Aside from some notable American custom motorcycles, A British motorcycle, and Honda’s now-defunct six-cylinder bike, the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic is one of the meanest, rangiest, torquiest motorcycle cruisers available today. Once reality sets in, the pulsing thrum of the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic gives you an idea of just what the engineers were thinking when they designed the mill for this beast. It wasn’t torque specification and consumer-focused group testing- Kawasaki designers whacked off a fat chunk of steak and threw it to the meanest, hungriest dog in the yard, because that’s who they were aiming for. The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic is as far from a beginner’s motorcycle as it is possible to go without raiding the garage of Mr. Jay Leno himself. Trouble is, the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic will fool you- you’ve got to pay attention, or this 2,053cc brute will let you know it doesn’t appreciate your lack of attentiveness. It’s as heavy as Kawasaki’s Voyager touring motorcycle in LT trim, and requires more than a beginners’ grace to finesse at lower speeds through obstacles like shopping carts — or anything else you choose not to be behind. Make no mistake, there are many motorcycles on the market that are faster- some would say more dangerous- but damn few will put a roaring grin on your face faster than the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic, or look as classy doing it.
Powering the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic is the largest engine ever produced by Kawasaki for a motorcycle, the 2,053cc 125 cubic inch four-stroke V-twin with dual camshafts and eight valves. This powerhouse puts out a pavement-punishing 141 lb/ft of torque at 2,800 RPM and is liquid cooled. With digital fuel injection through dual 46mm Keihin throttle bodies, you can expect at least passable fuel economy for a motorcycle, and better than the boat you usually drive to work every day. The 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic features a five-speed transmission with silent, low-maintenance belt drive system powering a 200-series rear tire. Braking is via a single 320mm rear disc with dual-piston caliper, and dual 300mm front discs with four-piston calipers.
Unfortunately, the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic is available in just one color scheme, though it is a two-tone. Candy Diamond Red/Metallic Titanium is an attractive color, and for just $13,899, if you aren’t happy with it, you’ll have a few extra bucks in your pocket to enlist the services of a qualified painter. Differences between the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic and the basic model 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 are limited to a differently styled headlight, etching of the “Classic” moniker into the airbox, and paint color. Otherwise, it’s the same bike. Definitely not a bike for beginners, the 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic is a ride to behold, and one that won’t soon let you forget just how powerful it really is.
