stroke	103 x 123.2mm
Compression ratio	9.5:1
Cooling	Liquid, plus cooling fins
Induction	Electronic fuel injection, 46mm throttle bodies
Ignition	Digital
Transmission	Five-speed
Frame	Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
Rake / trail	32° / 7.2 in.
Suspension type, front	49mm telescopic fork
Suspension type, rear	Steel pipe swingarm with direct-action single shock
Suspension adjustments, rear	Fully adjustable spring preload, eight-way rebound damping
Wheel travel, front	5.9 in.
Wheel travel, rear	3.9 in.
Tire, front	150/80R16
Tire, rear	200/60R16
Brakes, front / rear	Dual 300mm discs with four-piston calipers / 320mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Overall length / width / height	TBA
Ground clearance	TBA
Seat height	27.2 in.
Dry weight	TBA
Fuel capacity	5.5 gal.
Wheelbase	TBA
MSRP	$13,499
Availability	January 2004???
Colors	Pearl Glacial Blue, Metallic Sorcerer Purple Prism, Metallic Majestic Red

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