Kawasaki’s Vulcan® 2000 cruiser, heralded by media and owners alike as a perfect combination of power, style, and superb craftsmanship, has this year seen its popularity grow to encompass two additional “family” members – the Vulcan® 2000 Classic and the Vulcan® 2000 Classic LT. Matched with the original Vulcan 2000 and the Vulcan 2000 Limited, Kawasaki now offers four separate variations of this massive V-twin cruiser.

Styling queues that put the Vulcan 2000 at the forefront of cruiser design include a powerful four-bulb, projector-type headlight encased in a signature chrome Nacelle headlight. Adding to its high-end status is the chrome instrument panel with its large-face speedometer; mounted on a stretched, 5.5-gallon fuel tank, the V-shaped panel keeps the rider informed with an LCD display and warning lamps. The bucket-type saddle with locking passenger seat complements the Vulcan 2000’s long, curving silhouette while providing all-day riding comfort.

Power for these stylish cruisers come from a 125ci V-twin engine featuring a bore and stroke of 103mm x 123.2mm, forged pistons, alloy-steel connecting rods, huge 220mm flywheels, dual cams located within the one-piece crankcase and right-side pushrods actuating four valves per cylinder. Notably, Kawasaki engineers chose to utilize a push rod design in order to reduce engine height, which directly contributes to the Vulcan 2000’s low center of gravity and relatively low seat height. Plus, hydraulic valve lash adjusters automatically maintain zero valve clearance for smoother, quieter operation.

Cruiser enthusiasts will appreciate the Vulcan 2000’s classic V-twin sound thanks, in part, to the single-pin crankshaft, while dual counter balancers and rubber engine mounts keep it running smoothly.

To provide sharp throttle response at any rpm, the Vulcan 2000’s electronic engine control unit (ECU) manages electronic fuel injection with its dual 46mm throttle bodies and sub-throttle valves, as well as the iridium spark plug ignition system. The sub-throttle valves help provide the Vulcan 2000 with a smooth, linear power band, while the highly sophisticated fuel injection system’s fine atomizing injectors deliver an ultra-fine mist of fuel/air mixture to the cylinders for greater combustion efficiency, increased power and optimum fuel economy.

The top quarter of the V-twin engine is liquid cooled, while temperatures for the bottom three-quarters of the engine are managed by stylish and highly functional cooling fins. Plus, the engine and transmission feature built-in oil and water pumps, with the transmission also serving as the oil tank.

The fuel injection system’s air cleaner is nestled between the cylinders, which feature a black matte finish, and the cooling fins are polished to a bright metallic shine. Dual exhaust pipes and mufflers emit a distinctive V-twin rumble, and include honeycomb catalyzers to reduce emissions.

A Hyvo primary drive chain transfers torque from the big V-twin engine to the five-speed transmission case, which houses a multi-plate wet clutch. To fully benefit from the Vulcan 2000’s advanced electronics, a gear position sensor in the transmission sends signals to the ECU, further enhancing fuel injection volume and ignition timing, and thus improving performance. Final drive to the rear wheel is provided by smooth, quiet and low maintenance belt drive.

The V-twin engine is utilized as a stressed member of the Vulcan 2000’s steel, double-cradle frame, which features a large-diameter, box-section single-tube backbone. Coupled to the frame is a simple but elegant rear steel pipe swingarm suspension with a direct-action single shock. The rear suspension provides 3.9 inches of travel, and includes spring preload and rebound adjustment. Up front, large 49mm forks provide more precise steering feedback and 5.9 inches of travel.

The Vulcan 2000 motorcycle rides on bright, cast aluminum 16-inch wheels with a 150/80 front radial tire and a huge, 200/60 rear radial tire. Dual 300mm front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and a single rear disc brake with two-piston caliper bring this big cruiser to smooth, powerful stops.

Saddle up on the new Fat Bob™ and watch the world quickly take its place over the flat internally-wired handlebar on black risers. Stand alongside and your eyes go right to the tommy-gun exhaust shield on the custom pipes. Like every bike in the family, the design centers on the power and glory of a vibration-isolated Twin Cam 96™ engine. It’s finished in black, with polished covers. The air cleaner cover is new, unique to the Dyna® family. Choose from mid-mount or forward controls. Even the rubber takes its own path. Solid 16-inch wheels front and rear, wearing an aggressive tread pattern all their own. We couldn’t help but finish up with an outrageous dual chrome headlamp.

Whether you’re using it as a finely tuned track weapon or a daily commuter, the Buell® Firebolt® XB12R owes much of its handling prowess to the 52-inch wheelbase, 21-degree rake and 3.3-inches of trail. The aggressive geometry combined with the rigid chassis makes the Firebolt® XB12R nimble and precise. Up front, the Firebolt® XB12R features a fully adjustable Showa® inverted fork, while the rear is equipped with an adjustable Showa® cartridge. The result is a sportbike that seems almost telepathic, effortlessly responding to rider input.

Powered by a 1,203-cubic-centimeter Thunderstorm® air/oil/fan-cooled, fuel-injected 45-degree V-twin, this is the motorcycle for riders who demand a premium-styled sportfighter with the perfect balance of horsepower and torque.