2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Photo Gallery

Photos of the 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000. 2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000.

The four-bulb headlamp is a stunning functional and design feat, but it may alienate those with more conservative tastes.

Up front, a hefty 150/80 tire keeps the 2000 in the right direction while the belt drive punishes an ultra fat 200/60, the widest tire available on a large-production cruiser.

The Vulcan 2000 is an opportunity for people to experience a combination of power and grace in a package that lists for $14,499, a whole lotta bike per dollar.

The power cruiser market, once non-existent, has quickly become saturated with offerings from many of the world’s most recognizable manufacturers.

Technical jargon aside, the Vulcan is nothing if not a blast to ride.

The first thing that stands out about the 2000 is the smooth integration of the headlamp into the chrome shroud around the fork.

The stretched 5.5 gallon gas tank gives the 2000 a clean, classic look and also provides ample fuel capacity for riders who plan to load up and leave for the day without making frequent stops at a filling station.

With nearly 800 pounds to track through high speed corners, the suspension and rigid frame does a good job of eliminating chassis flex.

Slowing the Vulcan is a pair of 300mm discs with 4-piston calipers.

Relaxed, raked-back handlebars leave the arms and hands at a comfortable riding position, and it works in harmonious union with the bucket-style saddle.

For those who ride for brotherhood and companionship, the Vulcan 2000 isn’t a good choice – it’s much too fast and fun to involve other riders with regularity.

The suspension doesn’t seem that remarkable until the Vulcan is pushed hard through the twisties.

As the bike exhales it emits a superb exhaust note for a stock cruiser. The aural pleasantries of the Vulcan exhaust is due in large part to a single-pin crankshaft which provides V-Twins with that classic loping potato-potato sound.

Kawasaki opted to forgo overhead cams and instead used pushrods and four hydraulically actuated valves per cylinder to reduce engine height, helping keep mass low to the ground.

Cruising on the 2000 is an incredible experience, with fistfulls of torque and horsepower available in the right hand in any gear at any rpm.

Kawasaki opted to forgo overhead cams and instead used pushrods and four hydraulically actuated valves per cylinder to reduce engine height, helping keep mass low to the ground.

The incredible displacement undoubtedly stands out, and there's little question that its power and torque will bring a smile to your face.

Don't be misled by the moniker, the Vulcan 2000 isn't just about size, it's an amalgamation of torque, power, handling, and refinement all packaged into one 790-pound machine.

The folks at Kawasaki didn't simply set out to build the biggest production cruiser. They wanted to create an incredibly powerful and well-handling machine that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the loins.