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1999 KAWASAKI VULCAN^TM 1500 NOMAD^TM:
Made To Wander In Style

Kawasaki Vulcan cruisers have left their mark on the boulevards of America. Now, with the early introduction of the new 1999 Vulcan 1500 Nomad, Kawasaki plans to conquer the highway, too.

Based on the Vulcan 1500 Classic, which took the cruiser market by storm with its big 1470cc V-twin engine, classic good looks and reasonable price, the new Vulcan Nomad adds touring amenities to make it ready to cruise down the boulevard, outta town and into adventure on the open highway.

Besides the obvious addition of hard saddlebags, the Vulcan 1500 Nomad is equipped with a new seat and floorboard position, an adjustable windshield, rear passenger floorboards and wider control levers for added comfort. For overall performance there is a revised engine, all-new five-speed transmission, new reinforced chassis, wider tubeless tires mounted on alloy wheels and dual front disc brakes. While there are plenty of technological advances, the Vulcan 1500 Nomad retains a classic look.

That look centers around its big 1470cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine. Fins on the four-valve cylinder heads have been slightly reshaped to accommodate larger connecting ducts from the air filter. The ducts feed clean air to the new carburetor featuring the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) system. This throttle position sensor links to the ignition system to alter ignition timing for all throttle settings for excellent engine response. The combination of the larger connecting ducts and K-TRIC system helps enhance mid-range power and provides better fuel efficiency.

There is also a carburetor heating system for improved cold-weather throttle response. Heated engine coolant is routed through the carburetor when temperature sensors open coolant passages. The entire engine cooling system is ready for long-range touring with a thicker radiator core that is cleverly hidden between the frame downtubes.

Overall engine performance is enhanced by an all-new five speed transmission with gears precisely spaced to intensify acceleration. Power reaches the rear wheel through a reliable and quiet shaft drive that requires little maintenance.

The engine is rubber mounted in the frame and has a gear-driven balancer to smooth out handlebar and floorboard vibration while retaining that distinctive V-twin rumble. There are also hydraulic valve lash adjusters and automatic cam chain tensioners that increase reliability and greatly reduce engine maintenance.

Given its capability as a light touring machine, the Vulcan 1500 Nomad received several chassis changes to enhance handling characteristics and increase rider comfort. Much of the frame tubing is of larger diameter. The diameter of the steering head pipe was increased for bigger bearings, and there is added gusseting in the steering head area for more rigidity. The head pipe was moved 55mm forward to decrease front fork offset. The front end is now more planted with the use of a wider front tire. Both tires are tubeless and are mounted on five-spoke, cast alloy wheels.

At the rear end, the shock absorbers are 10mm longer with 10mm more stroke for plush action even with the extra loads of touring. Dual front disc brakes and rear disc that is 50mm larger in diameter were added for increased stopping power and excellent brake feel.

For operator comfort the rider's footboards were moved back 65mm and floorboards replace passenger footpegs for the passenger's feet. The seats are wider with thicker, softer foam and the passenger seat can be removed. A clear windshield helps deflect the wind and has a 50mm range of adjustment up and down. Wider clutch and brake levers give riders a good feel of the controls, while the self-canceling turn signals add convenience.

The detachable hard luggage fits right in with the Vulcan Nomad's classic styling. Removable inner saddlebag liners make packing luggage a snap. For extra luggage clearance the dual mufflers now exit on each side of the rear wheel instead just on the right.

Finishing off the package are two distinctive two-tone paint schemes that highlight the majestic lines of the Vulcan 1500 Nomad. Customers can add their own personal touch to their Vulcan motorcycle with genuine Kawasaki Fire & Steel TM accessories, available at Kawasaki dealerships.

From the city streets to the open highway, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Nomad was made to wander in style.


VULCAN 1500 NOMAD FEATURES:
· 1470cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine
· Bigger air filter connecting ducts
· Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) system
· Heated carburetor
· All-new five speed transmission
· Reinforced chassis for touring
· Wider seats with softer and thicker foam padding
· Repositioned footboards
· Adjustable windshield
· Removable locking saddlebags
· Self-canceling turn signals
· Alloy wheels with tubeless tires

1998 KAWASAKI VULCAN 1500 CLASSIC:
A Classic Remake

Classic cars, movies and motorcycles never go out of style. They are often remade with updated parts and actors but retain their original attraction. Such is the case with the 1998 Vulcan 1500 Classic.

While the big Vulcan retains its stats as the boulevard show-off with its eye- catching appearance and distinct V-twin rumble, its internal changes make this Classic perform like a completely new model. The big V-twin engine now produces increased mid-range engine response while consuming less fuel. Acceleration and cruising range are enhanced through the use of a new five-speed transmission.

The chassis remains long and low for that classic cruiser look. But now it sits on an improved rear suspension for a more comfortable ride down the boulevard or on the highway.

With the V-twin engine displacing 1470cc, the Vulcan 1500 Classic powerplant commands attention for its looks, technical features and power characteristics. Each cylinder has elegantly sculpted and polished cooling fins that contrast with the black cast-look engine to add to the overall styling. The fins are a functional air cooling system and assist the liquid cooling system.

A larger airbox crossover tube located between the cylinders helps improve midrange torque and increases airflow to the new 40mm Keihin carburetor featuring the Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) system. A throttle position sensor is connected to the electronic ignition to vary ignition timing according to throttle setting and engine rpm. The result is better engine response and lower fuel consumption.

There are four valves per cylinder actuated by a single overhead cam. For 1998 two valve springs are used on all valves to ensure tight valve closure. Hydraulic valve lash adjusters automatically maintain zero valve clearance for smooth engine performance, reduced noise and no maintenance. Automatic cam chain tensioners keep cam timing accurate and provide greater reliability with no upkeep.

A gear-driven engine counterbalancer and rubber engine mounts smooth out handlebar and floorboard vibration yet the engine retains its distinctive V-twin rumble. The engine produces more than 83 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 rpm so that a crack of the throttle punches out smooth acceleration.

Overall engine performance is enhanced by an all-new five speed transmission with gears precisely spaced to facilitate acceleration. The top gear provides a relaxed engine speed on the highway. Spring dampers in the hydraulically-actuated clutch provide progressive torque absorption to ensure smooth power delivery to the reliable and quiet shaft drive that requires minimal maintenance.

To give the Vulcan 1500 Classic an improved feel on the road, the rear suspension is more softly sprung. The spring rate was reduced from 3.5 kg/mm to 3.0 kg/mm for a ride that is more plush than ever.

The big Vulcan puts its rider in the classic cruising position with an extra-low 27.6-inch seat height, wide handlebar and forward-mounted floorboards. There's nothing to obstruct the rider's view of the road over the large-diameter chrome halogen headlight. The speedometer, which has a restyled display face to make it easier to read at a glance, and fuel gauge and warning lamps are located on a center console on top of the wide 4.2- gallon fuel tank. The tank is finished in three brilliant color schemes; Ebony, Candy Cardinal Red/Candy Wine Red or Amaranth Red Mica/Pearl Ivory.

Kawasaki recognizes that customizing is a very big part of the cruiser experience and offers a wide range of genuine FIRE & STEELTM accessories for the Vulcan 1500 Classic. Ready-to-paint gray-primered fuel tanks and fenders let owners determine their own custom paint scheme. There are also many chrome pieces, leather bags and trim, backrests, lights, racks and windshields available at Kawasaki dealerships.

This new Classic remake puts a new twist to cruising with style on the boulevard.

VULCAN 1500 CLASSIC FEATURES
· 1470cc liquid-cooled V-twin engine
· Bigger air filter connecting ducts
· Kawasaki Throttle Responsive Ignition Control (K-TRIC) system
· All-new five speed transmission
· Softer rear suspension settings
· Hydraulic valve lash adjusters
· Shaft drive
· Fat tires on chrome wheels

Vulcan 1500

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 has built its own heritage over the years. It provides an option to the Vulcan 1500 Classic's styling and delivers plenty of torque from its powerful V-twin engine. The silver and chrome engine of the Vulcan 1500 differs primarily in appearance from the Classic model's black and chrome colored V-twin. Dual carburetors feed the Vulcan 1500's cylinders while a single carb provides the mixture to the Classic's engine. The other main difference is that the Vulcan 1500 has a wide-ratio four-speed transmission.

Inside the transmission is the exclusive Kawasaki Positive Neutral Finder that allows riders to easily shift into neutral when stopping in first gear. Once stopped with the transmission in first, just lift the shift lever and the transmission automatically stops in neutral and prevents a shift into second gear. As the motorcycle begins moving again the transmission resumes normal shifting.

The Vulcan 1500 has a low-maintenance hydraulic clutch and shaft drive that are reliable, quiet and easy to maintain. Plenty of chrome and polished pieces, seven-spoke cast wheels, low stepped seat and a tank-mounted fuel gauge complete the Vulcan 1500's styling.

Vulcan 800 and Vulcan 800 Classic:
A Study in Style

Kawasaki designers essentially took one motorcycle and gave it two diverse personalities through styling. The Vulcan 800 and 800 Classic motorcycles share the same 805cc V-twin engine and feature a single-pin crankshaft and gear-driven balancer to reduce vibration. Finned cylinders and four-valve heads combine with liquid cooling to provide exceptional thermal control. Concealed automatic cam chain tensioners preserve the engine's clean lines and provide precise cam timing without maintenance.

The 36mm Keihin carburetor is equipped with an accelerator pump for quick throttle response. A five speed transmission with Positive Neutral Finder is geared to take advantage of the engine's broad torque curve and produce strong acceleration and a relaxed engine pace at highway speeds.

The engine is rubber mounted in a single backbone, double cradle frame that's long and low. At the rear a sleek, triangulated steel swingarm and hidden Kawasaki UNI-TRAK® linkage rear suspension system provide a smooth ride while maintaining the look of a hard tail cruiser. A 41mm front fork adds to the handling and is kicked out and spread wide to add to the classic cruiser look.

Appearance is where the Vulcan 800 and Vulcan 800 Classic differ and take on their distinct personalities. The Vulcan 800 stands on its clean, minimalist look that's highlighted with chrome and extra detailing. Its beauty lies in simplicity, and with a 21-inch, low-profile front tire mounted on a 48-spoke custom wheel, bobbed tail and dark monochrome finish, the Vulcan 800 looks like it means business.

The Vulcan 800 Classic takes on the nostalgic look of the 1940s and '50s with deep valenced fenders and a big, fat front tire on the spoked front wheel. Chromed covers hide the fork downtubes and are topped off by a slightly larger chromed headlight housing. Two-tone paint graces the fuel tank and there is slightly different seat styling than the Vulcan 800.

Vulcan 800 Features:
· Liquid-cooled V-twin engine with gear-driven counterbalancer
· Stepped seat only 28 inches high
· 48-spoke custom chromed wheel with "spool-style" polished aluminum front hub
· Low-profile 21-inch front tire
· Hidden UNI-TRAK® linkage rear suspension system.
· Simple yet sophisticated styling

Vulcan 800 Classic Features:
· Liquid-cooled V-twin engine with gear-driven counterbalancer
· Stepped seat only 27.8 inches high
· 48-spoke custom chromed wheel with "spool-style" polished aluminum front hub
· Hidden UNI-TRAK® linkage rear suspension system
· Deep valence fenders and two-tone paint for the classic look

Vulcan 750
Offers Another Middleweight Cruiser Choice

Kawasaki offers yet another option in the middleweight cruiser class with the Vulcan 750. This model distinguishes itself from its 800cc stablemates with another distinctive styling option.

This machine is built around the throbbing sound and looks of a high-tech 749cc V-twin engine. Dual overhead cams operate the four valves with hydraulic lash adjusters in each cylinder and there are dual silent cam chains with automatic tensioners for reliability and ease of maintenance. A gear-driven engine balancer and rubber engine mounts help reduce vibration.

The five-speed transmission features Kawasaki's Positive Neutral Finder. A rugged shaft drive provides the ultimate in reliability and ease of maintenance and links the transmission with the wide 15-inch rear wheel mounted on seven-spoke cast wheels. Air-assisted rear shocks with four-way adjustable rebound damping provide a smooth and controlled ride. Dual front disc brakes are utilized for strong, reliable stopping power.

Vulcan 750
· Liquid-cooled V-twin engine with gear-driven counterbalancer
· Hydraulic valve lash adjusters and automatic cam chain tensioner
· Positive Neutral Finder transmission
· Reliable shaft drive

Vulcan 500 LTD
Cruising Performance

The smallest displacement model of the Vulcan line-up combines the styling of its larger siblings with a 498cc parallel twin engine that's a proven performer. The Vulcan 500 LTD's fuel tank, including the tank-mounted instrument cluster, comes straight from the Vulcan 800 while its engine is based on the NINJA® 500R model from Kawasaki's sportbike line-up.

Although built for high performance, the liquid-cooled engine has been tuned more for boulevard cruising with altered profiles of its dual overhead cams, lower compression, increased flywheel effect, smaller carburetors and small-diameter straight-flow exhaust pipes with a stylish chrome finish. The result is an extremely versatile powerband that is very easy to use at lower engine speeds but also provides a top-end rush for those who desire a more spirited ride. A six-speed transmission with Positive Neutral Finder allows the engine's full potential to be utilized.

With the stepped seat just over 28 inches off the ground and its light weight, the 500 LTD is the ideal machine for smaller riders or those just entering the cruiser fold.

Vulcan 500 LTD
· Liquid-cooled parallel twin engine with gear-driven counterbalancer
· Automatic cam chain tensioner
· Six-speed transmission with Positive Neutral Finder
· Chrome-plated wire spoke wheels

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