Kawasaki excels in its cruiser lineup with a wide variety of offerings from the very basic Eliminator, the only 125cc cruiser on the market, to the mega powered 2000cc Vulcan. The Vulcan line has been with Kawasaki for years and continally gets refined as technology advances with models coming and going. In recent years, the 750cc and 800cc Vulcan models, very popular with women riders because of their comfort and power as a middleweight cruisers, have been eliminated from the lineup. Kawasaki instead introduced a restyled 900cc Vulcan available in three different versions. For 2009, Kawasaki introduced the 1700 Vulcan Classic, and Classic LT, the companys luxury touring model. Click on images to make them bigger.
New for 09! Vulcan 1700 Classic
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1700cc
Seat Height: 28.4 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gallons
Weight: 760.7 pounds
Price: $12,299
Description
Building upon its Vulcan 1600 roots, the 1700 features a newly designed 1700cc engine based on the mighty Vulcan 2000. However, it uses a single overhead cam in each cylinder head rather than a push-rod actuated OHV arrangement. Its lighter, more compact frame holds the new engine utilizing a high-tech electronic throttle valve. The Vulcan 1700#8217;s new fuel injection system utilizes one sensor in place of the usual three, for less complexity and weight adding to fuel economy. Lighter weight, more power a great combination for Kawasaki#8217;s new power cruiser.
New for 09! Vulcan 1700 Classic LT
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1700 cc
Seat Height: 28.4 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gallons
Weight: 760.7 pounds
Price: $13,799
Description
The Vulcan 1700 Classic LT is the touring version of the 1700 Classic featuring the same powerplant but with a large windshield, leather saddlebags and a backrest. This newly designed 1700cc engine is based on the mighty Vulcan 2000 as described above in the 1700 Classic#8217;s description. This is a big bike for those who want all the amenities that go along with long haul touring.
Eliminator 125
Specs at a Glance
Displacement: 124cc
Seat Height: 26.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons
Weight: 291 pounds
Price: $2,649
Description
An entry-level cruiser that#8217;s inexpensive to own and operate. The Eliminator 125 is an air-cooled, 5-speed, chain-driven cruiser with a low seat height of 26.8 inches so riders can easily plant both feet on the ground at stops. Weighing 291 pounds, it is lightweight and easy for a beginner or smaller riders to handle. This is a great bike on which first timers can practice their newfound riding skills. Finishing touches include a stepped seat for two-up riding (although we cant imagine riding two-up on this small of a bike for any length of time), and classic cruiser styling that make you think its bigger than 125cc bike.
Vulcan 500 LTD
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 498cc
Seat Height: 28.1 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4 gallons
Weight: 439 pounds
Price: $5,049
Description
This midsize Vulcan has been in Kawasakis lineup for years because it continues to be a top seller among women and first time riders. Weve seen many smaller women under 5 feet keep this motorcycle as their end-all bike. Despite its smaller engine size, the Vulcan 500 LTD packs a lot of power into its six speeds. Its the same engine thats mounted to the Ninja 500R sportbike. The 500 LTD features classic cruiser looks that never go out of style like the chrome-plated wire-spoke wheels.
Vulcan 900 Classic
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 903cc
Seat Height: 26.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gallons
Weight: 557.9 pounds
Price: $7,349
Description
Heavyweight styling at an affordable middleweight price, the Vulcan 900 Classic is a 5-speed, belt-driven cruiser with a super low seat height of just 26.8 inches so riders can easily plant both feet on the ground at stops. A vibration nulling engine counter-balancer makes for a smoother ride. The low seat that sits into the bike creates a low center of gravity so the bike is easy to move around. Creature comforts like floorboards, ergonomically friendly wide handlebars and a large fuel tank holding up to 5.3 gallons give this bike versatility for long haul touring. A wide 180mm 15-inch rear and a 16-inch front tire on chromed steel wheels complete the classic cruiser styling. Click here to read WRNs review of this bike.
Vulcan 900 Classic LT
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 903cc
Seat Height: 26.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gallons
Weight: 595.4 pounds
Price: $8,649
Description
The Vulcan 900 Classic LT is basically the same bike as the 900 Classic but comes accessorized with slant-opening saddlebags, a touring seat with brass stud accents, a classic tombstone-shaped passenger backrest and an adjustable windshield. LT stands for long touring. If you accessoried the Classic yourself, youd spend more money than buying this bike already outfitted for touring.
Vulcan 900 Custom
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 903cc
Seat Height: 27 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gallons
Weight: 549 pounds
Price: $7,399
Description
This is the sportier, custom version of the Vulcan 900 set apart by its sporty drag style handlebars, forward footpegs, one-piece gunfighter-style seat, sculpted fuel tank design and plenty of chrome. Seat height is a manageable 27 inches. This is for riders who like a little attitude to come with their cruiser. Click here to read WRNs review of this bike.
Vulcan 1500 Classic
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1470cc
Seat Height: 27.6 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5 gallons
Weight: 659 pounds
Price: $9,699
Description
One of Kawasakis best-selling cruisers, the Vulcan 1500 Classic owes this success to a big-bore V-twin engine wrapped in ageless styling that serves as a great starting point for a uniquely customized motorcycle. Many riders choose to buy this basic powerhouse and add accessories to suit their personality and with a price tag just under 10 grand for a 1500cc motorcycle, theres a lot of value there. The engine is fuel injected with a 5-speed transmission. A low seat height of 27.6 inches, forward-mounted floorboards and plush suspension system add up to a comfortable ride aboard the 1500 Classic. This is an ideal cruiser for the woman rider who wants to make a statement wtih a powerful bike thats easy to handle.
Vulcan 1600 Classic
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1552cc
Seat Height: 27.4 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gallons
Weight: 675 pounds
Price: $10,699
Description
Building on the success of the Vulcan 1500 Classic, the Vulcan 1600 Classic provides an increase in displacement from 1452cc to 1552cc to compliment its classic cruiser styling. This bike is for those who want a little more oomph in power and meatier cruiser styling. Seat height is 27.4 inches. Wider fenders give the Classic its tough look and are further enhanced by large front and rear tubeless tires on 16-inch chrome wheels. Finishing touches include wide pullback handlebars, a stepped seat for more comfortable two-up riding, dual slash-cut mufflers, a multi-reflector headlight, forward-mount floorboards, a large fuel tank that holds up to 5.3 gallons and self-cancelling turn signals that automatically shut off after eight seconds of travel.
Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1552cc
Seat Height: 27.6 inches
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons
Weight: 640 pounds
Price: $11,099
Description
The Mean Streak is the Vulcan line’s tough-guy cruiser with aggressive styling. Pullback drag style bars and forward foot pegs put the rider in a forward-riding stance. Seat height is 27.6 inches. The Mean Streak features sportbike-style 43mm inverted forks and a reinforced swingarm with dual air-assisted hydraulic shocks to allow for “spirited maneuvering.” Polished valve covers and cooling fins come standard, while the Special Edition includes black and red styling touches for a more custom look. A gear-driven engine balancer cancels vibration for a smoother ride.
Vuclan 1600 Nomad
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 1552cc
Seat Height: 28.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gallons
Weight: 772 pounds
Price: $12,999
Description
The Vulcan 1600 Nomad is the touring version of the 1600cc Vulcan with accessories that include an adjustable windshield, side-opening hard saddlebags, a thick passenger seat equipped with backrest and grab bars, and chrome engine guards. The five speed engine is fuel injected. The bike is designed with a steering geometry that makes the motorcycle feel more neutral at low speeds. This is important for when maneuvering the nearly 800-pound bike in parking lots when it’s loaded down with gear and/or a passenger.
Vulcan 2000
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 2053cc
Seat Height: 28.3 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gallons
Weight: 772 pounds
Price: $12,999
Description
The Vulcan 2000 is a large bike both physically and in power claiming the second highest displacement production motorcycle behind Triumphs Rocket III at 2300cc. The Vulcan 2000 is 5-speed, belt-driven cruiser with a seat height of 28.3 inches. A sharp looking blacked out treatment carried all the way through the bike provides an anti-chrome look for sleek cruiser styling. Finishing touches include wide pullback handlebars, a bucket-style saddle with low profile passenger seat, forward-mounted floorboards, a large fuel tank that holds up to 5.3 gallons, and a beefy 200mm rear. If you want to lay claim to one of the largest cruisers out there, then this bike is for you.
Vulcan 2000 Classic
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 2053cc
Seat Height: 26.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gallons
Weight: 750 pounds
Price: $13,049
Description
The Vulcan 2000 Classic features more classic cruiser styling than the blacked-out Vulcan 2000. It features lots of chrome, a traditional-style headlight, buckhorn style handlebars, and a plush passenger seat for increased comfort.
Vulcan 2000 Classic LT
Specs at a Glance:
Displacement: 2053cc
Seat Height: 26.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gallons
Weight: 796 pounds
Price: $14,599
Description
For those who want all the power of the Vulcan 2000 but in a touring package the LT (long touring) is the bike for you. It comes fully accessorized with slant top opening saddlebags, a special touring seat with brass stud accents, a passenger backrest, and a windshield. It also features a super low seat height for a bike this size of just 26.8 inches so riders can plant both feet on the ground at stops. Finishing touches include wide pullback handlebars and rider and passenger floorboards.
Prices, specifications and features are subject to change without notice.