Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic

Specifications
Price: $12,999 Engine: 2053cc, liquid-cooled, 52-degree V-twin Compression ratio: 9.5:1 Valvetrain: Push­rod, 4 valves per cylinder Fuel System: EFI	Transmission: 5M Final Drive: Belt Suspension F/R: 49mm forks/single shock, rebound and preload adjustable Suspension Travel F/R: 5.9 in./3.9 in.	Brakes F/R:Dual 300mm discs/320mm disc Tires F/R: 150/80-R16/200/60-R16 Wheelbase: 68.3 in. Seat Height: 26.8 in. Dry Weight: 750 lb.

At first glance, the Vulcan 2000 Classic seems out of place here. It just doesn’t have that power cruiser look. Heck, this thing has floorboards and a rear pillion large enough for Santa Claus. But the Vulcan has the largest V-twin in the group. And that engine sends giant dollops of low-end grunt to the back tire. In fact, though the Vulcan’s quarter-mile time of 13.30 at 100.51 was the slowest in the test, its 0-to-30 time was the fourth quickest. That means more than a few very sporty bikes will be surprised when this big Kawasaki leaves them at a stoplight. The Vulcan certainly doesn’t pretend to be a handling machine; it’s really at home gobbling up the miles on secondary roads and freeways. This Kawasaki is comfy, stable and a great muscle bike for flying below the radar.