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Email Print Kawasaki Vulcan

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A steadfast Kawasaki model, the Vulcan series has been a part of Kawasaki’s model line-up since the introduction of the Kawasaki Vulcan 750 in 1985. Vulcans represent Kawasaki’s cruiser line of motorcycles and have come in a variety of sizes from as small as 500cc to as large as 2053cc.

Due to a U.S. tariff on imported motorcycles larger than 700 cc’s, Kawasaki limited the original Kawasaki Vulcan to 699cc until the tariff was lifted in 1986. The Kawasaki Vulcan 750 was powered by a liquid-cooled, DOHC, V-Twin engine producing 60 horsepower. The Kawasaki Vulcan’s five-speed gearbox sent power to the rear wheel via a shaft drive. The Vulcan 750 stayed in Kawasaki’s model line-up for 23 years, finally ceasing production after the 2006 model year.

In 1990 Kawasaki introduced the smallest of the Vulcan models, the VN500. Powered by an air-cooled 498cc parallel-Twin engine, the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 was an entry-level model that remained in Kawasaki’s model line-up until being dropped in 2010.

Kawasaki introduced two other Vulcan models in the 1990s, the Vulcan 800 and the Vulcan 1500. Launched in 1991 the Vulcan 1500 was the first heavyweight cruiser from Kawasaki. Powered by a liquid-cooled, SOHC, 1470cc, 50-degree V-Twin engine putting out a claimed 84.6 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 was powerful enough to stay in Kawasaki’s model line until its final year in 2008.

In 1999, the Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Drifter became Kawasaki’s attempt at recreating the past. The Drifter was a modern interpretation of one of the most famous cruisers in American history, the Indian Chief. The large valanced fenders are an obvious clue of the Drifter’s design influence. The Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter was powered by a liquid-cooled, 1470cc V-Twin engine, and it was joined in 2000 by the 800 Drifter using an 805cc V-Twin engine. While they looked like authentic rigid frames, the Drifter hid a rear mono-shock suspension. The Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter was produced until 2006.

Kawasaki Vulcan models continued to flourish in the first decade of the new millennium and included the Vulcan 900, Vulcan 1600, Vulcan 1700 and Vulcan 2000.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 900 replaced the 800 model. All three 900 models, the Classic, Classic LT and Custom are powered by a 903cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC V-Twin engine with a belt final-drive.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 was powered by a 1552cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, V-Twin engine and included three variations on the theme: the Classic, Nomad and Mean Streak. The Vulcan 1600 began life in 2002 and was replaced by the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 in 2009. The Vulcan 1700 featured a larger displacement engine, a ride-by-wire throttle and a six-speed transmission. The Vulcan 1700 came in four models: standard, Classic, Nomad and Voyager and presently continues in Kawasaki’s model line-up.

The Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 featured the largest displacement engine in Kawasaki history. The liquid-cooled, 2053cc V-Twin engine produced and amazing 141 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm. The Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 came in standard, Classic and Classic LT models.

View all ReviewsKawasaki Vulcan Reviews

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero Review

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero Review

Team Green enters the bagger cruiser segment with the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero, filling the gap between small cruisers and large full touring models. It’s something of a transitional model for riders of smaller displacement or more basic cruisers.
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager Review

2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager Review

If the idea of a luxurious V-Twin touring rig appeals to your wanderlust for the open road, Kawasaki’s Voyager delivers the segment’s best bang for the buck. Harley-Davidson’s Road Glide Ultra seems like the Voyager’s closest competition.
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero Preview

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero Preview

For 2011 Kawasaki adds to the bagger segment growth trend with its Vulcan 1700-based Vaquero. A blacked-out color scheme distinguishes the Vaquero from its Vulcan brethren while creating a turnkey custom look.
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Lineup

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Lineup

Filling a niche between high-dollar big Twins and underpowered ‘starter’ cruisers, Kawasaki has filled out its Vulcan cruiser line with a 900cc middleweight worth more than its low MRSP.
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager/Nomad Review

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager/Nomad Review

If the slumping economy's got you down, maybe it's time to pack up a motorcycle and head out for a soul-satisfying road trip. Kawasaki has its new Voyager ready for your long-haul adventures.
2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700/LT Review

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700/LT Review

Kawasaki’s Vulcan cruiser is tired of residing in the shadows of the Big Twin market. Just introduced is a new-from-the-wheels-up 1700cc cruiser that includes a more powerful drivetrain and a nimbler, stronger chassis than the previous Vulcan 1600.

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager

Cruisers make up 35% of the total street and dirt bikes sold in the U.S., and Kawasaki is addressing this market with a new cruiser, the Vulcan 1700. This new Vulcan line is in the final design stages and was presented at last weekend’s dealer meeting.

2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom

Kawasaki aimed to deliver a big bike, custom attitude at a mid-sized, bargain price.

2005 Vulcan Nomad 1600

So when I was invited to the press intro for the new 1600 Nomad, I was interested to see how Kawasaki might have improved their product in this important market segment.
2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000

2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000

had a brief fling with Kawasaki's Uber Vulcan, when I picked it up from Kawasaki in Irvine and delivered it to MO HQ. in Torrance.

2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic

Last week I was puttering down the road in some heavyish traffic on our 900SS Ducati, and the thought occurred to me I'd rather be riding the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic I'd been putting miles on lately. No. Really.

First Ride: Year 2000 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic Fi

When first we saw Kawasaki's new Vulcan 1500 Classic Fi, it was hard not to smile knowing we'd spend the better part of the day traversing roughly 160 miles of the twistiest roads in Florida

First Ride - 1995 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500

Kawasaki's largest entry in the cruiser class has got to be considered among them. It is, after all, the reigning King of Torque.
See More Reviews | View All Reviews

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Kawasaki Vulcan Videos

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager/Nomad Review

2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Voyager/Nomad Review

If the slumping economy's got you down, maybe it's time to pack up a motorcycle and head out for a soul-satisfying road trip. Kawasaki has its new Voyager ready for your long-haul adventures.
  • 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700/LT Review 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700/LT Review Kawasaki’s Vulcan cruiser is tired of residing in the shadows of the Big Twin market. Just introduced is a new-from-the-wheels-up 1700cc cruiser that includes a more powerful drivetrain and a nimbler, stronger chassis than the previous Vulcan 1600.
  • 2007 Power Cruisers Shootout 2007 Power Cruisers Shootout MO assembled five prominent cruisers, the Victory Hammer, Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak, Harley-Davidson’s Street Rod and Yamaha’s V-Star Warrior Midnight and the Star V-Max, to see which bike best defines the term “power cruiser”.
  • 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero vs. 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero vs. 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom Cruiser giant Harley-Davidson is the standard bear for touring cruisers, but it’s not the only game in town. We decided to see how Kawasaki’s latest Vulcan 1700, the Vaquero, stands up against the 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide.

View all ComparisonsKawasaki Vulcan Comparisons

2001 Power Cruiser Comparo

2001 Power Cruiser Comparo

We haven't picked a rational winner for a major shootout so far this year. What fun is that? If you just want to read the OEM's marketing hype, draw up a spreadsheet and pick a new bike without any real-world input -- for instance, actually riding and liv
1997 Middleweight Cruiser Shootout

1997 Middleweight Cruiser Shootout

You're shopping for a new bike. Something you can ride slowly and just not care; the slower you can go -- and still have fun -- the better.
Frugal Flyers: A Six-Bike Shoot Out

Frugal Flyers: A Six-Bike Shoot Out

What's the best bike for your bucks? What to buy if basic transportation is all you can afford, but the thrill of a new motorcycle is what you want?
Heavyweight Cruisers, 1996

Heavyweight Cruisers, 1996

The biggest cruisers in town; which one is the best?
2006 Light-Middleweight Cruiser Comparison

2006 Light-Middleweight Cruiser Comparison

Those of you MOfos and MOrons who love cruisers have plenty to wallow in at MO these days.
Open Twin Cruisers '98

Open Twin Cruisers '98

Cruising is not about speed, high performance, and extreme handling. Cruising is about, well, cruising. Wind-in-your-hair, bugs-in-your-teeth, elemental motorcycling, the way God intended it.
2007 Power Cruisers Shootout

2007 Power Cruisers Shootout

MO assembled five prominent cruisers, the Victory Hammer, Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak, Harley-Davidson’s Street Rod and Yamaha’s V-Star Warrior Midnight and the Star V-Max, to see which bike best defines the term “power cruiser”.
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero vs. 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero vs. 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom

Cruiser giant Harley-Davidson is the standard bear for touring cruisers, but it’s not the only game in town. We decided to see how Kawasaki’s latest Vulcan 1700, the Vaquero, stands up against the 2011 Harley-Davidson Road Glide.
2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic vs. 2010 Triumph Thunderbird

2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Classic vs. 2010 Triumph Thunderbird

To get a sense of what bike makers—other than Harley—think America wants in its cruiser, we looked to Kawasaki’s Vulcan 1700 Classic and Triumph’s Thunderbird. Although similar, we found this pair differ enough to make for an interesting match up.
See More Comparisons | View All Comparisons

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan Specs

2013 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Nomad
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Vaquero
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Voyager® Base
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Voyager® ABS
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Classic LT
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Classic
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Custom

2012 Kawasaki Vulcan Specs

2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Vaquero Special Edition
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Classic Special Edition
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Custom Special Edition
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Voyager
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Nomad
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Vaquero
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Classic
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Voyager ABS
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Classic LT
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Classic
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Custom

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan Specs

2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Custom SE
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Classic LT
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Classic SE
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Custom
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Voyager ABS
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Voyager
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Nomad
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Vaquero
2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Classic

find Kawasaki Vulcan Specs

Choose your Kawasaki Vulcan to build, configure or compare

Looking for a specific make, model or year of Kawasaki Vulcan, and how it compares to the competition? Looking to design your own Kawasaki Vulcan? Use our Motorcycle Finder, below, to get everything you need on 2004 to present Kawasaki Vulcans.
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Kawasaki Vulcan Forums

  • Kawasaki Vulcan Forum A site dedicated to the Kawasaki Vulcan rider where discussion can be found on all things Vulcan related.
  • Kawasaki Vulcan 750 Forum Our Kawasaki Vulcan 750 forum is dedicated to the 750cc Kawasaki cruiser. Find a great community of Kawasaki enthusiasts discussing their latest motorcycle adventure.

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