2004 Kawasaki Cruisers

The Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 is powered by the biggest OEM V-twin engine on the market. Displacing a massive 2053 cubic centimeters, the Vulcan 2000 V-twin engine is the first in a production motorcycle to feature a 103mm-bore diameter.

According to Tom Orbe, vice president of marketing at Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., "It will accelerate harder in any one of its five gears than any existing V-twin cruiser on the market."

Power for the cruiser comes from a massive V-twin engine featuring a bore and stroke of 103 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. 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.

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 provide the Vulcan 2000 with a smooth, linear powerband, while the highly sophisticated fuel-injection system's fine-atomizing injectors deliver an ultrafine mist of fuel/air mixture to the cylinders for greater combustion efficiency, increased power and optimum fuel economy.

Styling queues include a powerful four-bulb, projector-type headlight encased in a signature chrome Nacelle headlight - the first for a production cruiser. Adding to this 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.

A Hyvo primary-drive chain transfers torque from the big V-twin engine to the five-speed transmission case, which houses a multiplate wet clutch. Final drive to the rear wheel is provided by smooth, quiet and low-maintenance belt drive.

The V-twin engine is utilized as a 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 swingarm 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 precise steering feedback and 5.9 inches of travel.

The Vulcan 2000 rides on cast aluminum 16-inch wheels with a 150/80 front radial tire and a huge, 200/60 rear radial tire - the biggest stock rear tire on a production V-twin cruiser. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and a single rear disc brake with two-piston caliper bring this big cruiser to a halt.

Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak

The 2004 Vulcan 1600 Mean Streak has all the long, low, hot-rod-inspired styling and sportbike handling of its predecessor, the Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak, but its larger 1552cc V-twin engine packs a bigger punch. New pistons and modified cams improve performance for low-rpm starts and midrange bursts for those all-too-rare passing lanes. And since looking good is as important as performance, Kawasaki gave the new 1600 Mean Streak some extra grooming, including new valve covers and reshaped cooling fins.

To give the 1600 Mean Streak more power, piston stroke has been increased by 5mm, boosting displacement from 1470 to 1552cc. Cam angle, lift and valve timing are also changed to improve low- and mid-rpm performance. Other engine features include liquid cooling, electronic fuel injection with dual 40mm throttle bodies, dual spark plug digital ignition, four valves per cylinder - including hydraulic valve lash adjusters - and a gear-driven counterbalancer to keep everything running smoothly.

Like its predecessor, the 1600 Mean Streak's chassis provides the rider with nimble handling and high-speed stability. Sportbike-style 43mm inverted forks and a reinforced swingarm with dual air-assisted hydraulic shocks soak up bumps and other irregularities in the road. Stopping power is provided by dual front disc brakes with six-piston calipers and a single rear disc brake. The 1600 Mean Streak's bright 17-inch aluminum wheels enhance the bike's image, while high-performance radial tires provide exceptional grip and stability. In the cruiser world, appearances and rider comfort are every bit as important as massive power, so Kawasaki gave the larger engine new valve covers and polished the cooling fins for a bright, high-performance image. Newly designed master brake and clutch cylinder housings, as well as mirror mounting assemblies, add to the 1600 Mean Streak's bad boy image.