For those who want big V-Twin power, big comfort, and big styling from a cruiser, the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic LT is the natural choice for Kawasaki fans.
The largest motorcycle available in Kawasaki 2012 lineup, the Vulcan 2000 Classic LT features a 2,053cc fuel-injected V-Twin with 103 x 123.2mm bore and stroke, dual cams, forged pistons, and a huge 220mm flywheel.
Although huge in displacement, the engine was designed to keep the overall low styling of the Vulcan 2000. Kawasaki says, “right-side pushrods actuate four valves per cylinder and help reduce the 125-cubic-inch engine’s height; allowing a low center of gravity and relatively low seat height. Hydraulic valve-lash adjusters automatically maintain zero valve clearance and provide smoother, quieter operation.”
Feeding the Vulcan 2000 are dual 46mm throttle bodies and sub-throttle valves, with an ECU tuned for crisp performance and fuel efficiency. And for additional smoothness, Kawasaki added vibration-dampening dual counterbalancers and rubber engine mounts.
The 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic LT features a steel, double-cradle frame with a box-section single-tube backbone. The rear steel-tube swingarm suspension with a direct-action single shock provides 3.9 inches of travel out back, and includes spring preload and rebound adjustment. Up front, a large, 49mm fork provides more precise steering feedback and 5.9 inches of travel.
Taking care of braking are two 300mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers, and a single rear disc brake with a two-piston caliper out back.
And if traveling is in the future, the Classic LT also features all the necessary amenities for the LT (light touring) extension – leather saddlebags, a custom touring saddle, passenger backrest, and an acrylic windshield with height adjustability.
Add some chrome styling, 16-inch wheels with 200mm rear tire, simple but informative instrumentation and a 5.5-gallon fuel tank, and the 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic LT is ready for any stylish adventure.
Following are the highlights, specs, color options, and MSRP for the 2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic LT.
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 LT Highlights:
Engine:
- The 125ci engine produces massive torque across the entire rpm range
- Strong and light forged pistons and alloy connecting rods
- Huge 220mm flywheel smoothes 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
- Liquid and air cooling combination maintains consistent operating temperatures
- Engine and transmission feature built-in oil and water pumps, reducing the number of parts and weight
- Single-pin crank provides the desirable power-pulse feel and classic V-twin sound
Fuel Injection
- Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manages electronic fuel injection and digital ignition system for optimized throttle response
- Fuel injection system features sub-throttle valves for a smooth, linear power band
- Fine atomizing injectors in the fuel injection system 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 emission
Transmission
- A gear position sensor in the five-speed transmission sends signals to the ECU, further optimizing fuel injection and ignition performance
- Smooth, quiet, reliable and low-maintenance belt drive
Chassis
- Steel double-cradle frame features large-diameter, box-section single-tube backbone for strength
- Utilizing the engine as a stressed member of the frame minimizes chassis weight
- Steel tube swingarm is simple and elegant
- Large, 49mm forks provide precise steering feedback and 5.9 inches of travel
- Direct-action single shock features spring preload and rebound damping adjustment with 3.9 inches of travel for a smooth ride
Wheels/Tires
- 16-inch cast aluminum wheels add to the Vulcan 2000 Classic LT’s visual appeal
- 200/60R series rear tire is the largest stock tire size fitted to a production V-twin cruiser
- Radial tires enhance handling and give it a firm, “planted” feel
Brakes
- Dual 300mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and single rear disc brake provide smooth, powerful stops
Stying
- Bullet-style headlight
- Spacious, 5.5-gallon fuel tank provides for long-distance road trips
Windscreen
- Thick, optically correct acrylic plastic windscreen is shaped for smooth airflow and cruiser style
- Strong chrome-plated steel supports
- Two-position height
Seat and Passenger Backrest
- Detailed with 1/2-inch diameter chrome plated brass studs
- Strong chrome-plated steel supports
Saddlebags
- Made of reinforced top grain cowhide carefully selected with minimal flaws and deep-dyed to prevent scraping off the finish
- Slant top opening lid, secured with two 1.5-inch wide leather straps with chrome buckles and quick-release stealth fasteners
- Dual panel lid construction with embossed Vulcan logo detail
- Metal reinforced upper edge, so bags hold their shape
- Rolled and riveted top lid minimizes water entry
- One-half-inch diameter chrome plated brass stud accents
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic LT Specs:
- Engine: Four-stroke, 52-degree V-twin, dual cams, eight valves
- Displacement: 2053 cc/125ci
- Bore x Stroke: 103.0 x 123.2 mm
- Maximum Torque: 141 lb-ft @ 2,800 rpm
- Cooling System: Liquid, plus cooling fins
- Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
- Induction: Digital fuel injection, dual 46mm Keihin throttle bodies (2)
- Frame Type: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone
- Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
- Transmission: 5-Speed with positive neutral finder
- Rake/Trail: 32°/7.2 in.
- Suspension Front / Wheel Travel: 49mm telescopic fork / 5.9 in.
- Suspension Rear / Wheel Travel: Triangulated steel pipe swingarm with direct-action single shock, with fully-adjustable spring preload, eight-way rebound damping / 3.9 in.
- Front Tire Size: 150/80-16
- Rear Tire Size: 200/60-16
- Wheelbase: 68.3 in.
- Front Brakes: Dual 300mm Discs with 4-Piston Calipers
- Rear Brakes: Single 320mm disc with two-piston caliper
- Fuel Capacity: 5.5 gal.
- Ground Clearance: 5.3 in.
- Seat Height: 26.8 in.
- Curb Weight: 884.2 lbs.
- Overall Length: 99.8 in.
- Overall Width: 40.4 in.
- Overall Height: 58.3 in.
- Warranty: 24 months
- Good Times Protection Plan: 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
2012 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic LT Color Option/MSRP:
- Metallic Diablo Black/Candy Imperial Blue / $15,999
