KAWASAKI VULCAN 500

submitted by Tigerwoman

A I'm 5 foot 5 inches (maybe a bit shorter) and the Vulcan 500 is a great beginner bike and very forgiving and not one to easily outgrow. It also has 6 speeds not just 5 so getting her up to 90 isn't a problem, so interstate riding is very possible. My gas mileage is ranging around 57 miles per gallon and she has a 4 gallon tank. She's lightweight and very well priced, under $5000.00. and finding a good used one isn't a problem either and they are also very well priced. Here is a list of the specifications on the 2004 model: Engine: Four-stroke, DOHC, 8-valve parallel twin Displacement: 498cc Starting: Electric Bore x stroke: 74.0 x 58.0mm Compression ratio: 10.2:1 Cooling: Liquid Carburetion: Keihin CVK32 x 2 Ignition: Digital TCBI Transmission: Six-speed Final drive: Chain Frame: Double cradle, steel Rake / trail: 33° / 5.9 in. Suspension type, front: 41mm hydraulic fork Suspension type, rear: Dual hydraulic shocks Suspension adjustments, rear: 5-way adjustable spring preload Wheel travel, front: 5.9 in Wheel travel, rear: 3.9 in. Tire, front: 100/90 x 19 Tire, rear: 140/90 x 15 Brakes, front / rear: Hydraulic disc / Mechanical drum Overall length: 91.3 in. Overall width: 32.7 in. Overall height: 44.3 in Ground clearance: 4.7 in. Seat height: 28.1 in. Dry weight: 439 lbs. Fuel capacity: 4.0 gal. Wheelbase: 62.8 in. Color: Metallic Ruby Red Features of the bike: Twin-cylinder 498cc Engine Compact parallel-twin design based on the NINJA® 500 sport bike engine Special cam profiles and ample flywheel weight boost low-end torque Liquid Cooling Keeps operating temperatures consistent, resulting in longer engine life Allows tighter engine clearances for quieter running Radiator hides between the frame down tubes Four Valves per Cylinder Better breathing for more power at high rpm Compact combustion chamber for less detonation on today's gasolines Boosts low-end torque Digital Ignition Microprocessor-controlled timing ultra-responsive to engine needs Waterproof wiring connectors help prevent corrosion Automatic Cam Chain Tensioner Maintains precise timing without maintenance Cam chain runs quietly, reliably Assures greater reliability Gear-driven Balancer Engine vibration is reduced for a super-smooth ride Six-speed Transmission High second and third gears allow more relaxed cruising Allows engine's full potential to be utilized Positive Neutral Finder Just lift the shift pedal from first at a stop to easily find neutral A Kawasaki exclusive 32mm CVK Semi-flat Slide Carburetors Quick throttle response Precise fuel metering provides uniform power delivery at all engine speeds Handlebar-mounted Choke Convenient location makes starting and warm-up easier Straight-flow Exhaust Designed to boost low and mid-range power Tuned pipes enhance low-speed pulling power Single Disc Front Brake Single piston pin-slide caliper produces quick, sure stops Disc is drilled for better cooling and reduces unsprung weight Tank-mounted Speedometer with Turn Signal Indicators and Caution Lamps Gives needed information at a glance Compact design complements the bike's clean look Stepped Seating Laid-back riding comfort for two Chrome-plated Wire Spoke Wheels Narrow 100/90-19 front tire with a beefy 140/90-15 rear tire complement the LTD's traditional cruiser styling O-ring Chain Efficient power to rear wheel O-rings keep lube in, dirt out for longer chain life

Thanks to Tigerwoman for submitting this personal review. Tigerwoman says, "I currently ride a red 2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 500. I have been riding for over a year, I am 32 yrs old and I live in Nashville, TN. I am currently in the Southern Cruisers Riding Club-Middle TN Chapter and also a member of the First Baptist Church of Smyrna TN Sonrunners. "

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