Motorcycle.com

the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic motorcycle conjures up friendly images of cool evenings on a small-town boulevard or the sound

With its fat tires, chrome back-swept exhaust pipes and stepped seat, the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic motorcycle conjures up friendly images of cool evenings on a small-town boulevard or the sound of its V-twin engine rumbling through the leaves of a tree-lined country road. It is confidence inspiring, yet stylish. Affordable but all cruiser, from its tear-drop tank to its valanced fenders and chrome wire wheels.

The pulse of the Vulcan 800 Classic comes from its rubber-mounted, 805cc, V-twin engine, which features a single-pin crankshaft and a gear-driven balancer to reduce vibration. Finned cylinders and four-valve heads are liquid cooled for optimum thermal control. Concealed automatic cam chain tensioners preserve the engine's clean lines, while simultaneously allowing maintenance-free, precise cam timing. A spin-on oil filter also helps keep maintenance at a minimum.

A 36mm Keihin carburetor equipped with an accelerator pump gives the Vulcan 800 Classic its quick throttle response. To take advantage of the engine's broad torque curve, the five-speed transmission enhances the strong acceleration and creates a relaxed engine pace at highway speeds. The transmission also features Kawasaki's exclusive Positive Neutral Finder, which simplifies finding neutral while at a standstill.