The Kawasaki Vulcan 2000. What boys want.

 

Tell me when you finish drooling.

Yeah, but then you can’t help not drooling either. Such is the presence of the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000. Solid, beefy, styling can give a 2-ton rhino a run for his money. Super, drop dead, gorgeous looks can sweep anybody of their feet. Hmmm… one wonders how he rides. Anyways, fellas, this was a mail I received some time back, so I just thought will share it other bike enthusiasts.

Kawasaki’s Vulcan 2000 cruiser, heralded by media and owners alike as a perfect combination of power, style, and superb craftsmanship, has this year seen its popularity grow to encompass two additional “family” members the Vulcan 2000 Classic and the Vulcan 2000 Classic LT. Matched with the original Vulcan 2000 and the Vulcan 2000 Limited, Kawasaki now offers four separate variations of this massive V-twin cruiser.

Styling queues that put the Vulcan 2000 at the forefront of cruiser design include a powerful four-bulb, projector-type headlight encased in a signature chrome Nacelle headlight. Adding to its high-end status is the chrome instrument panel with its large-face speedometer; mounted on a stretched, 5.5-gallon fuel tank, the V-shaped panel keeps the rider informed with an LCD display and warning lamps. The bucket-type saddle with locking passenger seat complements the Vulcan 2000’s long, curving silhouette while providing all-day riding comfort.

Power for these stylish cruisers come from a 125ci V-twin engine featuring a bore and stroke of 103mm x 123.2mm, forged pistons, alloy-steel connecting rods, huge 220mm flywheels, dual cams located within the one-piece crankcase and right-side pushrods actuating four valves per cylinder. Notably, Kawasaki engineers chose to utilize a push rod design in order to reduce engine height, which directly contributes to the Vulcan 2000’s low center of gravity and relatively low seat height. Plus, hydraulic valve lash adjusters automatically maintain zero valve clearance for smoother, quieter operation.

Cruiser enthusiasts will appreciate the Vulcan 2000’s classic V-twin sound thanks, in part, to the single-pin crankshaft, while dual counter balancers and rubber engine mounts keep it running smoothly.

To provide sharp throttle response at any rpm, the Vulcan 2000’s electronic engine control unit (ECU) manages electronic fuel injection with its dual 46mm throttle bodies and sub-throttle valves, as well as the iridium spark plug ignition system. The sub-throttle valves help provide the Vulcan 2000 with a smooth, linear power band, while the highly sophisticated fuel injection system’s fine atomizing injectors deliver an ultra-fine mist of fuel/air mixture to the cylinders for greater combustion efficiency, increased power and optimum fuel economy.

The top quarter of the V-twin engine is liquid cooled, while temperatures for the bottom three-quarters of the engine are managed by stylish and highly functional cooling fins. Plus, the engine and transmission feature built-in oil and water pumps, with the transmission also serving as the oil tank.

The fuel injection system’s air cleaner is nestled between the cylinders, which feature a black matte finish, and the cooling fins are polished to a bright metallic shine. Dual exhaust pipes and mufflers emit a distinctive V-twin rumble, and include honeycomb catalyzers to reduce emissions.

A Hyvo primary drive chain transfers torque from the big V-twin engine to the five-speed transmission case, which houses a multi-plate wet clutch. To fully benefit from the Vulcan 2000’s advanced electronics, a gear position sensor in the transmission sends signals to the ECU, further enhancing fuel injection volume and ignition timing, and thus improving performance. Final drive to the rear wheel is provided by smooth, quiet and low maintenance belt drive.

The V-twin engine is utilized as a stressed member of the Vulcan 2000’s steel, double-cradle frame, which features a large-diameter, box-section single-tube backbone. Coupled to the frame is a simple but elegant rear steel pipe swing arm suspension with a direct-action single shock. The rear suspension provides 3.9 inches of travel, and includes spring preload and rebound adjustment. Up front, large 49mm forks provide more precise steering feedback and 5.9 inches of travel.

The Vulcan 2000 motorcycle rides on bright, cast aluminum 16-inch wheels with a 150/80 front radial tire and a huge, 200/60 rear radial tire. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and a single rear disc brake with two-piston caliper bring this big cruiser to smooth, powerful stops.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: Type 4-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, OHV, 4-Valve Cylinder Head, 52� V-Twin
Displacement: 2053 cc
Bore and Stroke: 103.0 x 123.2 mm
Maximum Torque: 141 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Carburetor: DFI with Keihin 46mm Throttle Bodies (2)
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: 5-Speed
Final Drive: Belt
Rake/Trail: 32�/7.2 in.
Front Wheel Travel: 5.9 in.
Rear Wheel Travel: 3.9 in.
Front Tire Size: 150/80-16
Rear Tire Size: 200/60-16
Wheelbase: 68.3 in.
Front Suspension: 49mm Hydraulic Telescopic Fork
Rear Suspension: Single Shock, 8-Way Rebound Damping
Front Brake Type: Dual 300mm Discs with 4-Piston Calipers
Rear Brake Type: Single 320mm Disc with 2-Piston Caliper
Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.5 gal.
Seat Height: 26.8 in.
Dry Weight: 750 lb.
Color: Metallic Ocean Blue/Metallic Phantom Silver, Ebony/Galaxy Silver

Engine
– 2,053cc, 125ci 52 degree V-twin, four-stroke engine produces massive torque across the entire rpm range
– Forged pistons and alloy connecting rods are strong and light
– Huge 220mm flywheels smooths power delivery
– Push-rod valve actuation contributes to lower engine height, low center of gravity and relatively low seat height
– Hydraulic valve adjusters reduce maintenance
– Engine Control Unit (ECU) manages electronic fuel injection and digital ignition system optimize throttle response
– Fuel injection system features sub throttle valves for a smooth, linear power band
– Fuel injection system’s fine atomizing injectors deliver ultra-fine fuel/air mixture for greater combustion efficiency, increased power and optimum fuel economy
– Center spark plugs enhance combustion for smooth, consistent power and reduced emissions
– Liquid and air cooling maintain consistent operating temperatures
– Engine and transmission feature built-in oil and water pumps, reducing the number of parts and reducing weight
– Single-pin crank for the desirable power-pulse feel and classic V-twin sound

Transmission / Final Drive
– A gear position sensor in the five-speed transmission sends signals to the ECU, further enhancing fuel injection and ignition performance
– Belt final drive is smooth, quiet, reliable and low maintenance

Frame and Suspension
– Steel double-cradle frame features large-diameter, box-section single-tube backbone for strength
– Engine is utilized as a stressed member of the frame to minimize chassis weight
– Steel pipe swing arm is simple and elegant
– Direct-action single shock features spring preload and rebound damping adjustment with 3.9 inches of travel for a smooth ride
– Large 49mm forks provide precise steering feedback and 5.9 inches of travel

Wheels and Tires

– 7-spoke, 16-inch cast aluminum wheels add to the Vulcan 2000’s high-quality look
– 200/60R series rear tire is the largest stock tire size fitted to a mass-produced V-twin cruiser
– Radial tires enhance handling and give the Vulcan 2000 a firm, “planted” feel

Brakes
– Dual 300mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and single rear disc brakes provide smooth, powerful stops
Styling
– Stylish Nacelle headlight cover gives the Vulcan 2000 a high-class look
– Powerful, four-bulb projector-type headlights brighten the road for nighttime rides
– “Stretched” 5.5-gallon fuel tank provides for long-distance road trips

Additional features
– Chrome instrument panel keeps the rider informed with a large-face speedometer, LCD display and warning lamps
– Bucket-type front seat and sleek passenger seat provide all-day rider comfort and style

ECR: “Easily the most Convenient Road.”

I wouldn’t call myself a rodie or even a long drive aficionado. I’m not much of a traveler either. So what am I doing here with a column like this, occupying precious bandwidth?
My idea of a holiday is a HOLIDAY! It needs to be easy… actually laid back would be more appropriate. Good food, good books, good beer mostly make up my holidays. I would love to move at a pace that snails consider top speed. So, again, what am I doing in a column on automobiles? Well, who ever said you have to explore highways and expressways at break neck speeds.

Last weekend, the stars, work, my boss, all coincidentally decided that I needed a break. This was akin to the three miracles needed to be christened Saint by the Vatican. Not very used to planning out my days, woke up late and decided to drive down to Pondicherry. I could see a large question mark in Helvetica 72 points, bold engraved on the faces my wife and our dog! Why Pondicherry, meekly they protested. Well I suppose such questions are better left to the philosopher or to Malcolm Gladwell and his theory of Blink.

We took off, waded through what seemed like endless chaos on the streets of Chennai. After 20 minutes of complete torture within the city we hit the ECR. For all those not from the most famous Dravidian metropolis, ECR is the scenic East Coast Road along the Bay of Bengal.

Once on ECR, life takes a complete U turn. One would have to be blind as a bat to miss the clear and loud traffic signs on the road. Very convenient for the average Indian driver! In spite of the fact that Pondicherry is a favorite tourist destination, the traffic on the ECR comes as a real surprise. Perhaps, people are more preoccupied with their superstars in Chennai.

With good music and the blue waters of the ocean for company, the ECR is a must for all Garfield lovers. Pack you favorite Lasagnes and don’t bother about the potholes. The drive is muskaa. For all those from the most famous Dravidian city muskaa means butter. For long stretches, the ocean gives you good company. The blue water adjacent to the ECR is indeed a very tempting site. No wonder, one sees a number of vehicles parked off the scenic highway.

Our leisurely drive continues, we do a small detour through the forgotten town of Mamallapuram. Still famous for its stone sculpting, Mamallapuram, is famous for its ancient rock cut temples, where the epics of Ramayan and Mahabharat are carved out of stones. Even today, stone carving is the bread, butter and jam if I may say so, of this sleepy little hamlet.

After meandering through the three and a half lanes of this small town, we hit ECR again. Passing through a few more small villages, the landscape soon starts turning white. This is salt country. Thousands of hectares of land now being used to harvest salt. Mounds of salt adorn the landscape. This is also where, one also begins to get a glimpse of what to expect in Pondicherry. Foreigners, on their 2 wheelers speeding down the road without a care. Nor do the locals bother. It almost looks like as if this has been happening for eons. ECR continues to meander in her pristine glory till we almost reach Pondicherry. You cross the tollgate, and suddenly things take a dramatic turn. Every bone, every phalange in the body is rudely reminded that there is something called gravity.

Thankfully this rock and roll session for us is short lived, as we reach our resort, which happened to be a good 13 kilometers before Pondicherry. Sipping, on some thirst quenching beer, reminiscing the drive, I dread to imagine what the rest of the journey into Pondicherry could have been like.