| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
|---|---|
| Production | Since 1984 |
| Class | Cruiser |
| Engine | 125–2,053 cc V-twin, 500 cc parallel twin |
The Vulcan name has been used by Kawasaki for their custom or cruiser motorcycles since 1984, using mostly V-twin engines ranging from 125 cc to 2,053 cc.
Kawasaki introduced its first cruiser and first V-twin engine worldwide in 1984 with the Vulcan 750, however, due to tariff restrictions in the United States on imported Japanese bikes over 750 cc, the initial US spec model was limited to 699 cc. In 1986, the tariff was lifted and all bikes from then until the production run ended in 2006 were 750 cc. The VN750 remained largely unchanged throughout its 22 year production run with only minor adjustments to the components and varying paint schemes. The VN750 was unique in its class by featuring a more reliable shaft drive usually found on larger cruisers.
Kawasaki introduced the Vulcan 400 in 1986 as an entry level cruiser. The Vulcan 400 featured a 399 cc liquid cooled V-twin engine similar in design to the 750 producing 33 hp (25 kW) @ 8,500 rpm and 23.6 lb·ft (32.0 N·m) @ 4,500 rpm. The Vulcan 400 was fitted with a chain drive and five-speed transmission to reduce cost and was produced in both Classic and Drifter variations. Due to the larger proportions and more ornate bodywork, the Vulcan 400 weighed in at 510 lb (230 kg), a full 30 lb (14 kg) heavier than the Vulcan 750.
The Vulcan 500 was introduced in 1990, and was the first motorcycle in the Vulcan series not to feature a V-twin engine. Instead, the Vulcan 500 was fitted with the parallel twin 498 cc engine from the Kawasaki Ninja 500r. The Vulcan 500 thus had a high power-to-weight ratio for a cruiser producing nearly 50 hp (37 kW) despite weighing only 438 lb (199 kg) with a 13,000 rpm redline. The Vulcan 500 was discontinued after the 2009 model year for a nearly 20 year production run. The Vulcan 500 LTD was the successor to the Kawasaki 454 LTD.
The Vulcan 1500 Classic has a 1,470 cc (90 cu in) liquid-cooled SOHC 50° V-twin engine with a single-pin crankshaft. It has a 27.6-inch (700 mm) seat height, wide handlebar, forward-mounted floorboards. The Vulcan 1500 Mean Streak had the same engine. The Vulcan 1500 Drifter ceased production in 2005.
Two models of the Vulcan were discontinued 2006 with the introduction of the VN900. These were the VN800A introduced 1995 and the first of Kawasaki's modern cruiser style. The VN800A featured a softail design, bobbed rear fender and a 21-inch front wheel. The second, the VN800B (Classic) was introduced in 1996 and had a retro styling that featured full fenders and 16-inch wheels on both front and rear.
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