2001 Kawasaki Cruiser Models
(Early Release Models)

Vulcan 800 | Vulcan 750 | Vulcan 500 LTD

2001 KAWASAKI VULCAN™ 800
Style By Simplicity

The Vulcan 800 motorcycle is simply stylish. It provides a custom look through elemental, flowing lines without visual distractions. Splashes of chrome and extra detailing add key highlights, but this Vulcan’s beauty lies in its simplicity, which can also be easily accessorized with a wide array of Kawasaki Fire & Steel™ accessories.

The centerpiece of the Vulcan 800 is its powerful 805cc V-twin engine that, from a distance, appears as a basic, air-cooled engine. Closer inspection reveals that the polished cylinder fins are combined with liquid cooling to provide exceptional temperature control and engine durability. Adding to the engine’s traditional appearance is the integrated radiator that’s hidden between the downtubes of the double-cradle frame. Modern technology abounds within the engine to give the Vulcan 800 superb power while maintaining the distinctive sound and broad torque curve of a V-twin.

Power reaches the rear wheel through a five-speed transmission and O-ring chain drive. The transmission features Kawasaki’s exclusive Positive Neutral Finder that allows the rider to easily shift from first gear to neutral when stopped. While stationary, the lever can’t be raised into second gear, but as the motorcycle begins moving again the transmission resumes normal shifting.

While the Vulcan 800 engine provides the feel, acceleration and rumble of a V-twin, the laid-back riding position and low stepped seat add to the classic cruiser feel.

Styling is designed so nothing disturbs the sleek, flowing lines created by the seat, tank, fenders and 48-spoke custom-style wheels. The UNI-TRAK® rear suspension system is tucked out of sight to give the triangulated steel swingarm a clean, uncluttered appearance. It looks like a hard tail design, but the linkage system applies progressive damping and spring forces as the single shock is compressed to provide a smooth ride. A narrow front wheel is at the end of the kicked out front fork to add to the cruiser look.

With the addition of genuine Kawasaki Fire & Steel™ accessories, owners can personalize their Vulcan 800’s appearance. Accessorized or not, this Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle will always stand out cruising the boulevard.

2001 VULCAN™ 800 FEATURES
V-Twin 805cc Engine with Gear-Driven Balancer
- Torque from idle to redline
- Smooth and reliable
- Balancer allows use of single pin crankshaft without the heavy vibration
Four Valves Per Cylinder
- Better breathing for more power and low-end torque
- Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow
- Single overhead cam design is simple, lightweight, and practical
Liquid and Air Cooling
- Finned cylinders and heads combine with liquid cooling to provide exceptional thermal control
- More even running temperatures mean no “power fade” on hot days and longer engine life
- Automatic fan keeps things cool even in traffic
- Includes temperature warning light
Five-Speed Transmission
- Low first and second gear combine with high final drive for great acceleration and relaxed highway cruising
- Positive Neutral Finder, a Kawasaki exclusive, makes finding neutral easy when stopped
36mm CVK Side-Draft Carburetor
- Equipped with an accelerator pump for quick throttle response
Double Cradle Frame
- High tensile steel for strength and light weight
- Right down-tube unbolts for easy engine access
Low Stepped Seat
- Confidence inspiring, both-feet-on-the-ground stability
- Laid-back riding comfort for two
Tank-Mounted Speedometer with Turn Signal Indicators and Caution Lamps
- Compact design complements the bike’s clean look
- Clean-design locking gas cap
Aluminum Handlebar Holders
- Simple, elegant design
- Chrome-plated for extra sparkle
Transistor Controlled Breakerless Ignition with Digital Timing Advance (TCBI)
- A hot spark at all engine speeds for easy starting, smooth running and good fuel economy
- Maintenance free
41mm Front Fork
- Excellent rigidity and 5.9 inches of travel
- 34° rake angle for excellent straight line ability
- Wide fork pitch for classic look
Disc Front Brake
- A single 300mm disc with hydraulic caliper keeps the front end lean while providing sure stops
48-Spoke Custom Wheels
- Chromed steel rims and spokes
- “Spool-style” polished aluminum front hub
Uni-Trak® Rear Suspension
- Single shock absorber with 7-way cam-type preload adjuster
- Shock and linkage are tucked in out of sight to give the swingarm a clean, uncluttered look
Sleek Swingarm Design
- Triangulated, steel swingarm looks like a “hard tail”
- Engineered for the “right look” and rigidity too; the result is style with handling precision

2001 KAWASAKI VULCAN™ 800

Engine 4-stroke, SOHC, 8-valve V-Twin
Displacement 805cc
Bore x Stroke 88 x 66.2mm
Cooling Liquid
Carburetion Keihin CVK36
Ignition Digital
Transmission 5-speed
Frame Double cradle, high tensile steel
Rake/trail 34 degrees/5.9 in.
Suspension type, front 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension type, rear UNI-TRAK® single shock system with 7-way preload adjustment
Wheel travel, front 5.9 in.
Wheel travel 3.9 in.
Tire, front 80/90x21 tubeless
Tire, rear 140/90x16 tubeless
Brakes, front/rear Hydraulic disc/Mechanical drum
Overall length 92.9 in.
Overall width 32.5 in.
Overall height 46.1 in.
Ground Clearance 6.3 in.
Seat height 28.0 in.
Dry weight (claimed) 496 lb.
Fuel capacity 4.0 gal.
Wheelbase 64.0 in.
Color(s) Candy Persimmon Red/Metallic Dark Bronze
M.S.R.P. (USA) $6,299
*Specifications subject to change.

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2001 KAWASAKI VULCAN™ 750
Modern Cruiser Style
The Vulcan 750 is a modern cruiser centered on the throbbing sound and look of a high-tech V-twin engine. With lots of chrome, a low seat height and a laid-back riding position, it’s an appealing ride at an attractive price. Add touring items from Kawasaki’s extensive line of Fire & Steel™ accessories and the Vulcan 750 becomes the perfect platform for economical V-twin touring.

At the heart of this mid-sized model in the Vulcan cruiser line-up is a 749cc V-twin dual-overhead cam engine brimming with modern specs to help produce abundant power with low maintenance while assuring long-term reliability. Hydraulic lash adjusters automatically keep the four valves per cylinder at the optimum adjustment and help eliminate valve noise. Liquid cooling increases engine durability, and the radiator is inconspicuously mounted on the front downtubes of the double cradle, high-tensile steel frame to maintain the sleek cruiser styling. Rubber engine mounts help prevent unwanted vibration from traveling through the frame to the rider’s hands and feet.

A rugged shaft drive provides the ultimate in reliability and maintenance ease while transferring power from the five-speed transmission to the wide, 15-inch rear wheel. The transmission also features Kawasaki’s exclusive Positive Neutral Finder that allows the rider, when at a stop, to just lift the shift lever from first to easily slide into neutral every time.

Air-assisted rear shocks with four-way adjustable rebound damping provide a smooth and controlled ride, no matter where the Vulcan is cruising. Dual front disc brakes are utilized for reliable stopping power, while full instrumentation, complete with a coolant temperature gauge and fuel level gauge, allows the rider to monitor information at a glance. A handy centerstand is also standard equipment.

The Vulcan 750 may also be fitted with special Kawasaki Tour Package accessories to equip it for long-distance touring, including a frame-mounted fairing, a special front fender, saddlebags, fairing lowers and chrome trim.

With its distinct style, modern features, chrome accents, throbbing exhaust note and laid-back riding position, the Kawasaki Vulcan 750 encourages entry into the popular cruiser market at an affordable price.

2001 VULCAN™750 FEATURES
V-Twin Engine with Gear-Driven Balancer
- Torque from idle to redline
- Smooth, reliable and easy to maintain
- Allows use of single-pin crankshaft without the heavy vibration
Four Valves Per Cylinder
- Better breathing for more power at high rpm
- Compact combustion chamber for increased compression ratio without detonation on today’s gasolines
- Boosts low-end torque
- Provides maximum valve area for optimum flow
- Hydraulic lash adjusters keep valves quiet with no maintenance, no adjustment required
Liquid Cooling
- More even running temperatures mean no “power fade” on hot days and longer engine life
- Allows closer engine tolerances for more horsepower
- Automatic fan keeps things cool even in traffic
- Includes temperature gauge
Dual-Stage Silent Cam Chain
- Dual-stage design allows more compact cylinder heads
- Runs quietly, reliably
Automatic Cam Chain Tensioner
- Keeps cam timing “spot on” without maintenance
- Assures greater reliability
Rubber-Mounted Engine
- All but eliminates engine vibration at all speeds
Five-Speed Transmission
- Designed to handle the engine’s unique power characteristics
- The engine’s broad torque curve only needs five speeds for great acceleration and relaxed highway cruising
Positive Neutral Finder
- Just lift the shift pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily, every time
- A Kawasaki exclusive
Dual 34mm CVK Carburetors
- Precise fuel metering facilitates uniform power delivery at all engine speeds
- Quick throttle response
Handlebar-Mounted Choke
- Hassle-free starting and warm-up
Air-Assisted Rear Shocks with 4-Way Rebound Damping
- Adjustable for a wide range of rider and passenger weights
- Assure a smooth and well controlled ride
- Integral adjusters make it easy to tune the suspension to your riding style and road conditions
Shaft Drive
- A reliable and quiet, low-maintenance system
Dual Front Disc Brakes
- Reliable stopping power under demanding conditions
Speedometer and Instrument Cluster with Turn Signal Indicators and Caution Lamps
-
Gives you the information you need at-a-glance, compact design complements the bike’s clean look
Maintenance free Transistor Controlled Breakerless Ignition with Electronic Timing Advance (TCBI)
- A hot spark at all engine speeds for easy starting, smooth running and good fuel economy

2001 KAWASAKI VULCAN™ 750

Engine 4-stroke, DOHC, 8-valve V-Twin
Displacement 749cc
Bore x Stroke 84.9 x 66.2mm
Cooling Liquid
Carburetion Keihin CVK34 x 2
Ignition Electronic
Transmission 5-speed
Frame Double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake/trail 32 degrees/5.0 in.
Suspension type, front Hydraulic telescopic fork
Suspension type, rear Air-assisted dual shocks, 4-way rebound damping
Wheel travel, front 5.9 in.
Wheel travel 3.5 in.
Tire, front 100/90x19 tubeless
Tire, rear 150/90x15 tubeless
Brakes, front/rear Dual discs/drum
Overall length 90.4 in.
Overall width 33.5 in.
Overall height 48.2 in.
Ground Clearance 5.9 in.
Seat height 28.9 in.
Dry weight (claimed) 483 lb.
Fuel capacity 3.6 gal.
Wheelbase 62.2 in.
Color(s) Metallic Dark Bronze/Metallic Gray Stone
M.S.R.P. (USA) $6,099
*Specifications subject to change.

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2001 KAWASAKI VULCAN™ 500 LTD
Perfect Starting Point to Motorcycle Cruising
With a low seat height and classic cruiser styling, the Kawasaki Vulcan™ 500 LTD provides the perfect starting point for those who want to join the popular cruiser segment of the motorcycle experience. The smallest of the Kawasaki cruisers combines many of the features found throughout the Vulcan cruiser line into a compact package with an economical price.

The frame is low and long to help give the 500 LTD its classic cruiser looks. It also drops the seat height to just over 28 inches to put the rider in a relaxed cruising position and allows sure footing at stops.

Nestled within the frame is a versatile 498cc parallel twin-cylinder engine packed with modern performance features such as liquid-cooling for more consistent operating temperatures, no power fade on hot days and longer engine life. The engine has been carefully tuned to deliver power that is ideally suited for boulevard cruising and provides easy-to-use pulling power at lower engine speeds, plus a top-end rush for those who desire a more spirited ride. A six-speed transmission with positive neutral finder allows the rider to use the engine’s full potential.

The Vulcan 500 LTD has custom cruiser styling elements such as a stepped seat, deeply-valenced rear fender, tank-mounted speedometer, chrome-plated wire spoke wheels and slightly kicked-out front fork. A variety of genuine Kawasaki Fire & Steel™ accessories allow customers to further personalize their Vulcan cruiser.

Combining the style, finish and laid-back riding position of a cruiser motorcycle with a versatile yet powerful engine, the Vulcan 500 LTD handles boulevard cruising or highway trips with ease. And with its economical price, it’s an easy way to join the growing ranks of cruiser motorcycle enthusiasts.

2001 VULCAN™ 500 LTD FEATURES
Twin-Cylinder 498cc Engine
- Compact parallel twin design based on the Ninja® 500 engine
- Special cam profiles and lots of flywheel effect boost low-end torque
- Tuned exhaust for smooth low-speed power delivery
Liquid Cooling
- More even running temperatures means no “power fade” on hot days and longer engine life
- Allows tighter engine clearances for quieter running
- Radiator hides between the frame downtubes
Four Valves per Cylinder
- Better breathing for more power at high rpm
- Compact combustion chamber for less detonation on today’s gasolines
- Boosts low-end torque
Digital Ignition
- Microprocessor-controlled timing, never needs adjustment; ultra-responsive to engine needs
- Waterproof wiring connectors help prevent corrosion
Silent Cam Chain
- Runs quietly, reliably
Automatic Cam Chain Tensioner
- Keeps cam timing “spot-on” without maintenance
- Assures greater reliability
Gear-Driven Balancer
- Engine vibration is reduced for a super-smooth ride
Six-Speed Transmission
- A gear for every situation gives better acceleration
- High 2nd and 3rd gears allow lower engine speeds around town
- Allows engine’s full potential to be utilized and more relaxed highway cruising
Positive Neutral Finder
- Just lift the shift pedal from first at a stop to find neutral easily, every time
- A Kawasaki exclusive
32mm CVK Semi-Flat Slide Carburetors
- Quick throttle response
- Precise fuel metering assures uniform power delivery at all engine speeds
Handlebar-Mounted Choke
- Convenient location makes starting and warm-up easier
Straight-Flow Exhaust
- Designed to boost low and mid-range power
- Tuned pipes enhance low speed pulling power
Single Disc Front Brake
-
Single piston pin-slide caliper produces quick, sure stops
- Disc is drilled for better cooling and reduced unsprung weight
Tank-Mounted Speedometer with Turn Signal Indicators and Caution Lamps
- Gives needed information at-a-glance
- Compact design complements the bike’s clean look
Stepped Seating
- Laid-back riding comfort for two
Chrome-Plated Wire Spoke Wheels
-
Narrow 100/90-19 front tire with a beefy 140/90-15 rear tire complement the LTD’s traditional cruiser styling
- O-Ring Chain
- More power to rear wheel
- O-rings keep lube in, dirt out for longer chain life
 

2001 KAWASAKI VULCAN™ 500 LTD

Engine 4-stroke, DOHC, 8 valve parallel twin
Displacement 498cc
Bore x Stroke 74.0 x 58.0mm
Cooling Liquid
Carburetion Keihin CVK32 x 2  
Ignition Digital CDI  
Transmission 6-speed  
Frame Double cradle, steel  
Rake/trail 33 degrees/5.9 in.  
Suspension type, front 41 mm hydraulic fork  
Suspension type, rear Dual hydraulic shocks, 5-way adjustable spring preload  
Wheel travel, front 5.9 in.  
Wheel travel 3.9 in.  
Tire, front 100/90x19  
Tire, rear 140/90x15  
Brakes, front/rear Hydraulic disc/Mechanical drum  
Overall length 91.3 in.  
Overall width 32.7 in.  
Overall height 44.3 in.  
Ground Clearance 4.7 in.  
Seat height 28.1  in.  
Dry weight (claimed) 439 lb.  
Fuel capacity 4.0 gal.  
Wheelbase 62.8 in.  
Color(s) Candy Cardinal Red/Pearl Gentry Gray  
M.S.R.P. (USA) $4,699
*Specifications subject to change.

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